ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Biological Oxidant and Life Detection

Okay kiddo, first let's understand what oxidation means. Oxidation is a chemical process that happens when something reacts with oxygen. It can happen in nature and even in our own bodies.

Now, there are some things called biological oxidants which are natural substances that have the power to cause oxidation in living things. They can be good for us, like when our bodies use them to make energy, but they can also be bad for us, like when they cause damage to our cells.

When scientists are trying to look for signs of life on other planets or in outer space, they often use something called life detection. This means they are looking for evidence that living things exist in those places.

One way they try to do this is by looking for biological oxidants. They think that if they find these substances, it could mean there are living things around. For example, on Mars, scientists found a substance called perchlorate which is a biological oxidant. This discovery makes them think there may have been life on the planet at some point in the past.

So basically, biological oxidants are important chemicals that can tell us if there might be life on other planets. It's like playing detective, and trying to find clues that tell us if something is alive.