Sinopse: Nobel prize-winning physicist Erwin Schrodinger wrote a celebrated book What is Life? He speculated on the central problems in biology, from the perspective of a physicist. The unique viewpoint outlined in his book stimulated many other scientists to explore biological problems. The investigations of these scientists led to the discovery of the structure of DNA & an understanding of how genes work. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of What is Life?, a number of scientists have outlined their viewpoints on the central problems currently facing biology. The book is essential reading for all biological scientists, but is also of considerable interest to non-specialists with an interest in science. The list of contributors includes some of the best known popular science writers such as Stephen Jay Gould, Roger Penrose, Jared Diamond, John Maynard Smith & Lewis Wolpert. 'if you want one slim book that contains as many stimulating ideas as a small library, this is it.'--Alun Anderson, New ScientistList of ContributorsPrefaceWhat is life? The next 50 years. An introduction/ Michael P. Murphy & Luke A.J. O'NeillWhat will endure of 20th century biology?/ Manfred Eigen"What is life?" as a problem in history/ Stephen Jay GouldThe evolution of human inventiveness/ Jared Diamond is the egg computable or could we generate an angel or a dinosaur?/ Lewis WolpertLanguage & life/ John Maynard Smith & Eörs SzathmáryRNA without protein or protein without RNA?/ Christian de Duve"What is life?": was Schrödinger right?/ Stuart A. KauffmanWhy new physics is needed to understand the mind/ Roger PenroseDo the laws of nature evolve?/ Walter ThirringNew laws to be expected in the synergetics of brain & behavior/ J.A. Scott Kelso & Hermann HakenOrder from the thermodynamics of complexity in biology/ Eric D. Schneider & James J. KayReminiscences/ Ruth Braunizer
Biografia: Michael Patrick Murphy foi um oficial dos Navy SEALs da Marinha dos Estados Unidos que recebeu a mais alta condecoração militar dos Estados Unidos, a Medalha de Honra, por suas ações durante a Guerra no Afeganistão.
