Dr. Shawn McGlynn
Earth-Life Science Institute/Institute of Science Tokyo

Topic: Metabolic and molecular inquiries into the geochemistry and biochemistry of early life.

Academic host: Boswell Wing

Abstract: The characteristics of the earliest life might serve as a window into the origin of life and early environmental cycles. However, determining these characteristics is challenging. In this talk we’ll look at the molecular record in the form of phylogenies from gene trees and consider what they can tell us about the earliest life. Taking an orthogonal view, we’ll take a structural view of metabolism and ask if we can relate this to evolution and perhaps even Earth history.

As a bonus, I’ll also give a brief overview of the ongoing research and future opportunities at my home institute the Earth-Life Science Institute at the Institute of Science Tokyo.