The carbon-12 origin story (IMAGE) Iowa State University Caption These computer simulations show the structures of carbon-12 in the unstable, excited Hoyle state and as a stable ground state, the stuff of life. Credit Image courtesy of James Vary/Iowa State University Usage Restrictions None License Original 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.