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'Dark oxygen' discovery challenges origins of life theories

The Guardian — July 22, 2024, 08:00 PM UTC

Summary: Scientists have discovered oxygen production in the Pacific Ocean's depths, specifically in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, where metallic lumps called polymetallic nodules generate oxygen without sunlight. This process, akin to photosynthesis, challenges previous beliefs about life's origins. The nodules, rich in metals, exhibit electric charges comparable to AA batteries, enabling seawater electrolysis. The findings, published in *Nature Geoscience*, may reshape understanding of complex life evolution.

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  1. [5.1]
    Polymetallic nodules may generate oxygen in deep sea (universetoday.com)
    47d 17h

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  2. [3.5]
    Metal nodules may have initiated Earth's oxygen supply (mid-day.com)
    50d 16h
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  3. [5.5]
    Polymetallic nodules may produce oxygen in deep sea (latimes.com)
    51d 8h

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  4. [5.4]
    New deep-sea oxygen source raises mining impact concerns (The Hindu)
    51d 14h

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  5. [3.8]
    Scientists discover 'dark oxygen' on deep-ocean floor (ThePrint)
    52d 0h
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  6. [5.0]
    Scientists discover 'dark oxygen' from seafloor metallic nodules (space.com)
    52d 23h

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  7. [5.8]
    Scientists discover oxygen production without light in deep ocean (The Washington Post)
    54d 17h

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  8. [5.5]
    Scientists discover oxygen source on ocean floor, challenging beliefs (ABC News)
    54d 18h

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  9. [3.3]
    "Dark oxygen" discovery challenges life origin theories (New York Post )
    54d 23h
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  10. [4.5]
    Scientists find 'dark oxygen' from seabed metals (MINING.com)
    55d 2h
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  11. [3.3]
    Metallic minerals in Pacific Ocean can produce oxygen (AzerNews.Az)
    55d 3h
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  12. [4.4]
    Metallic nodules produce oxygen in deep sea darkness (CNBC)
    55d 6h
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  13. [4.7]
    'Dark' oxygen discovered deep in Pacific Ocean challenges beliefs (Mint)
    55d 7h
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  14. [5.8]
    Ocean floor metals create 'dark oxygen,' raising mining concerns (Financial Times)
    55d 20h

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  15. [4.9]
    Electric rocks in ocean produce oxygen, challenging beliefs (Gizmodo)
    56d 3h
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