Scientists have discovered a new theory about the origin of life on Earth, suggesting that “microlightning” created by crashing waterfalls and ocean waves may have kickstarted life. This “microlightning” is generated when tiny droplets of water collide and break up, creating microscopic electrical charges.
Researchers from Stanford University used high-speed cameras to reveal sparks of electricity when two oppositely charged droplets came close together – forming microlightning. They then mixed these charges with gases found in the early atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen.
The combination formed chains of organic atoms, including the building blocks of DNA. The team discovered one of the organic substances created by this process is uracil, an essential ingredient in living things. This finding challenges a decade-old theory that lightning strikes sparked life on Earth.
According to Professor Richard Zare, “crashing waves or waterfalls appear to be the true origins of life.” The new theory suggests that these chemical reactions happened all over the prehistoric Earth where there was water, providing a more plausible explanation for how life emerged.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14499859/Scientists-discover-true-origin-life.html