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© Mareike Kopping New proteins “out of nothing” International team of researchers investigates how evolution forms the structure and function of a newly emerged protein in flies Proteins are the key component in all modern forms of life. Haemoglobin, for example, transports the oxygen in our blood; photosynthesis proteins in the leaves of plants convert sunlight into energy; and fungal enzymes help us to brew beer and bake bread. Researchers have long been examining the question of how proteins mutate or come into existence in the course of millennia. That completely new proteins – and, with them, new properties – can emerge practically out of nothing, was inconceivable for decades, in line with what the Greek philosopher Parmenides said: “Nothing can emerge from nothing”

College of the holy crossUnited statesAustralian capital territoryGeoff findlayPrajal patelAdam damryAndreas langeColin jacksonErich bornberg bauerBrennen heamesNature communicationsAustralian national universityInnovation framework programme noInstitute of evolutionMareike koppingHoly cross