Chapter 1: The Fascination with Gravity

Throughout history, I've been captivated by gravity and its influence on evolution, species, and even technology. My perspective is that sometimes, understanding what is removed from the equation can be just as important as what is added. I seek to explore gravity's significance, tracing its impact from the inception of life—early bacteria and simple organisms—to the intricate animal, human, and plant life we see today. What happens to life when gravity is either partially or completely eliminated?

The narrative of human evolution unfolds over a span of 3.5 billion years, beginning in a period known as the "primordial soup," where the presence of water was crucial for molecular reactions and the formation of life’s building blocks. This environment, rich in amino acids and nucleotides, set the stage for humanity's emergence four million years later. What role did gravity play in shaping this primordial landscape?

Gravity is vital for stabilizing Earth's orbit within the "Goldilocks Zone," the habitable area surrounding a star. The masses of celestial bodies—planets, stars, and moons—interact with the fabric of space-time, influencing conditions for life. Getting too close to the sun causes water to vaporize, while being too distant prevents it from becoming liquid. The sun’s various rays enable energy production for both humans and plants, essential for sustaining life.

Now, let's consider individual cells. Cellular respiration is the basis of human life, predominantly occurring in mitochondria, where glucose and oxygen are processed, producing carbon dioxide. In contrast, plants utilize carbon dioxide to create oxygen. This interdependence highlights a delicate balance, suggesting that evolution may have hinged on gravity's presence.

Scientific consensus indicates that gravity is crucial for maintaining the structure and functionality of the human body, as well as supporting processes like photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Without gravity, human growth and bodily functions would face significant challenges. While survival in zero gravity is conceivable, it would necessitate extensive physiological and technological adjustments.

Chapter 2: The Future of Human Existence in Space

The first video discusses how gravity behaves inside Earth, explaining the implications of gravity's absence on life and technology.

Humans cannot exist in space for prolonged durations without biological, physiological, and psychological adaptations. Even with these modifications, creating a sustainable environment that counters atrophy and entropy is essential for long-term survival.

Science fiction often portrays civilizations using centrifuges or rotating habitats to generate artificial gravity. Developing technology to mimic gravity's effects on spacecraft, lunar bases, or other constructs requires significant innovation. Potential solutions may include gravity compression suits or nano materials that facilitate bodily functions.

The second video focuses on the acceleration of gravity and the equations governing free fall, shedding light on the principles that underpin gravity's role in our lives.

Despite the challenges posed by gravity, the opportunities for scientific advancements in zero-gravity environments are immense. NASA’s Microgravity Research Program investigates material behavior in microgravity, potentially leading to innovative materials with enhanced properties. The European Space Agency is also conducting research aboard the ISS to produce large semiconductor crystals in low gravity, aimed at improving solar cells and electronic devices.

I am particularly intrigued by gravity's impact on biotechnology and how biological processes operate in zero gravity. This area of research holds promise for pharmaceutical advancements and drug discovery. Scientists have already created new cell types, tissues, and organoids in three dimensions in microgravity, offering insights into cellular interactions and responses to treatments. Microgravity can also facilitate the generation of stem cells for disease treatment.

One notable project, the BioCellection initiative, is led by the European Space Agency and the University of Colorado, aiming to harness microgravity to develop tissues and cells that combat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. The potential of this emerging field is vast, with research on microgravity's effects on stem cells ongoing aboard the ISS.

Summary: Embracing the New Frontier of Space

Space represents a new frontier for the development of innovative materials and processes. On Earth, we can leverage low gravity effects to foster scientific discovery and innovation.

Our reliance on gravity for human existence is deeply intertwined with our evolutionary history and the unique positioning of Earth in our solar system. The odds of being born human are extraordinarily slim, underscoring the significance of gravity in our lives.

Gravity is a fundamental force of nature, essential for our survival. While we cannot escape its effects, we can find ways to mitigate its impact, emphasizing the beneficial aspects while minimizing the detrimental. A new wave of adaptive biology may emerge, leading to cells that enable humans to thrive in lower-gravity environments.

The next frontier in materials science is closer than we realize, with advancements in subatomic processing paving the way for new power sources and potential anti-gravity solutions. As we delve into the subatomic realm, we discover a world governed by waves, challenging traditional Newtonian physics and opening doors to revolutionary outcomes and evolutionary paths.

Nick Ayton is a Partner at Solarix Ventures, a multi-family office that co-invests in frontier technologies and deep tech. He is a futurist, writer, and filmmaker.