Droplets of these simple molecules may have helped kick-start life on Earth

Small blobs that break apart and reform can host protein and RNA

microdroplets

TINY BUBBLES  Microdroplets made from a mixture of alpha hydroxy acids contain a fluorescent green dye, demonstrating how the cell-sized compartments could theoretically have housed primitive biomolecules.

T. Jia/ELSI

For the origin of life on Earth, ancient puddles or coastlines may have had a major ripple effect.