Description
Book SynopsisHow can something as complex as a human body create itself from a single fertilized egg? Drawing on ideas from physics and network theory as well as genetics and embryology, Jamie Davies describes the fascinating picture emerging from the latest research, in which complexity builds up through 'adaptive self-organization'.
Trade ReviewReview from previous edition A demanding but wonder-filled account of the simple interactions that create complex structures * New Scientist *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements ; Ethical Statement ; Introduction ; 1. Confronting an alien technology ; 2. From one cell to many ; 3. Making a difference ; 4. Laying down a body plan ; 5. Beginning a brain ; 6. Long division ; 7. Fateful conversations ; 8. Great migrations ; 9. Plumbing ; 10. Organizing organs ; 11. Taking up arms ; 12. The Y and how ; 13. Wired ; 14. Dying to be human ; 15. Making your mind up ; 16. A sense of proportion ; 17. Making friends and facing enemies ; 18. Maintenance mode ; 19. Perspectives ; Glossary ; Further reading ; References