Origin Of Life

2 articles

Abstract representation of complex molecules assembling, symbolizing the core concepts of Assembly Theory and its challenge to defining life and evolution.

What is Assembly Theory and why does it challenge definitions of life?

A 2023 paper, "Assembly theory explains and quantifies selection and evolution," proposed a new framework for life, but its very title immediately drew criticism for being misleading.

David Grossman·July 9, 2026

Microscopic view of RNA and protein systems, some thriving and others fading, representing the delicate balance of early life and extinction risks.

Life & Biology

RNA protein systems face extinction risks, study reveals

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have precisely mapped the environmental tipping points that determine if a self-replicating RNA-protein system will flourish into complexity or vanish entirely.

David Grossman·June 6, 2026