Charles Darwin believed life began in a warm pond. Others think comets hit Earth, bringing life. Some believe lightning struck the ocean and started life.
Now, new research suggests waves and waterfalls may have helped. Scientists at Stanford University found that tiny water sprays create small sparks, called “microlightning.” These sparks can produce importantchemicals needed for life.
Professor Richard Zare leads the research team. He says, “This helps us understand how life can come from non-life. Water sprays are all around, especially near rocks, where chemicals can gather.”
Many ideas exist about how life began. Darwin did not say how life started but imagined chemicals in a “warm little pond” creating living cells. Some scientists believe heat from undersea vents helped life to start too.
The study by Zare’s team shows that microlightning may be an important source of energy. It helps make key molecules needed for life. Other scientists think this new idea is exciting and want to study it more.
Vocabulary List:
Research /rɪˈsɜːrʧ/ (noun): A careful and detailed study into a specific problem or issue.
Sparks /spɑrks/ (noun): Small particles of a burning material or electrical discharge.
Chemicals /ˈkɛmɪkəlz/ (noun): Substances with a defined composition that can undergo chemical reactions.
Convince /kənˈvɪns/ (verb): To persuade someone to do or believe something.
Important /ɪmˈpɔːrtənt/ (adjective): Of great significance or value.
Molecules /ˈmɒlɪkjuːlz/ (noun): Group of atoms bonded together representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound.
