The Outer Reaches of Life [Paperback]

An exploration of the world of microbes, and what it reveals about the origin and evolution of life.Showing how understanding microbes can provide new clues to the origin and evolution of terrestrial life, this fascinating exploration offers glimpses of how life might have established itself elsewhere. It raises questions about death, sensation and individuality, as well as insights into scientific progress.Showing how understanding microbes can provide new clues to the origin and evolution of terrestrial life, this fascinating exploration offers glimpses of how life might have established itself elsewhere. It raises questions about death, sensation and individuality, as well as insights into scientific progress.The invisible world of microbes--capable of surviving in the most harsh and inhospitable conditions on earth--reveals the remarkable potential and resilience of life itself. John Postgate's fascinating exploration of these outer reaches of life shows how understanding microbes can provide new clues to the origin and evolution of terrestrial life, and offers glimpses of how life might have established itself elsewhere in the Universe. In the process, it raises profound questions about death, sensation and individuality, and insights into the nature of scientific progress. The feats of modern biotechnology are just one manifestation of the astonishing resources of microbes illuminated in John Postgate's lucid and intriguing account.1. Microbes and terrestrial life; 2. Some like it hot; 3. Cool, man, cool; 4. The big squeeze; 5. A salty tale; 6. Corrosive and slippery places; 7. Life without oxygen; 8. Living on minerals; 9. Exotic menus; 10. Of wraiths and ghosts; 11. The inertness of nitrogen; 12. Getting about; 13. Microsenses; 14. A private space; 15. Company; 16. Immortality and the Big Sleep; 17. Self-adjustment; 18. Life's outer reaches. After an introduction, the remaining 17 sections cover individual topics (temperature, pressure, nutrients, etc.) al£+