process dubbed tidal chain reaction (TCR) – says Lathe, "The tidal force is absolutely important, because it provides the energy for association and dissociation" of polymers. A contrasting viewpoint is that deep-sea hydrothermal vents, among other scenarios, may have led to the emergence of life (abiogenesis). In addition, the fast early tides invoked may not have been quite so rapid, and it is possible that only 2-3% of the Earth's crust may have been exposed above the sea until late in terrestrial evolution [4]; although mechanistically sound, the tidal chain reaction theory remains speculative. Brain disease The prion theory has been widely questioned, and the prion (PrP) protein is now recognized to be an RNA-binding protein. Darlix and Lathe propose that retroelements constitute the replicative component of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Lathe has also argued that infection may play a role in Alzheimer disease, and has worked with Rudy Tanzi and Rob Moir at Harvard to develop the Antimicrobial Protection Theory of Alzheimer Disease Building on earlier recommendations of an expert group and increasing evidence that there is a causal link between infection and Alzheimer's disease. References External links Pieta-Research.org - 'Pieta Research A biotechnology consultancy based in Edinburgh UK: Specialist areas Molecular biology, neuroscience, physiology' NewScientist.com - 'No Moon, no life on Earth, suggests theory', Anil Ananthaswamy, New Scientist (18 March 2004) NewScientist.com - 'Toxic metal clue to autism', Richard Lathe and Michael Le Page, New Scientist (18 June 2003) - 'Autism and pollution: the vital link', Juliet Rix, The Times (2 May 2006) - 'Making sense of autism', Francesca Happé, Nature (9 Aug 2006) - 'Fast tidal cycling and the origin of life', Richard Lathe, Icarus (2003) - 'Without the moon, would there be life on earth', Bruce Dorminey, Scientific American (21 April 2009) - 'Autism, Brain, and Environment', Richard Lathe, Jessica Kingsley Publishers (2006) Academics of the University of Edinburgh Autism researchers Living people Molecular biologists Year of birth missing (living people)