• Our focus is the origins and early evolution of life. We demonstrate how molecules could give rise to the development of biological systems in test tubes. For example, we find or construct self-replicating molecular systems, such as those based on RNA, and evolve them to uncover possible evolutionary transitions toward the emergence of life. In another approach, we combine molecular components to create and characterize protocell models. These attempts also contribute to technological developments in synthetic biology, evolutionary engineering, and artificial cells. Please also see Research and Publications.
  
  Check the program for our upcoming mini-symposium “Toward the Understanding and Engineering of Complex Systems: Materials to Life,” to be held on June 22, 2024, at ELSI, Tokyo Tech.

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