Scientists reveal the ‘true origin of life’

Life on Earth may have originated from microlightning that triggered the formation of waterfalls and ocean waves, according to a new study.

These "microlightning" generate tiny sparks when water droplets from crashing waves collide and break apart.

Scientists at Stanford University recreated microscopic electrical charges in a lab experiment and combined them with gases found in Earth's early atmosphere.

This reaction resulted in the formation of organic atom chains, including DNA building blocks.

Until now, researchers believed lightning storms began occurring on Earth around 3.5 billion years ago.

Professor Richard Zare, from Stanford's School of Humanities and Sciences, said: "On early Earth, there were water sprays all over the place – into crevices or against rocks, and they can accumulate and create this chemical reaction."

"We usually think of water as so benign, but when it's divided in the form of little droplets, water is highly reactive", he added.

(QG - Source : The Daily Mail - Picture : © Unsplash)