Monday, October 13, 2025

How Urea and Nickel Held Back Earth's Oxygen Revolution

Earth's atmosphere from space, showing a blue layer at the stratosphere, above the clouds of the troposphere. The Moon is visible as a crescent in the background (Credit : NASA Earth Observatory)

When I spotted a headline about Earth's ancient oceans and urea, my brain immediately went to the obvious place. Urea, the same compound found in urine. Yes, scientists are telling us that a component of wee played a crucial role in one of the most important events in our planet's history. Sometimes science really does have a sense of humour.



No comments:

Post a Comment