Researchers have identified a ribozyme that improves RNA replication accuracy, which could illuminate the origins of life.

The discovery supports the RNA World hypothesis, positing RNA as the initial catalyst for Earth's biology, preceding DNA or proteins.

A lab-created RNA polymerase ribozyme demonstrated enhanced precision in synthesizing RNA strands, surpassing previous models.

The findings imply that the earliest stages of evolution might have been simpler than previously thought, with self-sufficient molecules capable of Darwinian evolution.

While a self-replicating RNA polymerase has not yet been developed, the research team is optimistic about achieving this within the next ten years.