In the vast, cold depths of the ocean, life flourishes around hydrothermal vents. These vents may hold clues to the origins of life on Earth, a mystery that scientists continue to explore.

Host Regina G. Barber spoke to numerous experts to understand how life might have begun. A significant factor appears to be Earth’s abundant water. Two main hypotheses propose that life originated either near deep-sea hydrothermal vents or in shallow tide pools.

Ralph White/Getty Images

Such investigations have broadened to consider the possibility of life on other celestial bodies. Researchers are examining ‘water worlds’ within our solar system, such as some moons of Jupiter and Saturn.

This episode delves into these water-focused theories about life’s beginnings on Earth and considers their implications for extraterrestrial life. Do you have another scientific mystery you’d like explored in a future episode? Reach out at [email protected].

You can enjoy every episode of Short Wave without commercial interruptions by subscribing to Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave. Short Wave is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

This episode was produced by Hannah Chinn and Berly McCoy, edited by Rebecca Ramirez, and fact-checked by Tyler Jones. The audio was engineered by Robert Rodriguez.