The text discusses the concept of life forms that exist beyond the realm of carbon-based chemistry, drawing inspiration from science fiction and theoretical physics. The idea is that life could exist in the form of cosmic strings and magnetic monopoles, which are topological defects in the universe. These are fundamental kinks and defects in the fabric of the universe that may evolve into complex structures and even life within stars.
The text explores the conditions necessary for life, including the ability to encode information, the ability of information carriers to replicate faster than they disintegrate, and a source of free energy. It discusses how these conditions could be met in the context of cosmic strings and magnetic monopoles.
The text also mentions that the authors of the study are not suggesting that this is likely, but rather they are showing that other possible bases for life might exist, beyond the familiar carbon chemistry. The text concludes by stating that while it is not likely that stars are filled with ecosystems of critters built from fractured quantum fields, it is not yet impossible. The authors encourage further exploration and understanding of cosmic strings and monopoles before deciding whether they can interact with the complexity needed to evolve into life.
Fact 1: The text discusses various forms of life not based on DNA or matter as we know it, including Stanislaw Lem’s sentient ocean in Solaris and the neutron star civilization made of nuclear matter in Robert L Forward’s Dragon’s Egg.
Fact 2: A bizarre proposal suggests life composed of cosmic strings and magnetic monopoles, evolving in the hearts of stars, which is an actual scientific proposal.
Fact 3: Cosmic strings and magnetic monopoles are called topological defects. They are described as sudden changes in the "grain" of some space that can't easily be disentangled.
Fact 4: The text mentions a proposal by physicists Luis Anchordoqui and Eugene Chudnovsky, published in Letters High Energy Physics Letters, suggesting a type of nuclear life where chains of monopoles form complex structures that could evolve into life within stars.
Fact 5: The authors of the study lay out three conditions for life: the ability to encode information, the ability of information carriers to replicate faster than they disintegrate, and a source of free energy.
Fact 6: The authors discuss the possibility of these string-monopole necklaces storing information and replicating faster than they disintegrate.
Fact 7: The text suggests that stars provide a source of free energy, which is essential for any life.
Fact 8: The authors conclude that while it's not likely that stars are filled with thriving ecosystems of critters built from fractured quantum fields, it's not yet impossible.