Why Life: Towards new physics of life to understand biological molecules, development, and disease

Synopsis

With long-time friend and colleague Alex Proekt, we have finished this new book. Why Life offers a synthesis of physics and biology through the lens of evolutionary physics, a framework that seeks to explain the distinguishing principles of living things. The book advocates for a renewed integration between contemporary physics with modern biological understanding to shed new light on the nature of living systems.

The core of the book discusses the fluctuation selection principle, suggesting that the inherent variability and recursive nature of biological dynamics are essential for their function and development. This principle is explained across diverse systems, from molecules and cells to organ development and the functioning of the brain, highlighting how biological functions emerge from the dynamic interactions within living things and their environments.

Authored by practicing physician-scientists, Why Life also explores how the principles of evolutionary physics can offer improved perspectives on health and disease and its treatment, focusing on cancer, epidemics, and mental illness. The book suggests that living systems exhibit unique properties that cannot be explained fully by traditional physics alone, emphasizing the need for a new theoretical framework.

This book aims to bridge the gap between physics and biology, offering a unified view that can enhance our understanding of living systems. The narrative is intended both for general readers and experts, providing insights into the convergence between physical mechanisms and biological function without relying on oversimplified analogies or overwhelming jargon. It encourages readers to foster a deeper appreciation for the complexity and interconnectivity of life, promoting a more holistic view of our place in the physical universe.