The origin of life on Earth is one of the greatest mysteries in science. Now, a new study suggests that a key ingredient in the chemical evolution of life on Earth may have come from outer space. The researchers propose that a chemical reaction involving water and a series of simple molecules, including methane and formaldehyde, may have provided the spark that jump-started life on our planet billions of years ago.

In a new paper, researchers from the University of Leeds describe their findings which suggest that extraterrestrial chemicals may have played a role in the emergence of life on Earth. The team simulated a reaction between water vapor and a mixture of methane and formaldehyde, which is thought to be a common combination of molecules found in space. They found that when combined, the molecules formed a variety of small complex molecules which could have been the building blocks for life on Earth.

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source: Phys.org