Molecules on a Space Odyssey

Article Abstract:

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons make up about 20% of the total cosmic carbon and may have played a crucial role in the origins of life on earth. Although, hydrocarbons are not an essential ingredient in life, they may have helped form chemical pathways from space to the origins of life on Earth.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

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Evidence for life on earth more than 3850 million years ago

Article Abstract:

Analysis of carbon-isotope ratios in apatite in 3.8-billion-year-old and older rocks in Western Greenland suggests the one-time existence of microogranisms, which would be the oldest known life on earth. The study by Mojzsis et al, using a new ion microprobe method, is described.

Innovations, Natural history, Greenland, Carbon, Carbon isotopes, Analytic geochemistry

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Where smokers rule

Article Abstract:

Claudia Huber and Gunter Wachtershauser hypothesize that life could have originated in deep-sea hydrothermal vents. The metal sulfides released in 'black smokers' could act as catalysts in a preliminary step to the building of organic molecules.

Hydrothermal vents

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