Astrobiologist and science communicator Dr Luke Steller journeys deep into the primordial soup to discuss the enigma of Earth’s first life. In our conversation, we discuss what early life could have looked like 3 billion years ago, how scientists read the fossil and rock record, and what life might look like elsewhere in our universe.
Bio:
Dr. Luke Steller is a researcher in the field of astrobiology, the study of how life began on Earth and where it might exist elsewhere in the universe. His research consists of exploring the ancient hot springs of the Pilbara region in Western Australia, on Nyamal Country, where some of the oldest evidence for life on Earth are found. By studying the ancient environment in which this early life was found and conducting experiments that simulate early Earth conditions, Luke explores how simple chemical systems, like RNA and proto-cells, could have evolved into life. He has a PhD in geology from the University of New South Wales.
Hosted and produced by Catherine Polcz with music by Carl Didur.