23 February 2012

'The Origins of Life' - Café Science event on 27th February

The 'Origins of Life' will be discussed during a talk of the same name held at the next Café Science event in Dundee.

Professor David Lilley, from the University of Dundee, will explore how the Earth transformed from a sterile, lifeless world into one where the earliest life forms began to emerge and evolve.

Professor Lilley, a molecular biophysicist at the University's College of Life Science, will then take part in an informal discussion with members of the audience as part of the event, which will be held at Chambers Coffee Shop, South Tay Street on Monday, 27th February.

"Even the simplest life on the planet is actually extremely complex," he explained. "How did this happen, and why did it happen on Earth? Analysing the process requires combining what we know about the chemistry of the time, geology and even astrophysics.

"As well as examining how it did happen, I will discuss the evolution of a proposed primitive form of life that does not use proteins and explains much about the origins of all life on our planet."

The monthly Café Science events take the form of informal discussions led by leading local researchers that allow members of the public the opportunity to learn more about the ground-breaking science happening in Dundee.

Professor Lilley's talk, 'The Origins of Life' takes place at 7pm on Monday, 27th February. Seating is limited so attendees are advised to arrive early. Hot meals can be ordered until 6.15pm, and entry is free and open to all.

Café Science was launched in January 2008, and has attracted more than 2500 people since then.

For more information visit www.cafesciencedundee.co.uk.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277