Digital Biology

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Viruses, bugs, bots, ants: the metaphors, language, and realities of the digital world increasingly parallel those of the biological world. This vigorous book shows why those parallels are appropriate, even natural.

By studying the biological world and applying it to cyberspace and by using the natural processes responsible for life within computer systems, evolutionary biologist Peter Bentley writes, "we are overturning all preconceptions of what computers can and cannot do." They can do much, of course. Computers today can grow architectural models from digital "genes," can detect the difference between healthy and malignant cells, can even mimic certain behaviors of living beings. Tucking a handy primer in biological theory among sometimes heady discussions of the digital universe, Bentley focuses closely on the workings of computers today, projecting what might be true of those machines just a few years from now thanks to the workings of evolution--not strictly Darwinian evolution, to be sure, but evolution all the same.

Of interest to a wide range of readers, Bentley's book raises provocative questions as it prowls around inside the "benign cream-colored boxes" that surround us. --Gregory McNamee

Book Description

Imagine a future world where computers can create universes -- digital environments made from binary ones and zeros. Imagine that within these universes there exist biological forms that reproduce, grow, and think. Imagine plantlike forms, ant colonies, immune systems, and brains, all adapting, evolving, and getting better at solving problems. Imagine if our computers became greenhouses for a new kind of nature. Just think what digital biology could do for us.

Perhaps it could evolve new designs for us, think up ways to detect fraud using digital neurons, or solve scheduling problems with ants. Perhaps it could detect hackers with immune systems or create music from the patterns of growth of digital seashells. Perhaps it would allow our computers to become creative and inventive.

Now stop imagining.

digital biology is an intriguing glimpse into the future of technology by one of the most creative thinkers working in computer science today. As Peter J. Bentley explains, the next giant step in computing technology is already under way as computer scientists attempt to create digital universes that replicate the natural world. Within these digital universes, we will evolve solutions to problems, construct digital brains that can learn and think, and use immune systems to trap and destroy computer viruses.

The biological world is the model for the next generation of computer software. By adapting the principles of biology, computer scientists will make it possible for computers to function as the natural world does. In practical terms, this will mean that we will soon have "smart" devices, such as houses that will keep the temperature as we like it and automobiles that will start only for drivers they recognize (through voice recognition or other systems) and that will navigate highways safely and with maximum fuel efficiency. Computers will soon be powerful enough and small enough that they can become part of clothing. "Digital agents" will be able to help us find a bank or restaurant in a city that we have never visited before, even as we walk through the airport. Miniature robots may even be incorporated into our bodies to monitor our health.

Digital Biology is also an exploration of biology itself from a new perspective. We must understand how nature works in its most intimate detail before we can use these same biological processes inside our computers. Already scientists engaged in this work have gained new insights into the elegant simplicity of the natural universe.

This is a visionary book, written in accessible, nontechnical language, that explains how cutting-edge computer science will shape our world in the coming decades.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent introductory text........2004-05-25

It is difficult to read this book and not catch the bug of biologically inspired computing. It is fascinating, inspiring and comprehensive (even my dad read it). It clearly makes the point that by understanding the way nature solves its problems we have discovered a whole new class of computation.

The book takes you smoothly through the basic domains of biologically inspired computing. Starting with the definition of a digital universe (that makes you think twice about our own), it introduces evolutionary computation, neural networks, ant colonies, artificial immune systems and other fascinating computational metaphors. It explains their foundations and underlying theories and describes their practical applications.

My only complaint: there are no references to scientific papers. The motivated reader will have to spent some time searching the web for further reading, other than the books included in the bibliography.

A fascinating read.......2004-05-15

I've got to say that I thought this was a wonderful book. An absolutely fascinating overview of a new and developing field of science. Nicely laid out, elegantly written, very "easy style", lots of detailed material is covered for each of the areas the author touches on, so you get depth aswell as the overview. The author presents some very interesting perspectives on existing ideas about biology and machines. Useful notes at the end and the further reading section is good.

Rather than be another "here is the future" book by yet another science journalist, this is a book with its feet very much in the present and written by a scientist who is active in the field (rather than a journalist). Do not be alarmed! This guy writes well. I'm not going to say it's a one- sitting read (because that would just make me too much of a techno-nerd), however it's definitely a page-turner.

In terms of books available, I think that there is presently only one other non text-book that takes an overview of this field (Moshe Sipper - Machine Nature), though I'm sure there are gonna be a lot more before too long . If you want 2 books - buy both. If you just want the one - I thought Peter Bentley's had detail aswell as breadth whereas Moshe Sippers, whilst still a very good book, stayed more at an overview level.

Disappointing.......2003-09-05

This book did not deliver what I was expecting. I thought there would be detailed examples of the use of biological concepts in computing. Unfortunately I was very wrong.

There are some examples, however they are very vague with little or no detail. Frequently the author asserts a technique has too many applications to go into in any detail without boring the reader. Next he proceeds to rattle off a dozen vague applications such as scheduling, optimization, etc. without giving enough information about the application to be useful.

The center of the book contains a number of pictures that are the result of one technique or another. Unfortunately he does not elaborate on how any of them were created. I enjoyed seeing the coffee table his computer designed. Unfortunately the only explaination he gave on how the program worked was something to the effect that it was complicated. A bit more detail or perhaps even code would have been much better.

Beyond my perceived technical shortcomings, the author's style did not appeal to me. For example he wrote a fairly detailed account of what it might be like (as though a virus could think) to be a virus invading a host. Perhaps this was an attempt to engage the readers' imaginations. If so, the effect was wasted on this reader.

Two stars seemed right as there are worse books in the world. However I doubt most people would gain much from reading it.

Maybe a good layman introduction to the field........2003-06-07

I agree with other reviewers of this book who say that it doesn't deal with any of its topics deeply (as the author says in the book, it's just a summary of conversations he had with the scientists he gives all of about half a page to each, and material he found on the Internet) and that the writing is just a shade above mediocre. The author isn't a bad writer, necessarily, he's just very inconsistent. If he stuck with facts instead of pretending to be a fiction or magazine writer, he'd do well. Also, if he stuck with a British voice and didn't cater to Americans, that would be a good move. If you want to tailor your writing to an American audience, fine--do that and don't make a point of it. Otherwise, stick with your native tendencies, as it tends to make the book more readable.

This book is just ok. A few parts were downright painful, but mainly just because of the writing. The content was never painful, just boring in many places. For anybody with a background in complex adaptive systems, current computer science research, or any of the in vogue areas like network theory or chaos, this book can easily be put aside for others. If you're a layperson just looking for an introduction to the research being done connecting computers and biology, this book might be good. For serious readers, there are better books like 'At Home in the Universe' by Stuart Kauffman (excellent) and 'Complexity' by Mitchell Waldrop (also excellent). Those books are much older, but much more thought-provoking and well-written. They may not cover some of the newest research, but this book covers everything with such lack of depth you won't really get anything more out of reading it.

In short: not a bad book, but could have been much better in writing and content, and serious readers would do better elsewhere.

Fantastic duet of computer science and biology.......2002-07-31

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Since reading it, I have refocused most of my spare time into studying artificial life, microcosms, complexity, bottom-up organization, etc...
If you have a computer science or programming background you will find the first chapter boring. Everything else is golden!

Book Description

This volume contains the 90 papers presented at the 3rd IFAC Symposium on Modelling and Control in Biomedical Systems held in Warwick, UK from 23-26 March 1997. Significant work in the field of biomedical systems analysis and design is taking place throughout the world and the opportunities for technological interchanges offered by symposia like this one are extremely valuable for the progress and stability of effort and vision in this important human-centred field.

Book Description

The 4th IFAC Symposium on "Modelling and Control in Biomedical Systems" took place from 30 March to 1 April 2000 in Karlsburg/Greifswald, Germany. The Symposium offered the participants an interdisciplinary platform for presenting and discussing new knowledge regarding the understanding of the structure and the functioning of biomedical and biological systems and processes, the measurement and analysis of parameters and innovative methods and strategies in diagnostics and therapy, including the development of decision-aiding systems and artificial organs. The key to success for such an event lies in the competence, the enthusiasm and the hard work of the International and National Organising Committees. These efforts are complemented by the efficient organisational offered by the VDI/VDE Society for Measurement and Automatic Control (GMA), working in close co-operation with the "Gerhardt Katsch" Institute of Diabetes in Karlsburg. The scientific directors of the meeting were Professor Ewart Carson (City University, London) and Dr Eckhard Salzsieder ("Gerhardt Katsch" Institute of Diabetes, Karlsburg), who was also Chairman of the Symposium and of the National Organising Committee.

Proceedings of the 15th IFAC World Congress, Vol. Q: Modelling and Control of Agricultural, Biological and Chemical Systems (IFAC Proceedings Volumes)

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Proceedings of the 15th IFAC World Congress, Vol. Q: Modelling and Control of Agricultural, Biological and Chemical Systems (IFAC Proceedings Volumes)
IFAC
Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0080442323

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Paperback.

Systems Biology: Definitions and Perspectives (Topics in Current Genetics)

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Systems Biology: Definitions and Perspectives (Topics in Current Genetics)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Biochemistry | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 3540742697

Book Description

For life to be understood and disease to become manageable, the wealth of postgenomic data now needs to be made dynamic. This development requires systems biology, integrating computational models for cells and organisms in health and disease; quantitative experiments (high-throughput, genome-wide, living cell, in silico); and new concepts and principles concerning interactions. This book defines the new field of systems biology and discusses the most efficient experimental and computational strategies. The benefits for industry, such as the new network-based drug-target design validation, and testing, are also presented.

Biological Systems, Modelling, and Control (Iee Control Engineering Series, No 11)

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Biological Systems, Modelling, and Control (Iee Control Engineering Series, No 11)
Derek A. Linkens
Manufacturer: Inspec/Iee
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Modeling and Control in Biomedical Systems

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Modeling and Control in Biomedical Systems
B., ED. PATTERSON
Manufacturer: PERGAMON PRESS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Physiology | Basic Science | Medicine | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

Paperback. Contains 200 papers and posters presented at the IFAC Symposium on Modeling and Control of Biomedical Systems held in Galveston, Texas 27-30 March 1994. Coverage includes: biomedical signals and systems; the cardiovascular system; cellular and molecular systems; critical care; kinetic modeling; metabolism; models and techniques; musculoskeletal systems; neurosystems; and respiration.

Modelling and Control in Biomedical Systems 1988

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Modelling and Control in Biomedical Systems 1988
COBELLI
Manufacturer: Pergamon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0080357326

Book Description

Hardbound. This volume provides a complete and up-to-date review of the recent developments and trends relating to modelling and control in biomedical systems in research, diagnosis and therapy. Focus is placed on methodological issues relevant to modelling and control as well as to the various physiological systems of the organism visited from a control viewpoint. Contains 98 papers.

Modelling the Dynamics of Biological Systems: Nonlinear Phenomena and Pattern Formation (Springer Series in Synergetics, Vol 65)

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Modelling the Dynamics of Biological Systems: Nonlinear Phenomena and Pattern Formation (Springer Series in Synergetics, Vol 65)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

In the twenty-five years since his death, Coach Vince Lombardi has continued to be known for his ablitiy to motivate and inspire those around him. This book brings together the best of Lombardi's quotations and insights that have challenged many on and off the field.

Customer Reviews:

Bathroom Reader.......2002-03-07

...I was expecting a comprehensive book about vince, little did I know that it was little more than a bathroom book. It was only a couple of pages long, it was more of a leaflet than a book. If you aren't expecting much from a book, this is the book for you. I could have compiled this same book in a couple of hours.

Vince rules!.......2001-09-03

I'm a coach (personal, business and EQ, not sports!) and I keep this book handy. I direct my clients to Vince Lombardi's philosophy and strength, and to this book, which is just a wonderful compilation of all that he was about. I use quotes from this book often in my ezines. I especially like what his players said about him because when you're in the 'coaching' position -- be it coach, parent, manager, counselor, mentor or whatever, it's good to remember that "His enthusiasm, his spirit, was infectious." --Frank Gifford and "He prepared us so well, and he motivated us so well, I felt he was a part of me on the field." -- Fuzzy Thurston. In reading about this great man, this great coach, I'm humbled and revitalized. He helped so many people reach their potential. This book is almost my daily inspirational!

Although I'm not a football fan, I found this book fantastic.......2001-01-10

Vince Lombardi - what a man. What a coach! This wonderful little collection includes quotes from Lombardi on football, faith, and life. The football fan and non-football fan will find something to like in this collection.

The book also features quotes from famous players about the famous coach.

Whether you're looking for good quotes to use with your team, in a speech, or to tack onto the end of your email this book will provide plenty to last a long time.

Very Good if you're looking for the perfect quote........1998-08-24

The book is basically the quotes of Lombardi, with stories about him from his former players, wife, etc. What is really nice about the book is his observations are catagorized by section, so should you be looking for a quote to add to a paper, the blackboard in class, the lockerroom of your team, there are plenty and they are all meaningful and powerful. This is a great book for a coach to have, you'll refer back to it almost every day. The book applies to all sports, not just football. I'm a professional hockey coach, and found the material relates to our dressing room as well as any football dressing room.

If you find one qoute or inspirational story in this book, it is worth the money. Buy it!

Very Good if you're looking for the perfect quote........1998-08-24

If you find one qoute or inspirational story in this book, it is worth the money. Buy it!

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Planning organizer

There are better books available

Worthless

This Book is strictly for party planning

This Book is strictly for party planning

The Complete Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planner: An Indispendable, Money - Saving Workbook For Organizing Every Aspect Of The Event - From Temple Services To Reception
Linda Seifer Sage
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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MitzvahChic: How to Host a Meaningful, Fun, Drop-Dead Gorgeous Bar or Bat Mitzvah

Bar Mitzvah/Bat Mitzvah: Planning the Perfect Day

The Ultimate Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebration Book: A Guide to Inspiring Ceremonies and Joyous Festivities

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planbook, Revised Edition

For Kids--Putting God on Your Guest List: How to Claim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah

ASIN: 0312092601

Book Description

Why not make planning your child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah one of the happiest times in your life?Now thanks to this indispensable, all-inclusive guide, you can: Obtain complete information on how to plan the perfect Bar or Bat Mitzvah Save thousands of dollars and free yourself from worrisome details Be guided every step of the way, from the temple service to the reception to the seating arrangements Freel well organized and assured that no detail is overlooked, by using the handy countdown and checklists Receive tips, suggestions, and advice based on numerous personal experiences Use ann easy-to-follow method for recording invitations sent, responses received, gifts and thank-you notes Keep track of addresses, telephone numbers, appointments, costs, and decisions that need to be made Discover helpful hints for choosing your photographer, videographer, musicians, florists, decorator, entertainment, favors, invitations, and clothing Compare prices easily as you visit catererers, musicians, photographers, videographers, florists, printers, etc. Give this as a perfect gift to special friencs or relatives to help them plan an eventful day Relex and enjoy your day with everything going exactly the way you planned

Customer Reviews:

Planning organizer.......2007-09-22

This is a big planning organizer that you use to write in. If you are looking for a party planning bood this is not it. I am using it in conjunction with the"party" books.

There are better books available.......2006-08-28

This book is basically a party planner. It was probably useful before so many people were proficient with computer spreadsheets, like Excel. It provides space for lots of lists, which now would be much easier to keep on computer. Basically, technology has made this book obsolete.

There are descriptions of what to look for in a photographer, caterer, etc but they are pretty basic.

The one useful part of the book is a simple "countdown" calender - "Countdown to the Big Day," which lists all the major activities to be completed prior to the bar mitzvah.

I think you could do better with other books that cover the party AND the "mitzvah" aspects of a bar mitzvah.

Worthless.......2004-06-30

I found this book totally disappointing. The advice is obvious even to inexperienced party planners. (For example, in the chapter on invitations there is a section on ink color that states only: "There are many colors to consider.") Most of the book consists of lined pages for you to write your price comparisons for vendors, such as photographers. There are 20 pages lined for you to fill in guest addresses, with little boxes to check off if you have written a thank you note. My copy of this book is going straight into the recycling pile.

This Book is strictly for party planning.......2001-02-18

This book is basically a workbook in which you are directed to make lists etc for all the myriad aspects of planning a bar/bat mitzvah reception. You are guided to all the details you must take care of to make a successful reception. If you are looking for a book to explain the religious experience of the bar/bat mitzvah, this book is definitely not for you. If you wish to have a big reception, then this book fits the bill. If the book is useful to you, I hope you will spend at least equal time in preparing for the religious element of bar/bat mitzvah and use an excellent guide such as "Putting God on Your Guest List." My 4 star rating is based on the assumption that the reader wants a party planner only. If you want more, this book is not for you.

This Book is strictly for party planning.......2001-02-18

Book Description

424 black-and-white, royalty-free designs and illustrations, presented in diverse styles and sizes, depict human figures and walled cities, fanciful beasts and creatures of the sea and air, turreted castles, heraldic designs, knights in armor, letters of the alphabet enhanced with floral and foliated motifs, and much more.

Medieval Herb, Plant and Flower Illustrations CD-ROM and Book (Dover Electronic Clip Art)

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Medieval Herb, Plant and Flower Illustrations CD-ROM and Book (Dover Electronic Clip Art)

Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0486996344

Book Description

Nearly 300 accurate botanical illustrations, selected from a rare reference, include detailed renderings of woodbine, peony root, cherry, hare's beard, couch grass, and scores of other examples. Easy-to-use permission-free images will add an authentic medieval touch to catalogs, brochures, and other projects calling for horticulture-related graphics. 294 black-and-white illustrations.

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Medieval Design (CD Rom & Book)
Dover
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Medieval | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0486998444

Book Description

Straight from the artistic heritage of the middle ages, museum-quality illustrations fill this treasury. Gathered from rare sources, intricate and colorful designs stand alongside fascinating line art and stoic figure drawings. Breathtaking reproductions found on medieval frescoes, mosaics, metalwork and carvings are a genuine inspiration for any project. 263 full-color and 26 black-and-white images.

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