Understanding how ancient electrons began life on earth

Have you ever wondered about the origins of life on Earth? We often think about biology and chemistry, but the conversation must also include physics, energy, and electrons. According to Rutgers’ Josh Mancini, humans derive energy from sugars in the foods we eat, where proteins in our cells take electrons from sugar and bind them to the oxygen we breathe.

But how did life begin billions of years ago when there were no sugars or oxygen? To unravel this mystery, Mancini and his team are simulating primordial Earth conditions in a small chamber. They are exploring alternative ways electrons could have moved in the absence of oxygen, such as through hydrogen from hydrothermal vents or light energy from the sun.

Using nickel as a medium, the researchers are investigating the interaction between proteins and nickel to understand how early life could have converted chemical energy into biologic energy. Their goal is to uncover how early evolving enzymes could have evolved into more complex structures, shedding light on the evolution of life on Earth and potential scenarios on other planets.

While they have not yet found the perfect protein/nickel combination, their research is inching closer to solving one of the most puzzling questions about the origin of life. Stay informed about their groundbreaking discoveries by signing up for the Smarter Faster newsletter. Don’t miss out on the biggest ideas from the brightest minds!