In "Life on the Edge," Johnjoe McFadden and Jim Al-Khalili explore the thrilling intersection of quantum physics and biology, revealing how the principles of quantum mechanics play a crucial role in the functioning of living organisms. They challenge conventional biological theories by proposing that life itself is a quantum phenomenon, influencing everything from photosynthesis to our very consciousness. The authors journey through the wonders of nature, unveiling astonishing discoveries about how the microscopic and macroscopic worlds are interconnected. With captivating anecdotes and groundbreaking hypotheses, this book encourages us to rethink what it means to be alive. Prepare to have your mind expanded as you dive into the enigmatic world where life meets the quantum realm.
By Johnjoe McFadden, Jim Al-Khalili
Published: 2016
"We are not merely passengers on a fragile planet, but architects of our own existence, intricately woven into the fabric of the universe."
New York Times bestseller • Life on the Edge alters our understanding of our world's fundamental dynamics through the use of quantum mechanics. Life is the most extraordinary phenomenon in the known universe; but how did it come to be? Even in an age of cloning and artificial biology, the remarkable truth remains: nobody has ever made anything living entirely out of dead material. Life remains the only way to make life. Are we still missing a vital ingredient in its creation? Using first-hand experience at the cutting edge of science, Jim Al-Khalili and Johnjoe Macfadden reveal that missing ingredient to be quantum mechanics. Drawing on recent ground-breaking experiments around the world, each chapter in Life on the Edge illustrates one of life's puzzles: How do migrating birds know where to go? How do we really smell the scent of a rose? How do our genes copy themselves with such precision? Life on the Edge accessibly reveals how quantum mechanics can answer these probing questions of the universe. Guiding the reader through the rapidly unfolding discoveries of the last few years, Al-Khalili and McFadden describe the explosive new field of quantum biology and its potentially revolutionary applications, while offering insights into the biggest puzzle of all: what is life? As they brilliantly demonstrate in these groundbreaking pages, life exists on the quantum edge. Winner, Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication
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“We are not merely passengers on a fragile planet, but architects of our own existence, intricately woven into the fabric of the universe.”
Life on the Edge
By Johnjoe McFadden, Jim Al-Khalili
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Johnjoe McFadden is a distinguished author and professor known for his contributions to the fields of microbiology and genetics, as well as his engaging popular science writing. He is best known for his notable works such as 'Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology' and 'The Creative Gene: How Creativity Is Useful in Evolution.' McFadden's writing style is characterized by its clarity, enthusiasm, and ability to distill complex scientific concepts into accessible narratives, making science both informative and enjoyable for a broad audience.
Jim Al-Khalili is a prominent physicist, author, and science communicator known for his ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible to the general public. His notable works include "The Universe From Nothing," "Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed," and "The Stories of Heat and Light." Al-Khalili's writing style is characterized by its clarity, engaging narrative, and a deep passion for science, which inspires readers to explore the wonders of the universe.
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