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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Slime summary
Ruth Kassinger
How Algae Created Us, Plague Us, and Just Might Save Us
15 mins
Brief summary
Slime by Ruth Kassinger is a fascinating exploration of the biology and ecology of some of the world's most unusual organisms. It reveals how these slimy creatures have played a critical role in shaping our planet and are vital to many of our most important ecosystems.
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Slime
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Key idea 1 of 8
Algae played an important role in making the planet inhabitable for human beings.
What is algae? It may sound like a simple question, but the answer isn’t simple at all. Algae is a very broad term that covers a wide range of different organisms that can be found on both land and sea. It could refer to microalgae, which includes the single-celled organisms that can form pond scum, or macroalgae, which includes the seaweed that you might find in your favorite sushi roll.
There’s a good chance you’ve encountered algae in some form or another, but what you may not know is that algae have been around a lot longer than we have.
The key message here is: Algae played an important role in making the planet inhabitable for human beings.
If we turned the clock back 3.7 billion years, the planet was a very inhospitable place – at least for human beings and plant life. Back then, the planet didn’t have breathable oxygen, an ozone layer, or any soil. In fact, it would be another 3 billion years before the first plant arrived.
But there were oceans on Earth back then, and they were home to single-celled organisms like bacteria and archaea. Around this time, a new organism evolved and took up residence on the surface of the sea. Since it has a blue-green appearance, we call it cyanobacteria – otherwise known as blue-green algae.
Cyanobacteria did something amazing: it performed the process of photosynthesis, which means it trapped solar energy and used that energy to make organic compounds. In this case, the process involved breaking down water into hydrogen and oxygen, and essentially burping that oxygen out.
Cyanobacteria could also multiply at an amazing rate – sometimes doubling every two hours. And so, over the next 2 billion years, the oxygen they made found its way into the atmosphere to form Earth’s protective ozone layer. This made it possible for things like plants and humans to exist and not be scorched to death by the sun’s rays.
But that’s not all! Cyanobacteria also created fixed nitrogen compounds like ammonium. These compounds are some of the essential building blocks of life and are what led to the formation of more complex ocean life.
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What is Slime about?
Slime (2019) unlocks the mysteries of algae – that slimy stuff many of us don’t think twice about. Even though it may be a nuisance to owners of pools and aquariums, algae has a rich history in the development of both the planet and humankind. It holds some amazing potential for solving our problems with fossil fuels and the harmful emissions that are destroying our planet.
Slime Review
Slime (2018) by Ruth Kassinger takes readers on a captivating journey into the slimy world of nature's unsung hero. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- Full of fascinating facts and intriguing stories, it unveils the secrets and wonders of slime, shedding light on its vital role in our ecosystem
- With scientific research, interviews, and hands-on experiments, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of slime's diverse forms and functions.
- Through animated storytelling and an immersive narrative, this book manages to turn a seemingly ordinary subject into an extraordinary and thought-provoking read.
Best quote from Slime
If jets and ships alone were running on algae by mid-century, I would call it a great triumph.
—Ruth Kassinger
Who should read Slime?
- Curious minds interested in science
- Environmentally conscious people
- Anyone concerned about the future
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Slime FAQs
What is the main message of Slime?
Discover the fascinating world of slime, its importance in nature, and its potential for scientific and technological advancements.
How long does it take to read Slime?
The reading time for Slime varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Slime a good book? Is it worth reading?
Slime is definitely worth reading. It offers a unique perspective on slime and its relevance in our lives, both as a natural phenomenon and as a source of innovation.
Who is the author of Slime?
Ruth Kassinger is the author of Slime.
What to read after Slime?
If you're wondering what to read next after Slime, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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