For decades, scientists have debated how life first emerged on Earth. Charles Darwin proposed that it started in a warm pond, while others suggest comets or lightning strikes played a role. Now, research at Stanford University has shed new light on the possibility that crashing waves and waterfalls could have kick-started the process by generating “microlightning” sparks.
In an experiment, chemists discovered that microdroplets in fine sprays of water create streaks of microlightning when surrounded by a specific mix of gases. This phenomenon powers chemical reactions that synthesize key molecules for life. According to Prof Richard Zare, who led the team, this discovery is a significant contribution to understanding how non-life can give rise to life.
The idea of microlightning as an energy source for prebiotic synthesis has sparked interest among scientists. While there’s no consensus on the origins of life, the new research offers a promising alternative hypothesis. The discovery also resonates with existing theories, such as hot undersea vents and comets, which suggest that these environments could have fostered life.
The researchers’ findings are significant because they demonstrate that even a faint spark can drive chemical reactions. This opens up possibilities for exploring different gas and fluid compositions to better understand the origins of life. Prof David Deamer, who has worked with Zare, praised the discovery, stating that it “can now be added to the list of possible energy sources available to drive organic synthesis before life began.”
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/14/microlightning-strikes-sparked-life-on-earth-evolution-science