A groundbreaking study proposes that microscopic zaps between water droplets could have formed the building blocks of life, challenging the long-held ocean-lightning theory. Led by Dr. Zare’s team, the research suggests that high-speed collisions between charged water droplets triggered reactions to create complex organic molecules, including uracil and amino acids.
Using high-speed cameras, the scientists observed real flashes between water droplets forming key compounds. The experiments revealed that large droplets carried a positive charge, while small ones carried a negative charge – resulting in sparks when they met. Nitrogen, methane, CO2, and ammonia were used to mimic early Earth conditions, triggering molecule creation.
The new theory of microlightning offers a more scalable and frequent alternative to the ocean-lightning idea, which was previously thought to be responsible for creating life’s building blocks. The discovery suggests that waves crashing on rocks, waterfalls, and sprays may have served as the first molecular workshop on Earth, paving the way for the origins of life.
Source: https://www.businesstoday.in/visualstories/news/textbooks-got-it-wrong-forget-lightning-this-is-what-mightve-really-made-you-alive-228483-25-04-2025