Ever wonder where the first cells on Earth came from? So do we! While there are many explanations (some natural, some supernatural), only a few are testable. Loif is a simulator that attempts to determine if one such explanation could generate a cell-like object under very simplified conditions. More importantly, Loif is designed such that you can run it at home and see the entire process unfold in front of you.

What do I do with it?

How you use Loif is largely up to you! You can watch it build structures for fun; learn about evolution, natural selection, and abiogenesis by understanding how the structures build themselves; use the simulation as a teaching tool; or even help us build it.

How do I get it?

Most people will probably want to get a version of Loif that they can download, unzip, and run. Simply grab the most recent version, unzip it, and double click on the file called “loif.jar” (you’ll need Java to make this work). Once Loif is running, hit the “Play” button and then wait a few minutes for life to figure itself out. Keep in mind, however, that there may be kinks: Loif is quite new and therefore may have a few problems. If you find one – or you’ve thought of a way to improve the program – please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Where can I learn more?

You can always check out the FAQ to learn more about Loif and the ideas that inspired it. If that isn’t to your liking, you can always contact us or comment on one of our posts. We’d love to hear from you!

How can I help?

There’s a huge number of ways to get involved with Loif – far more than we can list here. Check out this handy guide to see how you can help out!