Nick Lane

Nick Lane is a British biochemist and writer. He is known for his work on evolutionary biochemistry and the origin of life. Lane has written several popular science books, including 'Life Ascending: The Ten Great Inventions of Evolution', which won the 2010 Royal Society Prize for Science Books. He is a professor at University College London, where he conducts research on the role of energy and cellular life in evolution.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Vital Question

    Cover of 'The Vital Question' by Nick Lane

    This book explores the deep and intriguing question of why life is the way it is. It delves into the origins of life on Earth, examining the critical role that energy plays in the development and evolution of living organisms. The author presents a compelling argument that the peculiarities of life, from the complexity of cells to the unique nature of sex and death, can be traced back to the energy constraints and opportunities that arose billions of years ago. By integrating concepts from a range of scientific disciplines, the book offers a groundbreaking perspective on the fundamental principles that underpin life itself, challenging conventional wisdom and providing new insights into the evolution of life on our planet.

    The 9649th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. Life Ascending

    Cover of 'Life Ascending' by Nick Lane

    "Life Ascending" explores the remarkable and diverse mechanisms that have shaped life on Earth, from the origins of life to the evolution of complex organisms. Nick Lane delves into the fundamental questions of biology, unraveling the mysteries of how life emerged from the primordial soup and how it has evolved over billions of years. Through captivating storytelling and scientific insights, Lane takes readers on a journey through the intricate web of life, revealing the extraordinary adaptations and innovations that have allowed organisms to conquer new environments and thrive in the face of challenges.

    The 11026th Greatest Book of All Time