Seeking to uncover biology's chemical roots

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 435-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Addy Pross
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Biological Systems ◽  
Significant Development ◽  
The Road ◽  
Physical Chemical ◽  
Systems Chemistry ◽  
Biological World ◽  
Inanimate Matter ◽  
The Origin Of Life ◽  
Opening Up

Despite the considerable advances in molecular biology over the past several decades, the nature of the physical–chemical process by which inanimate matter become transformed into simplest life remains elusive. In this review, we describe recent advances in a relatively new area of chemistry, systems chemistry, which attempts to uncover the physical–chemical principles underlying that remarkable transformation. A significant development has been the discovery that within the space of chemical potentiality there exists a largely unexplored kinetic domain which could be termed dynamic kinetic chemistry. Our analysis suggests that all biological systems and associated sub-systems belong to this distinct domain, thereby facilitating the placement of biological systems within a coherent physical/chemical framework. That discovery offers new insights into the origin of life process, as well as opening the door toward the preparation of active materials able to self-heal, adapt to environmental changes, even communicate, mimicking what transpires routinely in the biological world. The road to simplest proto-life appears to be opening up.

scholarly journals How Was Nature Able to Discover Its Own Laws—Twice?

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 679
Author(s):  
Addy Pross
Keyword(s):  
Origin Of Life ◽  
Scientific Revolution ◽  
Objective Reality ◽  
Chemical Systems ◽  
Central Thesis ◽  
Law Of Nature ◽  
Physical Chemical ◽  
Systems Chemistry ◽  
The Origin Of Life ◽  
Life Question

The central thesis of the modern scientific revolution is that nature is objective. Yet, somehow, out of that objective reality, projective systems emerged—cognitive and purposeful. More remarkably, through nature’s objective laws, chemical systems emerged and evolved to take advantage of those laws. Even more inexplicably, nature uncovered those laws twice—once unconsciously, once consciously. Accordingly, one could rephrase the origin of life question as follows: how was nature able to become self-aware and discover its own laws? What is the law of nature that enabled nature to discover its own laws? Addressing these challenging questions in physical-chemical terms may be possible through the newly emergent field of systems chemistry.

Transmission Electron Microscopy of Protein Macromolecules

1971 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 424-425
Author(s):  
Henry S. Slayter
Keyword(s):  
Biological Systems ◽  
Metal Vapor ◽  
Resolving Power ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Chemical Methods ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
The Past ◽  
Physical Chemical ◽  
Transmission Electron

Electron microscopic methods have been applied increasingly during the past fifteen years, to problems in structural molecular biology. Used in conjunction with physical chemical methods and/or Fourier methods of analysis, they constitute powerful tools for determining sizes, shapes and modes of aggregation of biopolymers with molecular weights greater than 50, 000. However, the application of the e.m. to the determination of very fine structure approaching the limit of instrumental resolving power in biological systems has not been productive, due to various difficulties such as the destructive effects of dehydration, damage to the specimen by the electron beam, and lack of adequate and specific contrast. One of the most satisfactory methods for contrasting individual macromolecules involves the deposition of heavy metal vapor upon the specimen. We have investigated this process, and present here what we believe to be the more important considerations for optimizing it. Results of the application of these methods to several biological systems including muscle proteins, fibrinogen, ribosomes and chromatin will be discussed.

Privity: Rights, Standing, and the Road Not Taken

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Liau
Keyword(s):  
Third Party ◽  
The Road ◽  
Distinct Concept ◽  
Contractual Rights ◽  
Opening Up

Abstract Privity is generally understood as a rule comprising a burdens limb and a more controversial benefits or ‘rights’ limb. This rendition of privity is too simplistic. Privity has multiple aspects, but its underlying complexity has been obscured by an overwhelming focus on ‘rights’, explaining in part the persistent unclarity plaguing the area. In this article, I argue that an elision of concepts has hampered our understanding of privity and its reform. The literature on contractual rights to performance and secondary rights to damages for their breach is legion. By contrast, standing, as a separate and distinct concept, has been overlooked. These are concepts that need to be more clearly differentiated. While not a panacea to resolve all issues, it is a necessary step to a firmer handle over the distinct issues at stake, and to opening up a novel angle to privity reform—third-party standing—the road not taken.

scholarly journals Persepsi Perubahan Aspek Sosial, Ekonomi, dan Lingkungan Terhadap Keberadaan Jalan Tol Layang AP Pettarani

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 68
Author(s):  
Lambang Basri Said ◽  
Ilham Syafei ◽  
Watono Watono ◽  
Fadel Muhammad Anis ◽  
Muhammad Yusuf Al Makassari
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Road User ◽  
The Road ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Toll Road ◽  
National Economic ◽  
Written Form ◽  
Ujung Pandang ◽  
Relationship Of

Keberadaan Jalan Tol Layang AP Pettarani sebagai bagian dari Jalan Tol Ujung Pandang, sangat diharapkan menjadi salah satu solusi transportasi darat sebagai angkutan logistik penunjang pertumbuhan ekonomi secara nasional, khususnya dalam rangka mengatasi kemacetan serta mendukung mobilitas barang dan jasa di Kota Makassar. Perubahan sosial, ekonomi, dan lingkungan tersebut merupakan pengaruh yang ditimbulkan atau kemungkinan besar akan terjadi, yang menyangkut keadaan sosial, ekonomi, dan lingkungan masyarakat pengguna jalan.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis seberapa besar persepsi perubahan aspek sosial, ekonomi, dan lingkunganmasyarakat pengguna jalanterhadap keberadaan jalan tol layang AP Pettarani. Jenis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah data subyek. Data kuesioner yang digunakan adalah dari hasil jawaban responden atas pertanyaan yang diajukan penulis kepada responden dalam bentuk tulisan. Adapun untuk mengetahui hubungan variabel-variabel yang mempunyai hubungan, maka dilakukan pengujian hipotesis dengan perhitungan statistik. Untuk penganalisisan data digunakan SPSS versi 21.00 dalam model dan pengkajian hipotesis. Berdasarkan dari hasil kuesioner maka didapatkan variabel-variabel mana saja yang mempunyai pengaruh signifikan terhadap keberadaan jalan tol layang AP Pettarani.The existence of the AP Pettarani Flyover Toll Road as part of the Ujung Pandang Toll Road, is expected to be one of the land transportation solutions as a logistical transportation to support national economic growth, especially in the context of overcoming congestion and supporting the mobility of goods and services in Makassar City. These social, economic, and environmental changes are the effects that are caused or will most likely occur, which involve the social, economic, and environmental conditions of road user communities. This study aims to analyze how much the perception of changes in social, economic, and environmental aspects of the road user community to the existence of the AP Pettarani flyover. The type of data used in this study is subject data. Questionnaire data used are the results of respondents' answers to questions raised by the author to respondents in written form. As for knowing the relationship of the variables that have a relationship, then testing the hypothesis with statistical calculations. For analyzing data SPSS version 21.00 is used in the model and hypothesis assessment. Based on the results of the questionnaire, it is obtained which variables have a significant influence on the existence of the AP Pettarani flyover.

Language and framing as determinants of the predominance of behavioural health promotion: an Australian view

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 624-631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Fry
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Ottawa Charter ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
Message Frame ◽  
The Many ◽  
Opening Up ◽  
Behavioural Strategies

Abstract The language used in health promotion warrants attention as it shapes how health promotion is understood, constraining or opening up possibilities for action. The 2016 Shanghai Declaration and the 1986 Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion call for comprehensive approaches which include policy and environmental changes. Yet many health promotion programmes in Australia continue to focus on informational and/or behavioural strategies, and there is a contemporary tendency for such programmes to be described as ‘sending messages’. This paper uses frame analysis to discuss the role of language, and specifically language that frames health promotion as sending messages, in contributing to and reinforcing the predominance of informational and/or behavioural strategies. It argues such ‘message’ language helps to set a pattern in which informational and/or behavioural strategies are assumed to be the primary goal and extent of health promotion; rather than one component of a comprehensive, multi-strategic approach. It discusses how frames can be ‘taken for granted’ and ways in which such frames can be challenged and broadened. It argues that the message frame and associated behavioural framings set narrow boundaries for health promotion, contributing to the continuation of health inequities. These frames can also displace the language of the Ottawa Charter, which has capacity to reframe health issues socio-ecologically and include collective strategies. The paper concludes that a first step (of the many needed) towards applying the Charter’s approach and multi-level, multi-strategic framework is to use the innovative vocabulary it offers. The words matter.

scholarly journals Engineering Methods of Forest Environment Protection against Meteorological Drought in Poland

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 614
Author(s):  
Andrzej Czerniak ◽  
Sylwester Grajewski ◽  
Anna Krysztofiak-Kaniewska ◽  
Ewa E. Kurowska ◽  
Bernard Okoński ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Cover ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Meteorological Drought ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Environment Protection ◽  
Forest Environment ◽  
The Road ◽  
Effects Of Drought ◽  
Remote Sensing Techniques ◽  
The University

The forest cover in Poland reaches almost 30% of the country’s area. Polish forests are characterized by high biodiversity. Unfortunately, in recent years, the forests of Central Europe have been affected by climate change problems, in particular meteorological drought. In Poland, even those stands which consist of species that were widely recognized as drought tolerant and easily adaptable to environmental changes are beginning to die. The article presents engineering methods applicable to forest environment protection, largely developed at the University of Life Sciences in Poznań and implemented by the State Forests—National Forest Holding in Poland, to minimize the effects of drought. Among the issues raised are ways to protect forests against fires, modern technologies for fire road surface construction and small-scale water retention in forests. A comprehensive solution to problems related to progressive drought is a must. Scientists and foresters are observing the dying of large areas of stands and, at the same time, intensification of wildlife migration due to the search for new habitats as a consequence of the drought. Therefore, the issue of building animal crossings during the current dynamic expansion of the road network in Poland has also been presented in the paper. Another subject pointed to in the text is forest tourism. Forests provide opportunities for recreation and rest to society. However, the increasing tourist pressure in some regions may cause adverse environmental effects. Finally, the paper shows some examples of supporting forest environment protection using remote sensing techniques. Generally, the aim of the paper is to present experiences and comprehensive solutions implemented in Poland.

Buffon, German Biology, and the Historical Interpretation of Biological Species

1979 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip R. Sloan
Keyword(s):  
Turning Point ◽  
Biological Systems ◽  
Biological Species ◽  
Natural System ◽  
Phylogenetic Systematics ◽  
Historical Interpretation ◽  
Significant Development ◽  
History Of ◽  
Biological Systematics ◽  
Modern Era

The entry of time and history into biological systems of classification is perhaps the single most significant development in the history of biological systematics in the modern era. Darwin's claiming that descent is ‘… the hidden bond of connexion which naturalists have been seeking under the term of the natural system’, rather than seeing the answer in the multitude of previous attempts to resolve the problem in terms of morphological affinities, analogies, and complex relations of resemblance, marked the turning point in a long search into the meaning of biological taxonomy, and allowed the development of Darwin's insights by Haeckel, Plate and others into modern phylogenetic systematics.

scholarly journals Microscopic Dissipative Structuring at the Origin of Life

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karo Michaelian
Keyword(s):  
Radiative Decay ◽  
Double Helix ◽  
Solar Spectrum ◽  
Conical Intersection ◽  
Origin And Evolution ◽  
Physical Chemical ◽  
Evolution Of Life ◽  
The Origin Of Life ◽  
Uv C ◽  
Rna And Dna

AbstractFundamental molecules of life are suggested to be formed, proliferated, and evolved through microscopic dissipative structuring and autocatalytic replication under the UV-C solar spectrum prevalent at Earth’s surface throughout the Archean. Evidence is given in the numerous salient characteristics of these, including their strong absorption in this spectral region, their rapid non-radiative decay through an inherent conical intersection, UV-C activation (phos-phorylation) of nucleotides, and UV-C induced denaturing of double helix RNA and DNA. The examples of the dissipative structuring and dissipative proliferation of the purines and of single strand DNA are given. This provides a physical-chemical foundation for understanding the origin and evolution of life.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document