The theory goes like this: On ancient Earth, tiny airborne bits, which share similar characteristics of a primitive cell, came from ocean waves. As small bubbles on the waves burst, they picked up an organic coating and floated into the air. Once in the atmosphere, the particles would stay aloft for days, months, or even longer, reacting with their surroundings all the while. The sunlight, temperatures, meteoric dust, and humidity would serve to concentrate the particles' innards.
The story clarifies things that scientists could never explain before. For example, why modern-day cells have a double outer membrane. The study shows the airborne particles would have formed two outer layers, one when leaving the ocean’s surface, and the other when returning from the atmosphere.
The theory was thought up by Researchers Adrian Tuck of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Christopher Dobson of Oxford, and Barney Ellison and Veronica Vaida of the University of Colorado. The idea was sparked by data showing atmospheric particles are made of large amounts of organic material in addition to sea water.
Previous theories followed the logic that cells developed exclusively within bodies of water on earth. But problems arose when chemical concentrations couldn’t be explained. Size was a question, too.
In its beginning stages, the new theory sounds good. But the team has a lot of testing to do before they can be sure.
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