The universe's carbon atoms complete a journey that spans eons—forming in the hearts of dying stars, then becoming a part of planets and even living organisms. Now, a team led by ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú´«Ã½ÎÄ»¯×÷Æ· scientist Jordy Bouwman has uncovered the chemistry behind one tiny, but critical, step in this process.