A Matter of Energy: Biology From First Principles

This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Nick Lane,  Professor of Evolutionary Biochemistry at University College London and bestselling author. After an inspiring story of Nick Lane’s career path, this wide-ranging conversation covers his bioenergetic view of early, evolutionary history, the origin of life and how all complex life is composed of a very particular cell type that we all share, and more. 


This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, The Big Picture, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:


A Long and Winding Road - Nick goes round the houses

Structuring Energy - Cells, membranes and a counterintuitive mechanism

Hydrothermal Vents - More than just chemistry

Simulational Challenges - Making your own hydrothermal vent

Synoptic Justifications - Philosophers wanted

Becoming Complex - From prokaryotes to eukaryotes

Marvellous Mitochondria - Insights from a metabolic worldview

Open Questions - From the origin of life to consciousness



About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: 


This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website: https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/.