Starred review from March 13, 2023
Evolutionary “innovations” can lie dormant for millions of years before they become useful, according to this excellent study. Wagner (Life Finds a Way), a biology professor at the University of Zurich, explains that as environments change, gene or protein mutations that previously had no functional value can become transformational. Bacteria, for example, can resist antibiotics neither they nor their ancestors have ever encountered. Additionally, grasses struggled to survive for millions of years until the drying of Earth 23 million years ago provided ideal conditions for the plant to flourish and spread across the globe. Wagner posits that latent adaptations have played a crucial role in human development and cites studies that found the “ancient neural circuitry” implicated in recognizing tools and landscapes is also activated by reading, suggesting written language is the incidental outgrowth of those neural processes. The accessible prose ensures even excursions into molecular biology are comprehensible, and Wagner finds surprising depth in evolutionary history, as when he suggests that the independent discovery of agriculture by human communities across the globe—as well as by ants, which cultivate fungi—casts doubt on individual-centric notions of genius and innovation. This is the rare volume that general readers will enjoy as much as specialists.
March 1, 2023
Wagner (evolutionary biology and environmental studies, Univ. of Zurich; Life Finds a Way) presents a detailed argument for the existence of dormant innovations within every aspect of life, from microbiology to the art world. His examples come from experiments with DNA, duplicate genes, enzymes, and E. coli. The book expounds upon the ideas about point mutations on genes, social learning, and the creation of the pacemaker with stories that break the science into accessible, understandable pieces. The author's analogies work well, allowing the reader to draw parallels and comparisons across multiple disciplines within the same chapter. This interdisciplinary approach generates an understanding of timing--that innovation only succeeds when it emerges into a world that's ready to embrace it. It turns out that humans can really have reinvented the wheel (numerous times) and still completely fail to fully grasp the true levels of antibiotic resistance that exist on Earth. VERDICT This thought-provoking mix of science and philosophical storytelling is recommended for big-picture thinkers.--Tina Panik
Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
April 1, 2023
Evolutionary biologist Wagner has written an intriguing examination of the role of dormancy in evolutionary innovation. First, he focuses on genes and life forms that remained dormant, sometimes for millions of years, before massively succeeding. Then, he highlights how species with sophisticated nervous systems, such as chimpanzees, dolphins, and humans, have discovered simple technologies and tools. Most compelling are the many examples, including those of ignored breakthrough technologies and scientific discoveries, including radar and the cure for scurvy. Fleming's discovery of penicillin stagnated for decades until a need arose (WWII) and even with that need, it still took years to test and mass produce the antibiotic. The accessible and compelling writing features many fascinating examples of technologies that were invented, languished, and were rediscovered, and is complemented by copious footnotes and a handful of images scattered throughout the book. Wagner highlights some universal patterns that indicate that no innovation, whether a molecular creation or human technology, will prosper unless it finds a receptive environment, and offers a fascinating perspective on dormancy's abundant and critical role in evolutionary innovation.
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