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Solid Hydrogen Cyanide Crystals May Unlock Origins of Life

1/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers' computer modeling shows that solid hydrogen cyanide crystals can catalyze chemical reactions at low temperatures, potentially enabling the formation of amino acids and nucleobases.
The study, published in ACS Central Science, indicates these reactions could occur rapidly under certain conditions.
The researchers plan laboratory tests to further explore the chemical activity of hydrogen cyanide crystals.
This work could deepen understanding of prebiotic chemistry and the origins of life.

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Story summary

Researchers' computer modeling shows that solid hydrogen cyanide crystals can catalyze chemical reactions at low temperatures, potentially enabling the formation of amino acids and nucleobases.
The study, published in ACS Central Science, indicates these reactions could occur rapidly under certain conditions.
The researchers plan laboratory tests to further explore the chemical activity of hydrogen cyanide crystals.
This work could deepen understanding of prebiotic chemistry and the origins of life.