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A review by amarti
Life's Edge: The Search for What It Means to Be Alive by Carl Zimmer
5.0
Zimmer is a gifted explainer of some of the most complex topics in science: RNA, DNA, microbiome, viruses, etc. He does so by weaving in stories of discovery, oddities, and failures.
Central to all of these topics is one question:
What does it mean to be alive?
A seemingly easy question that is actually endlessly complex.
Again and again, Zimmer shares an oddity on the edge of our definition of life. Example: Scientists are growing tiny brains in test tubes. Are those considered living things? How about a tardigrade? These microscopic manatee-like creatures which when dead and dried, are seemingly resurrected when water is added. Or the slime mold, a blob that decides where to grow and what to eat; all without a brain.
Life is made of layers, each full of its own complexities and wonders. From the living creature to the cell to the molecule: As you go deeper, new discoveries and mysteries await.
Central to all of these topics is one question:
What does it mean to be alive?
A seemingly easy question that is actually endlessly complex.
Again and again, Zimmer shares an oddity on the edge of our definition of life. Example: Scientists are growing tiny brains in test tubes. Are those considered living things? How about a tardigrade? These microscopic manatee-like creatures which when dead and dried, are seemingly resurrected when water is added. Or the slime mold, a blob that decides where to grow and what to eat; all without a brain.
Life is made of layers, each full of its own complexities and wonders. From the living creature to the cell to the molecule: As you go deeper, new discoveries and mysteries await.