Chemistry at the beginning: how molecular reactions influenced the formation of the first stars

- The HeH⁺ ion was the first molecule to form in the early universe, before the first stars were born. - Researchers have investigated reactions of HeH+ with hydrogen atoms under conditions similar to those in the early universe for the first time, revealing significant discrepancies with previous theories. - The results significantly impact our understanding of the early chemistry of the universe and the processes that contributed to the formation of the first stars.