Mathematics of Life by Ian Stewart
Remember how much of a breather sophomore year in high
school was? We had Biology which did not demand calculations and such (ahh,
those were the days). Biology and math
did not seem compatible but Ian Stewart said that this was changing.
Ian
Stewart wrote a book called Mathematics
in Life, which is about the relationship of mathematics with biology (which
is going strong, btw). It is an overview of the role of mathematics in discovering
more about the origins of life, and life itself. We all know that biology is
about plants, animals, cells.. well, basically about life. Studies in biology
have progressed and mathematics has helped in this development. Mathematical
ideas have been motivated by biology like how biologists found patterns in an
angelfish’s stripes, they explained it not through dissection but, rather,
through formulas (how awesome is that?!). Stewart tells us that mathematics is
being used not just to help biologists with their data or whatnot, but on a
deeper level: to provide significant insights into science itself, to explain
how life works. Biology and Math have a mutualistic relationship, both benefits
from each other.
The book
was really fun to read. The first few chapters helped refresh my mind about
what I have learned in the biology courses that I have taken up. I was amazed
how mathematical analysis helped in discovering more about the hidden secrets
in our world and it’s also easier. This was the first time I’ve read something about
math and biology together, so I really enjoyed all this brand new information. If
you love both biology and math, you’d definitely adore this book.
Indeed,
math has [and will continue] to play an important role in our lives. I mean,
how can we live without it?
the cover of the book was awesome too ^-^
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