"The difference in magnetic field strength reached about 30%."
Key Findings
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science and Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered that electrons experience different effective magnetic field strengths when passing through mirror-image chiral molecules.
In experiments with chiral gold, silver, and biological molecules, the difference in magnetic field strength reached about 30%. The asymmetry is attributed to the orientation of the magnetic field relative to electron motion, which varies between mirror-image forms.
Implications for Origin of Life
The findings support a theory that life began on magnetized surfaces at the bottoms of ancient lakes. The preferential interaction of one mirror-image form with magnetic surfaces could explain why living organisms exclusively use left-handed proteins and right-handed sugars, DNA, and RNA.
Applications
Magnetic surfaces could be used in industrial processes to selectively crystallize desired chiral forms, potentially improving the safety and efficacy of drugs, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Research Details
The study, published in Science Advances, involved international collaboration including scientists from the University of Southern California, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Ariel University, California Institute of Technology, and Uppsala University.