The Demon in the Machine: How Hidden Webs of Information Are Finally Solving the Mystery of Life

I enjoyed the thesis, that biology = physics + information but sometimes it was being assumed, sometimes to be proved.Then I wasted a whole morning because fig 11 is seriously wrong: Eventually I found the original academic publication: several arrows are mis-drawn reversing DE and CE and GF and missing a reverse link on FG . Of course we are just general readers and don't deserve accuracy.

As a casual reader of science books who strives to keep up with current developments I got something out of this but not what I was expecting. The book weaves in and out of well-established theories in biology and physics attempting to bind an information layer over molecular biology to explain some of the astonishing complexity. The 'information is physical' mantra is repeated throughout but without any real attempt at the very obvious question - so where the hell is all this information? If it really is physical and biological activity at the molecular level is responding to a giant network of it there ought to be a detectable imprint. Observations of localised chemical and electrical signalling are the nearest it gets to describing any kind of network. Of course this question has to remain unanswered because nobody has yet come up with any reasoned explanation so my disappointment was largely about the claims made by the publishers (who would have thought it, publishers making exaggerated claims to sell books!). Worth reading for some of the scientific facts and stories drawn in from the history of physics, biology and related studies but overall not particularly supportive of any grand new theory of life.

I am currently reading thus book and finding the links between energy and information fascinating. The knowledge extends from Shrodinger and DNA . It might also explain the biggest dangers humanity currently faces with the extensive knowledge of us all gathered and controlled by those who would profit from such knowledge.We see already the extensive power and control humanity finds itself manipulated by the immoral. We sense already for a return to the need for regulation and control; for morality and policing. Human needs still evident in our most recent political upheavals!?

I am enthralled, in fact I've been reading it till 3 in the morning, every night since I got it. Riveting stuff. I just hope I have some idea of what life really is, before my spell is over! You have to read this! Thank you!

Prepare to be mind blown! I’m a biologist but still had a lot to learn from this physicist. Still early days to know where these information theories on life will lead us but I’m convinced that it’s a path worth taking, especially for hard problems like consciousness! Despite the complexity of the topics, it’s an easy and enjoyable read. Highly recommended.