From physics to Life

Quantum Steampunk

A genre of science fiction is coming to life at the intersection of energy science,
quantum physics, and information science. Steampunk literature and film
juxtaposes futuristic technologies with Victorian settings. Automata, dirigibles, and
time machines populate Sherlock Holmes’s London; the American Wild, Wild
West; and Meiji Japan. Outside of fiction, technology has advanced far beyond the
steam engine to quantum computers, which will be able to solve certain problems
far more quickly even than supercomputers can. Quantum computing has melded
with energy science, which dates to the Victorian era, in an emerging field that I’ve
dubbed quantum steampunk. Can quantum phenomena benefit engines as they
benefit computation? How would a quantum engine, refrigerator, or battery look?
What fundamental insights can we gain by scrutinizing time’s arrow more and
more minutely? I will discuss this real-world science fiction, covered in my book
for the general public Quantum Steampunk: The Physics of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.

Does Life Need Quantum Mechanics?

Physicists and chemists are used to dealing with quantum mechanics, but biologists have thus far got away without having to worry about this strange yet powerful theory of the subatomic world. However, times are changing. There is now solid evidence that enzymes, those metabolic workhorses that drive much of the action in our cells, use the process known as quantum tunnelling to accelerate chemical reactions. And over the past few years it has emerged that plants and bacteria may use a quantum trick in photosynthesis – sending lumps of sunlight energy in multiple directions at once. It even appears that some animals have the ability to use quantum entanglement – what Einstein called “spooky action at a distance” – as a compass to ‘see’ the earth’s magnetic field. Welcome to the exciting new field of Quantum Biology.

The Goldilocks Enigma: why is the universe just right for life?

The universe looks to be suspiciously rigged in favor of life. Slight changes in the big bang or the laws of physics would be lethal. What is the explanation for this remarkable bio-friendliness? Is it a fix? Is there a hidden ‘life principle’ at work in fundamental physics? Or are there many different universes in a vast cosmic lottery, from which ours hit the habitability jackpot?

Is Life Unique to Earth?

Recent astronomical data suggests that our galaxy should be teeming with planets suitable for life but, so far at least, we have found no solid evidence for life anywhere but on planet Earth. Are we alone? Does it matter? If we do find life elsewhere, will it be anything like here on Earth? What are the chances of life emerging on other planets? How long is life likely to last on any planet? Early NASA Mars missions looked for life on the Red Planet and found tantalising data that was at least compatible with Martian life, but was never followed up. Should the search for life on Mars be NASA’s highest scientific priority because of its momentous implications?

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