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Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

299 | Michael Wong on Information, Function, and the Origin of Life

Dec 16, 2024
Michael Wong, a planetary scientist and astrobiologist, dives into the origins of life and the complexity of biological systems. He discusses the debates between metabolism-first and RNA-first theories, shedding light on how interdisciplinary approaches can enrich our understanding. Wong explores universal principles that govern life's complexity and discusses the roles of functions in both living and non-living systems. He also examines the emergence of functional information and its implications for understanding evolution beyond traditional frameworks.
01:13:00

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Quick takeaways

  • The exploration of life's origins and evolution, both on Earth and potentially in the cosmos, offers insights into complex biological systems.
  • Defining 'function' in evolving systems provides a framework for understanding how life adapts and persists in diverse environments.

Deep dives

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