Scientists Discuss New Theories on The Origins of Life in the Universe

What is life? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Chuck Nice tackle assembly theory, artificial life, and the origin of lifeforms in the universe as we revise the definition of life with astrobiologist and theoretical physicist Sara Imari Walker.

Is life the biological systems we know, or could life exist in ways we have yet to discover? Starting with the familiar—carbon-based life forms— we explore the idea that life may be a universal physical process governed by laws of physics we have yet to uncover.

Is life fundamentally tied to chemistry, or could it be explained by a new kind of physics? Learn about assembly theory and the line between chemistry and when something can be considered alive.

Walker explains how the Miller-Urey experiment sparked a quest to understand life’s origins, but that experiment alone wasn't enough to explain life's complexity. From prebiotic chemistry to evolutionary steps, the discussion teases the thin line between randomness and selection.

Could life be the result of a phase transition, like water turning into ice?
We discuss the search for extraterrestrial life and possible alternative biochemistries. Could life exist on other planets with different chemical structures? And what role does complexity play in this grand equation?

As technology advances, can artificial intelligence be considered alive? Could it represent a new form of life, co-evolving alongside humans? Could the future hold life forms and technologies beyond our current imagination? What new laws of physics might emerge from our growing understanding of complexity, evolution, and information?

One thing is certain: the journey to discover life, in all its forms, is just beginning.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Sara Imari Walker
5:20 - Updating The Definition of Life
10:10 - Miller-Urey & The Line Between Chemistry and Biology
15:13 - Creating Aliens
20:29 - The Traditional Definition of Life
25:03 - Testing Assembly Theory
29:48 - Is DNA Fundamental?
37:46 - Is AI Alive?
45:20 - Free Will
47:37 - Entropy
50:10 - Life as No One Knows It
52:58 - A Cosmic Perspective

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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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[StarTalk]

Do you think life is a purely chemical process, or could it be the result of deeper physical laws that apply universally, even to potential life forms we haven’t yet imagined?

[tasiaterrell]

I love that we get to observe Chuck getting more and more knowledgeable as the series goes on. If any celebrity deserves an honorary degree, it’s Chuck.

[ariahaneul]

Sara is a great communicator, I really enjoyed this episode. Chuck also asked some great questions!

[dabunnisher]

I really like Chuck's questions. He may pretend to be just a comedian (and a funny one at that), but I think he asks really good targeted questions. Questions that a lot of us viewers want to ask as well.

[Trapisto]

I rarely chime in, but tonight I felt the urge to express my very own personal experience: This episode easily clocks in at top 15, both for topic, pace and new perspectives. Amazing guest, I look forward to updates as Sarahs work progresses. And both Neil and Chuck were pretty much flawlessly on point and at the same time entertaining throughout. Inspirational! Another reward for following Startalk, and one of those gems that make me always come back for more. Thanks!

[montewilson]

I like when someone says something that looks like Neil doesn't understand but then he repeats what they said in his own words with perfect understanding. lol

[kpwu]

Wow! Chuck posed an excellent question about spontaneity and selection... he has definitely gotten leaps and bounds better at the sciences than when he initially jumped aboard.

[codaniel]

I'm just worried that if Lord Nice learns too much science it may start his super villain arc

[mickeybrumfield]

She is a great advocate for thinking out of the box.

[Ben-Ken]

I love how Niel is always ready to interject and explain uncommon jargon so that non-scientists like myself can follow the conversation.

[willie]

I see Lord Nice sitting there listening, analyzing what he’s hearing in real time, the look on his face when every thing comes together is priceless.
He’s seems amazed that he is really understanding this stuff.

[peglegjim]

Star Talk has, hands down, the most bass-assed guests, ever.
What reels me in, tho, is CHUCK.
I’m an old tradesman, and Chuck reels it back when necessary, to make the subject palatable to ME!
Thanx, Chuck. 😎

[rohitdeb]

One of those episodes where I have to first play back several minutes to stop my brain from melting, and by the time the show is over end up wondering why no one thought to think this way before. Definitely expanded my mind! And I'll be buying a copy of the book.

[markl]

Lord Nice - Don't sell yourself short. I've been studying comedians around the world and they are much more complex than most people give them credit for.

[mikasanu]

Sarah’s work is awesome and it was one of the most interesting episodes so far.
And btw it’s astonishing how much our comedian has developed.
Or should we say it’s an evolution 😂

[jaerogoth]

9:05 gotta love how she explained a complex molecule and they both had the "wtf did we just hear" look on their faces.

[Randersonwood]

Sara reminds me of the grownup version of the 10 year-old girl genius on Young Sheldon. They could be sisters they look so alike! Great episode, as always - I was clinging onto every word. Can’t wait until I can responsibly afford to be a Patreon - this podcast is number one on my wish list!! ✨🤩✨

[jinzoogen]

This was such a great interview. I love that this stuff is available on YouTube. Hooray for giving smart people microphones.

[cognitiveinstinct]

Definitely one of the most interesting guests yet. Going to look up her work.

[warrencochrane]

I loved this episode!! Get her back on