← Back to all stories
A tiny chemical difference may explain how Earth's earliest life protected itself and thrived
Photo: Vimal S / Unsplash
Researchers have discovered that a single oxygen atom allows RNA to form protective, gel-like droplets, shielding these delicate molecules before cells even existed. This elegant finding solves a major piece of the puzzle regarding how life first took root on our planet.
Researchers have discovered that a single oxygen atom allows RNA to form protective, gel-like droplets, shielding these delicate molecules before cells even existed. This elegant finding solves a major piece of the puzzle regarding how life first took root on our planet.