Could lightning have sparked life on early Earth?

Scientists have wondered how Earth’s phosphorus got into a usable form to help create DNA, RNA, and other biomolecules needed for life. Picture: Lucy Entwisle/PA

Lightning strikes occurring over a billion years may have provided sparks of life for the early Earth, according to new research.

A new study suggests that, over time, these bolts unlocked the phosphorus necessary for the creation of biomolecules that would be the basis of life on the planet.