OoL digest — edition 15
In this week’s digest, we have papers from several areas of OoL research. In biochemistry, Lennon analyzes a synthetically constructed minimal cell and Tupper examines non-enzymatic possibilities for RNA replication. In evolutionary biology, Olejarz looks at the evolutionary dynamics of the GOE. In paraeontology, Yang report the discovery of a fossil deposit from the Cambrian. Finally, in planetary science Hallsworth discusses the role of water activity in Venus’s clouds, McGeoch examines the presence of amino acids in meteorites, Seager analyzes the possibility of atmospheric life in sub-Neptune worlds, and Seales models the temporal evolution of the habitable zone for Earth-like exoplanets. Happy reading !
Biochemistry
Evolution of a minimal cell – Lennon et al. – preprint
Rolling-Circle and Strand-displacement Mechanisms for Non-enzymatic RNA Replication at the Time of the Origin of Life – Tupper and Higgs – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022519321002411
Evolutionary biology
The Great Oxygenation Event as a consequence of ecological dynamics modulated by planetary change – Olejarz et al. – Nature Comm.
Palaeontology
A juvenile-rich palaeocommunity of the lower Cambrian Chengjiang biota sheds light on palaeo-boom or palaeo-bust environments – Yang et al. – Nat Ecol Evol
Planetary science
Water activity in Venus’s uninhabitable clouds and other planetary atmospheres – Hallsworth et al. – Nature Astronomy
Structural organization of space polymers – McGeoch and McGeoch – Physics of Fluids
Possibilities for an Aerial Biosphere in Temperate Sub Neptune-Sized Exoplanet Atmospheres – Seager et al. – Universe
The Temporal Onset of Habitability For Earth-Like Planets – Seales and Lenardic – preprint