Discover the transformative power of biophysics in 'So Simple a Beginning.' This groundbreaking book by Raghuveer Parthasarathy delves into the shared physical principles that govern life on Earth, from the majestic cheetah sprinting across the plains to the intricate mechanisms of gene editing and artificial organ growth. Embrace the astonishing variety of the living world while learning how self-assembly, regulatory circuits, predictable randomness, and scaling shape the fundamental processes that underlie all forms of existence. Through captivating illustrations and insightful explanations, Parthasarathy bridges the gap between complex scientific concepts and accessible understanding, making it perfect for both science enthusiasts and those new to the field. Explore how biophysics is unlocking natural phenomena, unraveling mysteries such as limb development and the unique needs of different organisms. Dive into the potential of future biotechnologies that promise to alter living things in profound ways. This title is ideal for readers interested in biology, biotechnology, and the interplay between science and innovation. With its engaging narrative and scientific depth, 'So Simple a Beginning' is a must-read for anyone keen to understand the principles that explain the wonders of life. Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Condition: BRAND NEW. ISBN: 9780691200408. Format: Trade binding. Year: 2022. Publisher: Princeton University Press.

Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691200408
Format: Trade binding
Year: 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press


Description:



The form and function of a sprinting cheetah are quite unlike those of a rooted tree. A human being is very different from a bacterium or a zebra. The living world is a realm of dazzling variety, yet a shared set of physical principles shapes the forms and behaviours of every creature in it. So Simple a Beginning shows how the emerging new science of biophysics is transforming our understanding of life on Earth and enabling potentially lifesaving but controversial technologies such as gene editing, artificial organ growth, and ecosystem engineering.

Raghuveer Parthasarathy explains how four basic principles—self-assembly, regulatory circuits, predictable randomness, and scaling—shape the machinery of life on scales ranging from microscopic molecules to gigantic elephants. He describes how biophysics is helping to unlock the secrets of a host of natural phenomena, such as how your limbs know to form at the proper places, and why humans need lungs but ants do not. Parthasarathy explores how the cutting-edge biotechnologies of tomorrow could enable us to alter living things in ways both subtle and profound. Featuring dozens of original watercolours and drawings by the author, this sweeping tour of biophysics offers astonishing new perspectives on how the wonders of life can arise from so simple a beginning.



'Deft and engaging. Parthasarathy constantly finds the metaphors that best illuminate his subject. And what a subject—a perfect mix of the latest exciting new work with classic results needed to understand it. Every chapter