Gamma Rays May Hold Key to Life's Origins by Transforming Methane
A study published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition reveals that gamma radiation can convert methane into complex organic molecules, including amino acids, at room temperature. This process, which involves reactions with oxygen, water, and ammonia, could play a significant role in the formation of organic molecules in space and potentially in the origin of life. The research, led by Weixin Huang from the University of Science and Technology of China, also suggests new industrial applications for methane conversion using gamma radiation.