According to a study conducted by staff at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and Riken Research Institute, deep-sea hydrothermal vents may hold the key to the origin of life on Earth, following the recent discovery of nanostructures that can produce energy using a mechanism similar to living cells.
Hydrothermal vents are volcanic formations that occur where geological plates meet, from which mineral-rich boiling water flows, transforming them into chimney-like formations teeming with life. Japanese researchers studied such wasps in the Mariana Trench at a depth of 5,743 metres.
Scientists have found nanostructures similar to selective ion channels in these places. These channels act as a kind of filter, allowing some charged atoms to pass but not others. This is the same as what happens on the membrane that makes up the walls of our cells.
The process generates energy from osmosis. This was probably one of the first forms of energy necessary for life, even before conditions suitable for life such as today evolved on Earth. According to the new findings, these energy-producing structures predate the emergence of life.
It can be a source of renewable energy
By examining a sample of magnesium hydroxide with a diameter of 84 cm, the researchers discovered straight channels on its surface that create a potential difference while filtering the passing water.
We have unexpectedly discovered that osmotic energy production, an essential function of modern plant, animal and microbial life, can emerge independently of biology in geographic environments.
– explained Riken researcher Rjuhei Nakamura.
This discovery is not only important because it brings us closer to solving the mystery of life, but it could also contribute to the technical development of blue energy. One of the technical possibilities of water-based renewable energies is to exploit the chemical difference between the composition of fresh water and salty sea water. Energy-producing inorganic ion channels could provide inspiration for the development of such power plants.
(Science Alert, Scitech Daily)
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