Swimming in A Sea of Questions

Explore the fascinating thoughts on the origin of life and its scientific significance. What led to the emergence of life?

Written byCarl Zimmer
| 1 min read
Google NewsGoogle News Preferred Source

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news

Sign Up

Meet the Author

More on Discover
Jellyfish and sea anemone, Cassiopea andromeda, in the ocean
Brainless Jellyfish Need Rest Like Humans, and Reveal Sleep’s Evolutionary Purpose
juvenile yellow huntsman spider with mite larvae around its neck
This Newly Discovered Parasite Looks Like a String of Pearls Around a Spider's Neck
Illustration of a Greenland shark in the ocean
How a 400-Year-Old Shark Keeps Its Vision From Breaking Down
cookiecutter shark with it's mouth open, revealing opaque white teeth
Rare and Elusive Cookiecutter Shark Leaves a Round Wound in Its Prey
fungal infected beetle in spruce tree
Fatal Fungus Turns Beetles’ Chemical Shields Into a Deadly Weakness
rendition of ancient humans around a pyre
Oldest Cremation Pyre Found in Africa Rewrites Our Understanding of Hunter-Gatherer Ritual Behavior
colorful coral reef with orange fish
Coral Reefs Do More Than Build Habitat — They Organize Microbial Life
Two stingless bees inside of a an orange flower
How Stingless Bees in the Amazon Became the First Insects With Legal Rights
three orcas or killer whales breaching the surface of the water
Why Some Orcas Stay Close to Home While Others Roam — And Rarely Interact
Collapsed gas hydrate mound underwater
The Freya Hydrate Mounds Lie Over 11,940 Feet Below the Surface — and They’re Teeming With Life
Collage of Balanophora species which are parasitic plants that live underground
A Rare Parasitic Plant Lives Underground Without Photosynthesis and Reproduces Asexually
Mount Etna active volcano in Italy
Mount Etna Erupts During the Holidays, Ending an Active Volcanic Year in a Grand Finale

Stay Curious

JoinOur List

Sign up for our weekly science updates

View our Privacy Policy

SubscribeTo The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Subscribe