Carbon-The Wonder Element

FULLERENES

These hollow molecules of carbon come in shapes that include microscopic balls and tubes called nanotubes. They are measured in nanometers, or billionths of a meter.

LIVING ORGANISMS 

The many cells that make up plants, animals, and humans are built on a framework of carbon-an element found in carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids.  "[God's] Invisible qualities . . . are perceived by the things made." -Romans 1:20.

Carbon - A Product of Ultrafine Tuning in the Stars

Carbon is formed by the fusion of three helium nuclei, which scientists believe occurs inside stars called red giants.  For the helium to combine, however, certain conditions must be exactly right.  "Change just a few of the settings [of physical laws] even an infinitesimal amount," wrote physicist Paul Davies, and "we'd have no universe, no life and certainly no humans."  How can we account for such ultrafine tuning?  Some say it just happened. Others see it as evidence of a wise Creator.  Which view do you consider more reasonable?

Next time: Aristotle

From the Awake! magazine