// Simona Marchi
The scientist used the principles of information theory to calculate the probability of the spontaneous assembly of a primordial cell from simple chemical elements. The results were shocking: the chances of such an event are virtually zero.
Endres draws an analogy between this process and writing a scientific paper, where letters are randomly typed on a keyboard. The more complex the system, the faster the probability of a successful outcome approaches zero. According to the laws of physics, any system tends toward chaos rather than order, making the creation of a complex molecule necessary for life extremely difficult.
The time frames proved insufficient
The data from this research indicate that random chemical reactions and natural processes could not provide the conditions for the emergence of life within the allotted time on early Earth. This does not imply that the emergence of life is impossible — rather, modern scientific models lack key elements.
“Identifying physical laws that explain how life could arise from inanimate matter remains one of the most significant unsolved problems in biological physics,” emphasizes the scientist.
New approaches are needed
Endres does not dismiss the possibility of life arising naturally; however, he believes that scientists need to discover new physical laws or mechanisms that could overcome significant informational barriers. There may be yet undiscovered processes that facilitate the self-organization of matter.
The study also discusses the hypothesis of directed panspermia — the assumption that life may have been brought to Earth by highly developed extraterrestrial civilizations. This theory was proposed by Francis Crick and Leslie Orgel. Nevertheless, Endres considers such an explanation too complex and contrary to the principle of “Occam's razor,” which implies a preference for simpler explanations.
Although the study does not provide a definitive answer to the question of the origin of life, it opens new avenues for further research. By combining mathematics and biology, scientists are getting closer to unraveling one of the greatest mysteries: how the living emerged from the non-living.
