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Scientists Reveal Possible Role of Iron Sulfides in Creating Life in Terrestrial hot springs

Scientists reveal possible role of iron sulfides in creating life in terrestrial hot springs
Scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals characteristics of the iron sulfide (mackinawite) catalyst. Credit: NIGPAS

An international team of scientists has published a study highlighting the potential role of iron sulfides in the formation of life in early Earth’s terrestrial hot springs. According to the researchers, the sulfides may have catalyzed the reduction of gaseous carbon dioxide into prebiotic organic molecules via nonenzymatic pathways.

This work, appearing in Nature Communications, offers new insights into Earth’s early carbon cycles and prebiotic chemical reactions, underscoring the significance of iron sulfides in supporting the terrestrial hot springs origin of life hypothesis.

The study was conducted by Dr...

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