When scientists failed to demonstrate a naturalistic explanation for homochirality via terrestrial chemical pathways, they turned to astronomical mechanisms. However, research continues to prove … more

On Monday I wrote about researchers’ recent attempt to account for the origin of homochirality. This latest work is just one in a series of failed scenarios. Below are links to past articles … more

In this article, I aim to make sense of these challenges to biblical creation. Here I discuss a team of chemists’ recent laboratory work simulating chemical reactions that could lead to … more

Last week, I retold the story of chemist Stanley Miller’s sudden rise to fame with the success of his spark-discharge experiments in the 1950s. Scientists believed that Miller’s experiment … more

Fame can be fleeting. One moment: adorned by fans. The next: all but forgotten. Still, comebacks are possible. Ironically, one of the best ways to revive a floundering career is to die. People somehow … more

Every life-form requires protein molecules. Proteins are complex assemblages of twenty different kinds of amino acids that fall into four general categories: nonpolar, polar uncharged, acidic … more

Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that … more

Metabolism First: It’s not a new diet plan. It’s how some scientists think life originated. Over the course of the last few years insights into this class of evolutionary models indicate … more

Last week I mentioned how much I enjoyed watching Dudley Do-Right on Saturday mornings as a kid. I was also fond of Underdog. This canine parody of Superman battled criminals like Simon Bar Sinister … more

I remember watching Dudley Do-Right on Saturday mornings as a kid. A member of the Canadian Mounties, this cartoon hero displayed more heroism than smarts as week after week he took on his archenemy … more

Reflections on the World's Most (In)famous Origin-of-Life Experiment

Some time back, we were recoding a series of new episodes for our podcast I Didn't Know That!. (This is the program where members … more

New Research Rescues RNA World Scenario for Origin of Life, Or Does It?

When you're gambling and losing, one quick way to turn your fortunes around (or make matters even worse for yourself) is to bet … more

New Research Rescues RNA World Scenario for Origin of Life, Or Does It?

Sometimes bad things happen in life and the best we can do is pick up the pieces and move on. Recently a team of Italian … more

Discovery of Old Lab Vials Erupts New Interest in a Famous Origin-of-Life Experiment

It never ceases to amaze me what turns up when I clean out our garage: forgotten stuff that brings back memories, … more

Advanced life requires the efficient processing of energy to perform work. Only the oxidation of carbohydrates, starches, and fats can deliver the necessary efficiency. However, the presence of oxygen … more

Phosphates serve as the backbone for all nucleic acids and are the major repository of chemical energy for metabolism. The human body contains about 11,000 parts per million of phosphorus by weight. … more