Carl Zimmer

"We all assume we know what life is, but the more scientists learn about the living world-from protocells to brains, from zygotes to pandemic viruses-the harder they find it is to locate life's edge"--

The Search for What It Means to Be Alive

Life's Edge

Andrew Marti

Zimmer is a gifted explainer of some of the most complex topics in science: RNA, DNA, microbiome, viruses, etc. He does so by weaving in stories of discovery, oddities, and failures. 

Central to all of these topics is one question: 

What does it mean to be alive? 

A seemingly easy question that is actually endlessly complex. 

Again and again, Zimmer shares an oddity on the edge of our definition of life. Example: Scientists are growing tiny brains in test tubes. Are those considered living things? How about a tardigrade? These microscopic manatee-like creatures which when dead and dried, are seemingly resurrected when water is added. Or the slime mold, a blob that decides where to grow and what to eat; all without a brain. 

Life is made of layers, each full of its own complexities and wonders. From the living creature to the cell to the molecule: As you go deeper, new discoveries and mysteries await.

Life's Edge The Search for What It Means to Be Alive

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