Researchers have already developed chemical systems capable of self-replication out of relatively simple organic molecules. One such system recently exhibited a kind of primitive, basic evolution in line with Darwin’s principles (i.e. one in which selection and reproduction are already beginning to take effect). But the origin of life requires more than just a simple, early form of evolution. In other words: it is not enough for systems to be able to reproduce and vary to a limited extent.

The ‘evolvability’ of self-replicating systems must, in fact, continue to increase: they must become better and better at developing new, more complex forms. Ultimately, this evolution must continue indefinitely, with ever-new possibilities, without the system quickly becoming stuck or ceasing to change. In other words: evolution must have an ‘open-ended’ nature.

This project experimentally investigates how the ‘evolvability’ of chemical systems can be enhanced. In doing so, researchers look for the balance between two factors: the scope for new properties to emerge (variation) and the accuracy with which systems can replicate themselves. Too little variation means that no new, superior properties emerge, whilst too many errors during replication lead to the loss of new properties.

Hence, this project seeks the ‘Goldilocks zone’, characterised by sufficient variation, but few errors, so that systems can evolve whilst retaining their properties.