Canadian 'Soda Lake' Could Hold Answers to Origin of Life

University of Washington scientists discover lake with conditions that could have facilitated the emergence of life on Earth and possibly other planets.

Scientists from the University of Washington have discovered a shallow 'soda lake' in western Canada that could provide answers to how life on Earth began.
The lake, known as Last Chance Lake, has high levels of dissolved carbonates, sodium, and phosphates, which are believed to be key ingredients for the emergence of life.
The high concentration of phosphates in the lake could solve the 'phosphate problem', a long-standing issue in theories of the emergence of life, as these molecules are needed in high concentrations to form key biomolecules.
Last Chance Lake's unique conditions, including a dry, windy climate that keeps water levels low and dissolved compounds concentrated, make it an ideal site for the study of life's origins.
The researchers believe that similar environments could have existed on early Earth and possibly other planets, providing a cradle for the origin of life.