Life On The Edge

Michael Gross author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:INGRAM PUBLISHER SERVICES US

Published:25th Jan '01

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Life On The Edge cover

Can life exist in the Antarctic ice, in the deep subsurface, in dilute sulfuric acid, in hot springs-even on Mars? What degree of high or low temperature, pressure, or salt concentration can living cells tolerate? In recent years, scientists have discovered many single-cell creatures that exist in-in fact, are perfectly adapted to-extreme environments that were considered uninhabitable just one or two decades ago. In Life on the Edge , author Michael Gross explores how microorganisms adapt to their hostile environments and how they affect our current definition of the "normal" conditions for life. He also describes the vast implications of these extremophiles and other amazing creatures-from potential breakthroughs in medicine and biotechnology to the search for life elsewhere in the universe.

"A fascinating introduction to the subject [of life in extreme environments]. Challenging in parts--but well worth the effort." New Scientist

ISBN: 9780738204451

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

224 pages