A Matter of Energy: Biology From First Principles: A Conversation with Nick Lane

by Howard Burton

This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and Nick Lane, Professor of Evolutionary Biochemistry at University College London and bestselling author. After an inspiring story of Nick Lane’s career path, this wide-ranging conversation covers his bioenergetic view of early, evolutionary history, the origin of life and how all complex life is composed of a very particular cell type that we all share, and more.

This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, The Big Picture, and questions for discussion at the end of each

I. A Long and Winding Road - Nick goes round the housesII. Structuring Energy - Cells, membranes and a counterintuitive mechanismIII. Hydrothermal Vents - More than just chemistryIV. Simulational Challenges - Making your own hydrothermal ventV. Synoptic Justifications - Philosophers wantedVI. Becoming Complex - From prokaryotes to eukaryotesVII. Marvellous Mitochondria - Insights from a metabolic worldviewVIII. Open Questions - From the origin of life to consciousness

this book is also part of the 5-part compendium CONVERSATIONS ABOUT BIOLOGY (author Howard Burton). This compendium includes 5 complete books featuring celebrated researchers Nick Lane, Jay Gargus, Alcino Silva, Stephen Scherer, and Matthew Walker and is available in paperback, hardcover and electronic format. About Ideas Roadshow Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2020

About the author

Howard holds a PhD in theoretical physics and an MA in philosophy. He was the Founding Executive Director of Canada’s Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI) from 1999-2007. During his time at PI, he also developed an extensive outreach programme for teachers, students and the general public. His experiences at developing the research and outreach mandates of the institute were described in the book First Principles: Building Perimeter Institute, featuring a foreword by Nobel Laureate Roger Penrose.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't love the interview format in books, but it was interesting to hear about Nick Lane's professional journey and scientific insights