Low-energy electrons in cosmic ice spring surprise by generating prebiotic molecules

Electrons likely play a much more significant role than photons in the synthesis of prebiotic molecules in space, according to findings out of Wellesley College, US, presented at the recent American Chemical Society meeting in Denver. The work, which was discussed by undergraduate student Kennedy Barnes, explores the relative importance of low-energy electrons versus photons in initiating the chemical reactions responsible for the extraterrestrial synthesis of the molecules that could have helped spawn the first living organisms.