Overview

Quantum Evolution presents a revolutionary new scientific theory by asking: is there a force of will behind evolution? In his astonishing first book, Johnjoe McFadden shows that there is. ‘McFadden’s bold hypothesis that quantum physics plays a key role in the origin and evolution of life looks increasingly plausible. The weird behaviour of matter and information at the quantum level could be just what is needed to explain life’s astonishing properties. If these ideas are right, they will transform our understanding of the relationship between physics and biology.’ PAUL DAVIES In this brilliant debut, Johnjoe McFadden puts forward a theory of quantum evolution. He shows how living organisms have the ability to will themselves into action. Indeed, such an ability may be life’s most fundamental attribute. This has radical implications. Evolution may not be random at all, as recent evolutionary theories have taught: rather, cells may, in certain circumstances, be able to choose to mutate particular genes that provide an advantage in the environment in which the cell finds itself. This ‘will’ – described by McFadden as ‘the life force’ – has startling implications. It is at the root of consciousness and free-will and provides a new understanding of the origins of life and the purpose of death.

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9780006551287

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Johnjoe McFadden is a reader in Molecular Microbiology at the University of Surrey and editor of Britain’s leading text book on molecular biology. For more than a decade, Dr McFadden has specialised in examining the genes of tuberculosis and meningitis. He is the inventor of the world’s first successful test for meningitis (which received worldwide press, radio and TV coverage) and was the leader of another team that was the first to successfully use artificial life computer programmes to model key transition stages in evolution (also covered throughout the media). Quantum Evolution: the New Science of the Life Force is his first book for a popular audience.

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