Lightning Might Have Sparked Early Life on Earth
Lightning Might Have Sparked Early Life on Earth
Electrical storms, rather than meteorites as scientists had previously thought, could have unlocked phosphorus necessary for the development of ancient life, according to a new study.
Electrical storms, rather than meteorites as scientists had previously thought, could have unlocked phosphorus necessary for the development of ancient life, according to a new study.
phosphorus
Prehistoric Microbes Inhabit an Oasis in the Northern Mexican Desert
Diana Kwon | Mar 1, 2019 | 4 min read
The blue lagoons of the Cuatro Ciénegas Basin provide a glimpse into the planet’s ancient past.
Sponging Up Phosphorus
Jenny Rood | Jul 1, 2015 | 2 min read
Symbiotic bacteria in Caribbean reef sponges store polyphosphate granules, possibly explaining why phosphorous is so scarce in coral reef ecosystems.
Arsenic-Based Life, Open to Critique
Edyta Zielinska | Aug 10, 2011 | 1 min read
A researcher is repeating the controversial experiments that suggested a bacterium used arsenic rather than phosphorus in its DNA—with the world watching.
Arsenic-based life debate continues
Jessica P. Johnson | Jun 2, 2011 | 3 min read
More than a dozen researchers voice their concerns about a 2010 paper that claims bacteria can use arsenic in place of phosphorus in its DNA and other biomolecules, such as proteins.