Nickel and Urea May Explain Why Earth’s Oxygen Took So Long to Rise

In this episode, we uncover new research from Okayama University that sheds light on the delayed Great Oxidation Event.

Scientists found that early ocean levels of nickel and urea controlled the growth of oxygen-producing cyanobacteria—sometimes fueling them, sometimes holding them back. When these elements declined, Earth’s atmosphere finally filled with oxygen, reshaping the planet and offering clues for spotting life on other worlds.

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