Martin Hanczyc is a chemist experimenting with "protocells", cells meant to mimic life and actions of life. This video was first placed on the TEDTalks website, and discusses Hanczyc's findings with his experimentation and what it means for the possibilities of life.
Questions Responses
What is his diction like? Why is the study of different forms of life so important? What does his success at creating 'life' mean? | Like most speeches, there are uhh's and likes sprinkled throughout his talk, but for the most part, he seems to be trying to keep the conversation very simple so as not to alienate any one that may be listening. Since he is using an informative approach this is very useful, as many people wouldn't be familiar with this topic. Martin states throughout the talk that the study of different forms of life is essential to learning more about the development of life from whatever basic form it started from, to what it is now. We also need to adapt our definition of what life is as we delve deeper out into the Cosmos because life may be different to what we are used to here. Although very simplistic, Martin was able to create life that is able to move and absorb other objects. The fact that these were able to be created with simple chemicals supports the idea of a sort of primordial ooze starting the formation of life on earth, and possibly life on other planets. |