Prebiotic Chemistry and the Origin of Life - The 1953 Miller Experiment

Watch a detailed lecture by Professor Antonio Lazcano from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México exploring the groundbreaking 1953 Miller experiment and its profound impact on origin of life research. Discover how Stanley Miller, under Harold Urey's supervision at the University of Chicago, designed and conducted a revolutionary experiment simulating early Earth's atmosphere using methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and water vapor. Learn about the historical context following Oparin's influential book on the origin of life, the interruption of research during World War II, and the remarkable experimental results that demonstrated the first abiotic synthesis of amino acids and other organic compounds. Explore the complex history behind Miller's seminal paper, published shortly after the Watson-Crick DNA model, and understand its significance in relation to cosmic organic chemistry and modern theories about life's origins. Gain insights into how this pivotal experiment launched a new era in the scientific study of how life began on Earth.