Research at the Intersection of the Physical and Life Sciences
Research at the Intersection of the Physical and Life Sciences
Committee on Forefronts of Science at the Interface of Physical and Life Sciences; Board on Physics and Astronomy; Board on Life Sciences; Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology; Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences; Division on Earth and Life Studies; National Research Council
2010 | ISBN: 0309147514 | 124 pages | PDF | 7,7 MB
Committee on Forefronts of Science at the Interface of Physical and Life Sciences; Board on Physics and Astronomy; Board on Life Sciences; Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology; Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences; Division on Earth and Life Studies; National Research Council
2010 | ISBN: 0309147514 | 124 pages | PDF | 7,7 MB
Traditionally, the natural sciences have been divided into two branches: the biological sciences and the physical sciences. Today, an increasing number of scientists are addressing problems lying at the intersection of the two. These problems are most often biological in nature, but examining them through the lens of the physical sciences can yield exciting results and opportunities. For example, one area producing effective cross-discipline research opportunities centers on the dynamics of systems. Equilibrium, multistability, and stochastic behavior–concepts familiar to physicists and chemists–are now being used to tackle issues associated with living systems such as adaptation, feedback, and emergent behavior.