The dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) technique is a relatively new mesoscale technique
which was initially developed to simulate hydrodynamic behavior in mesoscopic complex …

Cells are the building blocks of biological complexity. They are complex systems sustained
by the coordinated cooperative dynamics of several biochemical networks. Their replication …

Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) is now a well-established method for simulating soft
matter systems. However, its applicability was recently questioned because some …

We construct schemes for self-replicating clusters of spherical particles, validated with
computer simulations in a finite-temperature heat bath. Each particle has stickers uniformly …

The evolution of life in our biosphere has been marked by several major innovations. Such
major complexity shifts include the origin of cells, genetic codes or multicellularity to the …

Cells define the minimal building blocks of life. How cellular life emerged and evolved
implies to cross the boundary between living and nonliving matter. Here we explore this …

As a toy model, we envision the origin of life as occurring at thermodynamic equilibrium via a
large number of small systems, at least one of which reaches the threshold for life. The …

We review lessons learned about evolutionary transitions from a bottom-up construction of
minimal life. We use a particular systemic protocell design process as a starting point for …

Cross-reactions and other systematic difficulties generated by the coupling of functional
chemical subsystems pose the largest challenge for assembling a viable protocell in the …

We present work in 3D printing electric motors from basic materials as the key to building a
self-replicating machine to colonise the Moon. First, we explore the nature of the biological …