The Origins of Life Lab at McMaster University

Abstract

One of the many novel scientific studies being conducted at McMaster University focuses on uncovering the origins of life, specifically, how the first cells were formed. Dr. Maikel Rheinstadter, from the Department of Physics and Astronomy, has developed a planetary simulator that effectively replicates environmental conditions both on Earth and other potentially habitable planets in the solar system. His team works to discern how the first cells may have developed on these planets by investigating the idea that water-based life was formed in warm, volcanic ponds. The following interview provides further insight into Dr. Rheinstadter’s research project.