<
https://theconversation.com/minerals-in-hot-springs-performed-a-key-chemical-reaction-for-early-life-on-earth-new-study-confirms-243586>
"One of the biggest scientific mysteries is where life on Earth started.
Research has often focused on the role of deep-sea hydrothermal vents – those
towering structures on the ocean floor constantly pumping out a melange of
organic and inorganic material. Within these plumes are minerals called iron
sulfides, which scientists believe could have helped trigger early chemical
reactions that created life.
These same minerals are also found in hot springs today, such as the Grand
Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park in the United States. Hot springs
are bodies of groundwater heated by volcanic activity beneath Earth’s surface.
Our new research adds to a small but growing body of evidence that ancient
versions of these hot springs could have played a pivotal role in the emergence
of life on Earth. This helps bridge the gap between competing hypotheses
regarding where life could have emerged."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
