A recent study from the Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) investigates how polyester microdroplets, potential precursors to modern cells, could form under realistic early Earth conditions. Researchers pushed these conditions to the limits, demonstrating that these protocells can emerge from the polymerisation of alpha-hydroxy acids (αHAs) even at low concentrations/volumes and in salty environments. The findings indicate that polyester protocells were more prevalent than previously thought, potentially forming in environments on early Earth from rock pores to briny pools.

ForMovFluid aims to meet the demands of the European Union by seeking to exploit deposits within its own borders. The initiative is structured as a doctoral network, which is currently actively seeking PhD candidates to carry out their studies in four countries.