Carbon and Oxygen Production (IMAGE) North Carolina State University Caption Light quark mass determines carbon and oxygen production and the viability of carbon-based life. Credit Dean Lee, NC State University. Images of Earth and Mercury courtesy of NASA. Usage Restrictions with credit License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.