- #1
SW VandeCarr
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A recent paper on arXiv claims a new paradigm is needed for biology. In essence the paper seems to recall mathematician David Hilbert's famous quip that physics is too important to be left to the physicist. Authors Goldenfeld and Woese claim that the existing paradigms of biology are not up the issues of complexity and emergent phenomenology that must be dealt with. In particular, the authors suggest that the mechanisms of biological evolution need a new perspective. They point to evidence of the non random signaling between bacteria in reference to the transfer of resistance factors to antimicrobials.
My personal view is if non equilibrium statistical mechanics is the answer, or at least part of it, as the authors suggest, maybe biologically/medically oriented statisticians can help.
In any case, I would like some discussion from students and professional members in biology and physics.
http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/arxiv/pdf/1011/1011.4125v1.pdf
My personal view is if non equilibrium statistical mechanics is the answer, or at least part of it, as the authors suggest, maybe biologically/medically oriented statisticians can help.
In any case, I would like some discussion from students and professional members in biology and physics.
http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/arxiv/pdf/1011/1011.4125v1.pdf
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