In“Researcher says he has created living cells made of metal instead of carbon — and they may be evolving” (Mother Nature Network, Sep 26, 2011), Bryan Nelson reports,
Scientists trying to create artificial life generally work under the assumption that life must be carbon-based, but what if a living thing could be made from another element?
One British researcher may have proven that theory, potentially rewriting the book of life. Lee Cronin of the University of Glasgow has created lifelike cells from metal — a feat few believed feasible. The discovery opens the door to the possibility that there may be life forms in the universe not based on carbon, reports New Scientist.
Even more remarkable, Cronin has hinted that the metal-based cells may be replicating themselves and evolving.
“I am 100 percent positive that we can get evolution to work outside organic biology,” he said.
Funny we heard nothing about it in the subsequent three months. In fact, the current speculations re alternative chemistries of life seem unaware of these studies.
See, for example, Could exoplanets support life that has a different chemical composition?
And
Conference to grapple with Earth’s rarity – a welcome change.