The two principal abiogenic petroleum hypotheses, the deep gas hypothesis of Thomas Gold and the deep abiotic petroleum hypothesis, have been scientifically reviewed without confirmation. Scientific opinion on the origin of oil and gas is that all natural oil and gas deposits on Earth are fossil fuels and are, therefore, biogenic.
In short a Thru Axle design incorporates a solid rod or hollowed shaft that passes directly through the hub and both legs of the fork or rear frame members. It is then secured to one side of the fork leg or rear frame member (typically on the brake rotor side) by a threaded mechanical connection.
While there's an argument to be made for thru-axles on rim brake-equipped road bikes, it's certainly more compelling when discs are involved. Compared to open dropouts, thru-axle setups are better equipped to handle the asymmetrical torque of disc brakes, plus it's virtually impossible to eject a wheel from a closed dropout under hard braking.