A virtual exploration of iron-sulphur-world in search of the precursors to life on earth [ 2008-12-17 - 2011-12-16 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Dr Stefano Piana (Chief Investigator) ,  Julian Gale (Chief Investigator) ,  Prof Kathleen Wright (Chief Investigator) ,  Dr Alessandro Laio (Partner Investigator)

Brief description A virtual exploration of iron-sulphur-world in search of the precursors to life on earth. The greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, that currently presents a threat to the continued existence of humanity, ironically represents the starting point from which life on Earth probably originated. This research will probe the chemistry of how this gas, dissolved in ancient oceans, came to be converted to molecules that form the basis of living organisms through interaction with minerals, such as iron sulphide. Aside from answering a fundamental question, it will offer insights into processes that convert a pollutant into a useful chemical, as well as what might happen if carbon dioxide is placed in mineral deposits for long-term storage.

Funding Amount $267,911

Funding Scheme Discovery Projects

View this grant in the ARC Data Portal