Synopsis
Why is life the way it is? Bacteria evolved into complex life just once in four billion years of life on earth-and all complex life shares many strange properties, from sex to ageing and death. If life evolved on other planets, would it be the same or completely different?
In The Vital Question, Nick Lane radically reframes evolutionary history, putting forward a cogent solution to conundrums that have troubled scientists for decades. The answer, he argues, lies in energy: how all life on Earth lives off a voltage with the strength of a bolt of lightning. In unravelling these scientific enigmas, making sense of life's quirks, Lane's explanation provides a solution to life's vital questions: why are we as we are, and why are we here at all?
This is ground-breaking science in an accessible form, in the tradition of Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species, Richard Dawkins' The Selfish Gene, and Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs and Steel.
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About the Author
Nick Lane is a biochemist in the Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment at University College London. 'Like his forebears in that same department - Steve Jones, JBS Haldane - he's that rare species, a scientist who can illuminate the bewildering complexities of biology with clear, luminous words' (Observer). His research focuses on the role of bioenergetics in the origin of life and the evolution of cells. Nick was awarded the 2015 Biochemical Society Award for his outstanding contribution to the molecular life sciences. He has published four critically acclaimed books, which have been translated into 20 languages. Life Ascending won the 2010 Royal Society Prize for Science Books. The Independent described him as 'one of the most exciting science writers of our time.'
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The Vital Question: Why is life the way it is?
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The Vital Question: Why is life the way it is?
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Profile Books Ltd, United Kingdom, London, 2015
ISBN 10: 1781250367
ISBN 13: 9781781250365
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Why is life the way it is? Bacteria evolved into complex life just once in four billion years of life on earth-and all complex life shares many strange properties, from sex to ageing and death. If life evolved on other planets, would it be the same or completely different? In The Vital Question, Nick Lane radically reframes evolutionary history, putting forward a cogent solution to conundrums that have troubled scientists for decades. The answer, he argues, lies in energy: how all life on Earth lives off a voltage with the strength of a bolt of lightning. In unravelling these scientific enigmas, making sense of life's quirks, Lane's explanation provides a solution to life's vital questions: why are we as we are, and why are we here at all? This is ground-breaking science in an accessible form, in the tradition of Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species, Richard Dawkins' The Selfish Gene, and Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs and Steel. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR006558657
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Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. The Vital Question: Why is life the way it is? This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 7719-9781781250365
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The Vital Question; Why is Life the Way it is?
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ISBN 10: 1781250367
ISBN 13: 9781781250365
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Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. In this book, Nick Lane radically reframes evolutionary history, putting forward a cogent solutions that have troubled scientists for decades. The answer lies in energy: all life on Earth lives off a voltage with the strength of a lightening bolt. Lane's explanation provides a solution to life's vital question, why are we here at all. Book price includes 2nd class parcel post in UK only. Seller Inventory # 07601
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The Vital Question: Why is life the way it is?
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Cloth. Condition: As New. Dust Jacket Condition: As New. Lane's fascinating study of the origin of life. pp.viii.352. DW in archival sleeve. Seller Inventory # 015048