Ebook: A Matter of Energy: Biology from First Principles : A Conversation with Nick Lane

This book is based on an in-depth conversation with Nick Lane, Professor of Evolutionary Biochemistry, UCL. After an inspiring story of Nick Lane's career path, this conversation explores in detail Lane's research in biochemistry and his bioenergetic view of early, evolutionary history, the origin of life and how all complex life is composed of a very particular cell type that we all share. This carefully-edited book includes a detailed introduction, questions for discussion at the end of each chapter and connections with other books in the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series.CHAPTERS:I. A Long and Winding Road - Nick goes round the housesII. Structuring Energy - Cells, membranes and a counterintuitive mechanismIII. Hydrothermal Vents - More than just chemistryIV. Simulational Challenges - Making your own hydrothermal ventV. Synoptic Justifications - Philosophers wantedVI. Becoming Complex - From prokaryotes to eukaryotesVII. Marvellous Mitochondria - Insights from a metabolic worldviewVIII. Open Questions - From the origin of life to consciousnessABOUT IDEAS ROADSHOW CONVERSATIONS:Ideas Roadshow Conversations present a wealth of candid insights from leading experts through a focused yet informal setting. Presented in an engaging conversational format, these books not only explore cutting-edge academic research, but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research. They are explicitly designed to provide a unique window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be experienced through standard lectures and textbooks. Howard Burton holds a PhD in theoretical physics and an MA in philosophy and was the Founding Director of Canada's Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.