Once his team figured out how droplets become charged and how the micro-lightning works, they took a fresh spin on the Miller-Urey experiment. This time, they did it without any spark plugs.
After creating micro-lightning between droplets in a gas mixture similar to the original experiment, the researchers used a mass spectrometer to analyze the resulting chemicals. They found important compounds like glycine, uracil, and urea. “Micro-lightnings produced all the organic molecules we saw in the Miller-Urey experiment without needing any outside voltage,” says Zare.
But does this new method help us understand the origin of life better? The original Miller-Urey experiment showed that electrical discharges could create these molecules in early Earth’s atmosphere. So, does it really matter where that energy came from? Zare believes it does.
He explains, “Lightning is sporadic, making it tough for these molecules to accumulate. But consider how waves crash against rocks. The spray can enter the tiny spaces in those rocks.” According to him, when the water in those crevices evaporates, new spray comes in repeatedly. This cycle can help build more complex molecules, creating a process called polymerization, which is key for forming DNA. Zare argues that this method might create more organic chemicals than other sources like lightning strikes or meteor impacts.
However, even if micro-lightning helps form the building blocks of life, we still don’t fully understand how those blocks came together to create living organisms. “We didn’t create life. We just showed a possible way to produce some chemical compounds found in living things,” Zare notes. “It’s crucial to stay humble about these discoveries.”
This research sheds light on the ongoing quest to unravel life’s mysteries. According to a 2022 study published in "Nature," scientists believe that over 4 billion years ago, life on Earth began in environments rich in minerals, providing crucial components for these early chemical reactions.
As we explore these concepts, it’s essential to stay updated. The ongoing dialogue among scientists reflects the evolving understanding of how life might have started. With each new finding, we come closer to understanding the marvels of our existence.
For more insights, check out the article in Science Advances, 2025. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adt8979.
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