> Based on laboratory studies, Rutgers scientists say one of the most likely chemical candidates that kickstarted life was a simple peptide with two nickel atoms they are calling “Nickelback,” not because it has anything to do with the Canadian rock band, but because its backbone nitrogen atoms bond two critical nickel atoms. A peptide is a constituent of a protein made up of a few elemental building blocks known as amino acids.

Very doubtful this has anything to do with origins of life.

The complex catalyzes the production of dihydrogen from hydrogen cation. It's a cool reaction, but to say this may have "sparked life on earth" is way off.

Small peptide catalysts like this one have been known for some time and can even be designed for a wide range of reactions. A Nobel prize was awarded for this very field a few years back.