Jun 17 (edited) • Biology
Life itself has a "handedness." But why? New research attempts to explain it.
Why does DNA use only right-handed sugars while proteins use only left-handed amino acids? Is this an accident of evolution on Earth, or is deeply woven into the fabric of life? If it is, then we could expect all DNA-based life anywhere in the Universe to use similar molecules, in which case visiting aliens might choose to eat us. (But we then we may ultimately be saved by microbes as in War of the Worlds.)
A new paper presents an interesting hypothesis, and data to back it up, that the this handedness is fundamental. The great Sabine Hossenfelder explains.
I should say that I am highly skeptical of this result. But this is a delightful video about an extremely interesting new experiment.
Enjoy!
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Life itself has a "handedness." But why? New research attempts to explain it.
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