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This type of research is mostly a dead end. Abiotic processes for generating amino acids and nucleotides from smaller components are well-known. The mystery re
by apo 10y ago
This type of research is mostly a dead end. Abiotic processes for generating amino acids and nucleotides from smaller components are well-known.
The mystery revolves around how these building blocks turn into life through abiotic processes. We really haven't got a clue. As a chemist, I view this as the most important unsolved problem the discipline has to offer.
Solving this mystery would likely be the most significant turning point in human history.
This reminds me of something Paul Graham once said. Knowing a problem exists isn't sufficient justification to solve it. You also need an approach. The approach to solving the origin of life problem does not exist (yet).
- theoh 10y agoI'm not sure what Graham meant by "justification", if indeed that's the word he used. That would be a "why" not a "how". Of course you need an attack to solve a problem. Just formulating the problem doesn't guarantee a solution. There must be more to what Graham said than what you are reporting.
- gnaritas 10y ago> Solving this mystery would likely be the most significant turning point in human history. I can't imagine how; most people will simply dismiss it and continue praying to their Gods and scientists already believe what it would prove so few minds would change and unless it directly leads to some practical output it simply won't matter to most of the world.
- apo 10y agoWith understanding of a process comes the possibility (or inevitability) of controlling it. I'm not referring to mythology, but rather technology.
- gnaritas 10y agoWhich is what I was referring to by some practical output; however it's possible and common to acquire knowledge without there being immediate things to do with it. Certainly the knowledge is progress, but you called it the most significant in human history, that's a bold claim, care to expand on how so?