Description
Dive into the captivating exploration of life itself with this intriguing trade paperback by Carl Zimmer. In his acclaimed book, he tackles one of the most profound questions: What is life? Through thoughtful inquiry, Zimmer challenges our understanding of what constitutes living beings, from the simple apple on your kitchen counter to the grander implications of defining life beyond our planet. This enlightening read spans 480 pages and delves into the complex definitions and experiments surrounding the very essence of life. With discussions on whether coronaviruses are alive and the daring attempts to recreate life in laboratories, Zimmer's book remains relevant to both scientific communities and curious readers alike. Published by Pan Macmillan UK in 2021, this brand new edition is perfect for anyone fascinated by biology, philosophy, or the search for alien life. As you turn each page, you'll uncover the intricacies of living and the ethical dilemmas that arise from our definitions. This book not only enhances your understanding but also stimulates important conversations about life and existence. Don't miss out on this essential read for anyone wishing to ponder the mysteries of life! Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. ISBN: 9781529069426.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781529069426
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2021
Publisher: Pan Macmillan UK
Pages: 480
Description:
Carl Zimmer investigates one of the biggest questions of all: What is life? The answer seems obvious until you try to seriously answer it. Is the apple sitting on your kitchen counter alive, or is only the apple tree it came from deserving of the word? If we can't answer that question here on earth, how will we know when and if we discover alien life on other worlds? The question hangs over some of society's most charged conflicts - whether a fertilized egg is a living person, for example, and when we ought to declare a person legally dead.
Zimmer journeys through the strange experiments that have attempted to re-create life. Literally hundreds of definitions of what that should look like now exist, but none has yet emerged as an obvious winner. Lists of what living things have in common do not add up to a theory of life. It's never clear why some items on the list are essential and others not. Coronaviruses have altered the course of history, and yet many scientists maintain they are not alive. Chemists are creating droplets that can swarm, sense their environment, and multiply. Have they made life in the lab?
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781529069426
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2021
Publisher: Pan Macmillan UK
Pages: 480
Description:
Carl Zimmer investigates one of the biggest questions of all: What is life? The answer seems obvious until you try to seriously answer it. Is the apple sitting on your kitchen counter alive, or is only the apple tree it came from deserving of the word? If we can't answer that question here on earth, how will we know when and if we discover alien life on other worlds? The question hangs over some of society's most charged conflicts - whether a fertilized egg is a living person, for example, and when we ought to declare a person legally dead.
Zimmer journeys through the strange experiments that have attempted to re-create life. Literally hundreds of definitions of what that should look like now exist, but none has yet emerged as an obvious winner. Lists of what living things have in common do not add up to a theory of life. It's never clear why some items on the list are essential and others not. Coronaviruses have altered the course of history, and yet many scientists maintain they are not alive. Chemists are creating droplets that can swarm, sense their environment, and multiply. Have they made life in the lab?