New spin on evolution informs search for extra-terrestrial life

Professor Nick Lane’s pioneering research on energy flow in evolution, detailed in a popular science book, has shaped public understanding of astrobiology and informed funding for space missions.

As a writer and evolutionary biochemist in the UCL Division of Biosciences, Professor Nick Lane’s research examines the role of energy flow in structuring evolution. 

For decades, research on evolution has been grounded in genes and phylogenetic analysis to understand the tree of life. Yet the evolution of life on Earth does not only reflect genetic information. Bacteria explored the genetic possibilities of life even more comprehensively than our own type of complex ‘eukaryotic’ cells, but they never evolved similar complexity at the level of cells, organisms or genomes. There are no plants or animals composed of bacterial cells, despite their great genetic versatility.  

Professor Lane’s work has challenged the gene-centric view of evolution and medicine through rigorous experimental and computational methods that explore the constraints that energy flow places on genes, with implications ranging from the search for life in space to age-related disease. His bioenergetic research has focused on the origin of life, the emergence of complex cells and the traits shared by all complex life, such as sex and ageing.  

An accessible exploration of life 

The Vital Question synthesised Professor Lane’s research on energy flows into an accessible exploration of life, reproduction, ageing, and death. His book has reshaped public perception of evolution, reaching millions through extensive media impact. It inspired students and the public to engage with and study science and generated funding and enthusiasm for space missions.  

Published to wide critical acclaim, The Vital Question has sold more than 100,000 copies globally and been translated into 14 languages. Describing it as ‘one of the deepest, most illuminating books about the history of life to have been published in recent years’, The Economist selected it as a book of the year. The impact of The Vital Question was recognised by the Royal Society Michael Faraday Prize, the UK’s premier award for excellence in science communication.  

A sound basis for planetary science programs  

Professor Lane’s book has generated excitement and funding for space missions. A former NASA Chief Scientist and astronaut wrote: “I found the book inspirational in presenting a likely pathway to the origins of life on Earth, and on ice-covered ocean worlds such as the moon of Jupiter, Europa, and of Saturn, Enceladus. Working with NASA, I helped to create an Icy Worlds Research program, and initiated the Europa Clipper Mission, led by the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The Vital Question provided me a sound scientific basis for my support for those planetary science programs.”

The funding committed to the Europa Clipper Mission alone totals $4 billion. Professor Lane has engaged with millions through broadcast media on the question of planetary life. He appeared as an expert on the BBC, ITV and digital channels and on several BBC radio programmes. Professor Lane has advised on the making of other programmes, including ‘One Strange Rock’ (National Geographic, 2018, with over 100 million viewers worldwide) and ‘Forces of Nature’ (BBC with Brian Cox, 2016; 2 million viewers worldwide).  

He was scientific consultant and featured as an on-screen expert on the US/international version of episode two, ‘Mars and Earth’, for Brian Cox’s ‘The Planets’, made by the BBC and screened by NOVA in the US. 

Links

• Professor Nick Lane’s academic profile 
• UCL Division of Biosciences 
• UCL Division of Biosciences 
• UCL Faculty of Life Sciences 
• UCL Faculty of Life Sciences REF 21

Image 

• Image credit: iStock / icherick