Wetware: A Computer in Every Living Cell - Softcover

Dennis Bray

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0300167849 ISBN 13: 9780300167849

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2011

Synopsis

How does a single-cell creature, such as an amoeba, lead such a sophisticated life? How does it hunt living prey, respond to lights, sounds, and smells, and display complex sequences of movements without the benefit of a nervous system? This book offers a startling and original answer. In clear, jargon-free language, Dennis Bray taps the findings of the new discipline of systems biology to show that the internal chemistry of living cells is a form of computation. Cells are built out of molecular circuits that perform logical operations, as electronic devices do, but with unique properties. Bray argues that the computational juice of cells provides the basis of all the distinctive properties of living systems: it allows organisms to embody in their internal structure an image of the world, and this accounts for their adaptability, responsiveness, and intelligence. Wetware, like its author, is refreshingly heterodox. Bray offers perceptive critiques of robotics and complexity theory, for example, as well as many entertaining and telling anecdotes. For the general reader, the practising scientist, and all others with an interest in the nature of life, the book is an exciting portal to some of biologys latest discoveries and ideas.

About this title

Product Description:

Rare Book

Review:

Whilst Bray doesn't shy away from using unfamiliar terms they are always explained in context. For a book delving into systems biology and comparing specific examples of biological processes to computational systems that's quite a welcome surprise ... The style is elegant and very readable. --Celia Gitterman, Chemistry World

Biology and information lie at the heart of a new scientific revolution. In this timely and illuminating volume, Dennis Bray passionately weaves a compelling case for a computational view of life. --Martyn Amos, author of Genesis Machines: The New Science of Biocomputing

About this edition

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0300167849
• ISBN 13: 9780300167849
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 280