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Those complaining about extrapolation may like to read the paper, rather than the article... https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://arxiv.org/pdf/1304...

There's discussion of measuring DNA complexity; issues in extrapolation (there's evidence suggesting recent increases are hyperexponential, which would push back the origin of life even further); section 8 notes function complexity has increased much faster with the "mind" (as in what birds and mammals have) which is not reflected in DNA complexity (chimp-human encephalization rate is x100 faster).

I love the fresh perspective of not tying the origin of life to the origin of earth - nice and non-geocentric!



The rise of life doesn't have to be a universally unique event. It can easily rise in isolation on Earth, and in numerous other places that obey the laws of organic chemistry.




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