The entire Resident Evil film franchise should probably be blamed for this catastrophe in the making. Might as well spread the guilt and include the TV adaptation of The Living Dead and a few rather zombie-filled first-person shooters. But wait, wait, this isn’t exactly a zombie virus as depicted in movies (at least not yet). At the moment, it’s quite the breakthrough. Revolutionary stuff!
But relax, as usual, our paranoia is getting the better of us. The research being undertaken at the University of Glasgow is actually 100% benign. All it seeks to accomplish is a viable process of “engineering” inorganic cells to conduct chemical processes. In short, make non-carbon-based cells act like carbon-based cellular life forms. Impossible? Professor Cronin thinks otherwise. In fact, he has already spoken about his research in Edinburgh during a TED Global conference.
The Science Behind Inorganic Cells
The goal isn’t so much to allow scientists godlike powers over life and death, but to finally get the theory of evolution moving in the right direction. This is accomplished by creating chemical processes involving membranes among inorganic cells. It’s real brainy stuff that could revitalize science’s eternal quest for the true origins of not only our species but life in the universe. If there’s life in the universe.
To delve deeper, the research focuses on creating protocells, which are essentially simple, synthetic cells that mimic the properties of biological cells. These protocells are made from inorganic materials, such as metal oxides, and are designed to perform basic life-like functions. The idea is to understand how life could potentially arise from non-living matter, a concept that has fascinated scientists for centuries.
Implications and Future Prospects
The implications of this research are vast. If successful, it could lead to a better understanding of the fundamental principles of life. This could have applications in various fields, including medicine, environmental science, and even space exploration. For instance, if we can create life-like cells from inorganic materials, it might be possible to develop new forms of medical treatments or create self-sustaining life support systems for long-term space missions.
Moreover, this research could also provide insights into the possibility of life on other planets. If life can arise from inorganic materials on Earth, it raises the question of whether similar processes could occur elsewhere in the universe. This could potentially revolutionize our search for extraterrestrial life and expand our understanding of the cosmos.
However, it’s important to note that this research is still in its early stages. While the initial results are promising, there is still a long way to go before we can fully understand and harness the potential of inorganic cells. Scientists will need to conduct further experiments and develop more advanced techniques to achieve their goals.
In conclusion, while the idea of inorganic cells might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, it is a legitimate and exciting area of scientific research. By exploring the potential of inorganic materials to perform life-like functions, scientists are pushing the boundaries of our understanding of life and evolution. So, while we might not be facing a zombie apocalypse anytime soon, we are certainly on the brink of some groundbreaking discoveries.
Source Gizmag
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