PortalsOS

The origin of life might be linked to deep-sea hydrothermal vents, where mineralized sponges with cell-like pores could have facilitated the formation of life by providing a structured environment for chemical reactions.

On Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, there are plumes of water with organics and hydrogen, suggesting an ocean beneath the ice with hydrothermal systems. This chemistry is similar to Earth's, indicating potential for life.

Nick Lane argues that life on other planets is likely to be carbon-based and water-dependent due to the commonality of these elements. He suggests that out of a thousand planets with life, 999 might follow this pattern, with only one being radically different.

The Earth acts like a giant battery, producing little living cell mini-batteries through hydrothermal vents. This fascinating theory suggests that the structure of cells mirrors the Earth's own structure, with electrons inside and a relatively oxidized outside.

There could be 20 to 40 billion wet, rocky planets or moons in the Milky Way with conditions similar to Earth, potentially supporting life. This is based on recent exoplanet discoveries and the commonality of elements like hydrogen and oxygen in the universe.

The continuity between geological environments and cells suggests that life forms are continuous with Earth's geochemistry, challenging the idea of a 'Frankenstein moment' where life suddenly zaps into existence.

Nick Lane explains that protocells in hydrothermal vents could self-organize and grow by deterministic chemistry, leading to early forms of heredity. This sets the stage for more complex life forms.