Origins of Life

[ysabetwordsmith]

Study uncovers potential origins of life in ancient hot springs

A research team investigated how the emergence of the first living systems from inert geological materials happened on the Earth, more than 3.5 billion years ago. Scientists found that by mixing hydrogen, bicarbonate, and iron-rich magnetite under conditions mimicking relatively mild hydrothermal vent results in the formation of a spectrum of organic molecules, most notably including fatty acids stretching up to 18 carbon atoms in length.

This kind of makes me want to grab some extremophiles and sequence their genes. They might be useful in trying to recreate life.

Comments

Well ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

On a galaxy-wide basis, extremophiles tend to be more common. There are many places that can support a few odd forms of life but not a complex ecosystem.

Re: Well ...

[see_also_friend]

I find the idea of humans being the intergalactic version of a rare orchid amusing:

"You idiot! If you do that it will kill the whole human colony!"
"But it's only a little colder than normal!"
"There is frozen dihydrogen monoxide! Humans must remain at liquid H2O temperatures!"

Re: Well ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Now imagine them seeing Inuit people, then trying to explain that humans can survive in a frozen environment as long as they have protection from freezing themselves.

Re: Well ...

[see_also_friend]

Easy, explain that the clothes are a kind of primitive exosuit which keeps the insides at human-safe temps.

To be fair, the better someone is at xenocare in general or humancare in particular, the more nuanced the offered explanation can be.

But that would be a hilarious scifi short story!