When a bone grows, our bodies’ proteins help provide the structure. When a muscle tears, proteins help rebuild it. When we fight an infection, transport oxygen in our blood or send messages to a cell, proteins often step up to the plate. But how did these skilled molecules first form on Earth and help give rise to life?

The mystery, which has evaded scientists for more than five decades, can be explained with rather simple chemistry, according to a study published Wednesday in Nature.

In lab experiments, scientists have successfully shown how two basic ingredients of life – ribonucleic acid (RNA) and amino acids – can combine to start protein synthesis.

The basic ingredients and conditions – in water – are thought to have been around on Earth about 4 billion years ago, providing clues t

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