Sorry, but it DEMONSTRATES nothing.
It just CLAIMS that it does.
If this be Science: replicate it!
That's exactly what they did:
The group simulated the vent environment in the laboratory, immersing various types of clay in pressurized water at 300 °C for several weeks and looking at the fate of a simple organic compound, methanol, in this stew.
Sorry, but it DEMONSTRATES nothing.
It just CLAIMS that it does.
I'm not sure I understand this comment - are you suggesting the experiment is a hoax? (The journal Geology has a pretty impeccable reputation and high standard for publication; I'd hate to think they have their guard down..)