Alan Turing and John von Neumann saw it early: the logic of life and the logic of code may be one and the same. This article explores the idea that life, at its core, might be computational, drawing parallels between DNA, computation, and the work of Turing and von Neumann.
>"New research reveals LUCA, Earth’s last universal common ancestor, was a complex organism shaping early ecosystems 4.2 billion years ago."
The study details LUCA's age, genetic makeup, metabolism, and ecological role, suggesting life may have emerged rapidly after Earth's formation and could exist on other planets.
* LUCA lived around 4.2 billion years ago, potentially before the Late Heavy Bombardment.
* Researchers used a refined molecular clock analysis focusing on gene duplication *before* LUCA’s emergence.
* LUCA’s genome was surprisingly complex, containing at least 2.5 megabases and around 2,600 proteins.
* Evidence suggests LUCA possessed an early form of an immune system, indicating the presence of viruses at the time.
* LUCA utilized anaerobic metabolism (acetogenesis) and fed on hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
* LUCA’s metabolic byproducts served as a food source for other microbes, forming early recycling ecosystems.
* Shared traits like the universal genetic code and ATP reliance trace back to LUCA.
* The research combined fossil records, isotopic data, genetic timelines, and biogeochemical models.
* The study suggests life may have emerged rapidly after Earth’s formation, and could potentially exist on other planets.
The study details LUCA's age, genetic makeup, metabolism, and ecological role, suggesting life may have emerged rapidly after Earth's formation and could exist on other planets.
* LUCA lived around 4.2 billion years ago, potentially before the Late Heavy Bombardment.
* Researchers used a refined molecular clock analysis focusing on gene duplication *before* LUCA’s emergence.
* LUCA’s genome was surprisingly complex, containing at least 2.5 megabases and around 2,600 proteins.
* Evidence suggests LUCA possessed an early form of an immune system, indicating the presence of viruses at the time.
* LUCA utilized anaerobic metabolism (acetogenesis) and fed on hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
* LUCA’s metabolic byproducts served as a food source for other microbes, forming early recycling ecosystems.
* Shared traits like the universal genetic code and ATP reliance trace back to LUCA.
* The research combined fossil records, isotopic data, genetic timelines, and biogeochemical models.
* The study suggests life may have emerged rapidly after Earth’s formation, and could potentially exist on other planets.
A group of scientists has put forth a groundbreaking machine-based theory of life that challenges traditional biological perspectives. This theory suggests that life is not just a product of organic processes but is also heavily influenced by external, non-biological factors such as machines and technology. The proposition puts forward the idea that life is a result of an interplay between biological and
In a new machine-based theory of life Tsvi Tlusty and Albert Libchaber suggest that life is an intricate cascade of machines, from molecular level to entire biospheres. They have developed a conceptual framework and a simplified language to describe living matter as an almost infinite double cascade. This theory identifies a critical point where self-replicating machines interface with their environment, which is essential for the emergence of life. This critical point is marked by specific temporal and spatial scales of 1,000 seconds and 1 micron, corresponding to microbial life. This theory provides a mathematical foundation for understanding life and its complexity
In a new machine-based theory of life Tsvi Tlusty and Albert Libchaber suggest that life is an intricate cascade of machines, from molecular level to entire biospheres. They have developed a conceptual framework and a simplified language to describe living matter as an almost infinite double cascade. This theory identifies a critical point where self-replicating machines interface with their environment, which is essential for the emergence of life. This critical point is marked by specific temporal and spatial scales of 1,000 seconds and 1 micron, corresponding to microbial life. This theory provides a mathematical foundation for understanding life and its complexity
The clearest picture yet of LUCA suggests it was a relatively complex organism living 4.2 billion years ago, a time long considered too harsh for life to flourish.
