Quantum Evolution: The New Science of Life - Hardcover

McFadden, Johnjoe

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0393050416 ISBN 13: 9780393050417

Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc, 2001

Synopsis

Applying the quirky laws of quantum mechanics to DNA, McFadden (molecular microbiology, U. of Surrey, England) promulgates a new science of the origin of life. In a popular treatment, he claims that mutations driving evolution are not random; objects to complexity/chaos theory as an explanation for life's emergence; and asserts that we humans have "quantum evolved our own free will." Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

About this title

About the Author

Johnjoe McFadden is a Reader in Molecular Microbiology at the University of Surrey, England.

Reviews

McFadden's attempt to pinpoint what makes life "alive" begins with a long, slow, multidisciplinary explanation of life's fundamental processes and ends with a fantastic quest through the strangest branch of science: quantum mechanics. Traversing all the great thinkers who laid the foundations of biology, genetics, physics, chemistry and mechanics, the first half is written for those with very little or no knowledge of science. The transitions between even widely disparate topics are flawless and build a coherent picture of the complexity of even the simplest organisms. Once quantum mechanics truly becomes the focus (approximately halfway through), McFadden's talent for description hits perfect pitch. Layers of understanding about the unfathomable peculiarities of fundamental particles lead to amazing possibilities. McFadden voices a new theory that is gaining popularity: that quantum mechanical forces may have sparked life in the primordial soup, may create the difference between alive and inanimate objects and may even play a role in consciousness. Illus. not seen by PW. (Feb.)Forecast: Operating at two levels, this title may be a hard sell. The scientifically literate will want to skip the first half, with its elaborate explanations of the basics, and those little-versed in science may be overwhelmed by the book's main argument. Enthusiastic readers may be found, however, among those once immersed in science but who have been away from it for a long time; they will be able to use the beginning as a refresher course and will then be prepared for the main thesis. But reaching them in particular will be a challenge for booksellers.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Defying the hyperspecialization of modern science, McFadden brings quantum physics to bear on the two most perplexing problems of biology: How did life begin? What catalyzed the birth of consciousness? His startling answers reflect a revolutionary conceptualization of quantum measurement as the basis for life, all the way down to the cell. Particularly surprising is the way that McFadden uses quantum mechanics, a science of statistical probabilities, to subvert the orthodoxy of randomness long regnant in evolutionary theory. In his analysis, the powers that enable life to make quantum measurements also endow organisms with the unexpected ability to trigger the very mutations they need to evolve into more highly adapted species. At the acme of the evolutionary path, the emergence of the human mind has long resisted scientific explanation. McFadden lifts the veil, uncovering in the brain a living quantum computer, self-aware and self-governing. Rigorous evaluation of McFadden's bold claims must be left to specialists. But this rare and lucid synthesis of the physical and life sciences--leavened with anecdote and humor--invites general readers to peer into the deepest mysteries of nature. Bryce Christensen
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0393050416
• ISBN 13: 9780393050417
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 338