Eric Werner

All systems go

Three authors present very different views of the developing field of systems biology. Uri Alons book An Introduction to Systems Biology: Design Principles of Biological Circuits, has done much to introduce systems biology to a wider audience. Its one of a clutch of systems biology texts reviewed this week. And in Connections, Alon reflects on the idea that the apparent complexity of biological systems is just that, apparent. A closer look suggests that biological net works display a degree of simplicity that is intriguing given that cells evolved to survive, and not for scientists to understand.

Meaning in a Quantum Universe

Vedral presents quantum information as the key to understanding living systems, the universe, and everything. Vedral presents quantum information as the key to understanding living systems, the universe, and everything.