Physics
Proteins successful the compartment membranes of astir organisms enactment similar the hypothetical “demon” imagined by James Clerk Maxwell successful 1867, which was thought to interruption the laws of physics
By Alex Wilkins
James Clerk Maxwell imagined a demon that operates a doorway betwixt 2 boxes of gas, allowing 1 broadside to go hotter than the other
Alpha Historica / Alamy /Science Photo Library
A hypothetical being described successful a 155-year-old thought experiment, astatine the clip thought to interruption the laws of thermodynamics, really evolved billions of years agone successful the signifier of proteins utilized by astir each surviving organism.
In 1867, physicist James Clerk Maxwell was pondering imaginable exceptions to the second instrumentality of thermodynamics, which says things indispensable ever travel from blistery to acold unless determination is immoderate …
No commitment, cancel anytime*
Offer ends 14th June 2023.
*Cancel anytime wrong 14 days of outgo to person a refund connected unserved issues.
Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)
or
Existing subscribers
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles