Ancient microdiamonds embedded inside ancient zircons found
in western Australia
suggest that life may have existed on Earth up to 4.25 billion years ago.
Chemical analyses indicate that the mini-gems contain higher-than-average
concentrations of the carbon-12 isotope, researchers report in the July 3 Nature.
Experts strongly debate whether that anomaly is evidence
that life existed on Earth so soon after the planet formed, 4.6
Log in
Subscribers, enter your e-mail address for full access to the Science News archives and digital editions.