The origins of life on Earth: rethinking the RNA world

New research contradicts the established ‘RNA world’ theory for the origins of life, promoting an alternative RNA–DNA hybrid as the source of life. Recent research led by Ramanarayanan Krishnamurthy at Scripps Research (CA, USA) has uncovered more evidence for a theory on the origins of life that diverges from the commonly held belief that the self-replicating molecule of DNA evolved from its simpler cousin RNA. This RNA world theory posits RNA as the first identifiable molecule responsible for life on earth. Krishnamurthy and his team have been skeptical of this theory for some time. This skepticism stems from the fact...