1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910760253603321

Autore

Graham Liam

Titolo

Molecular Storms : The Physics of Stars, Cells and the Origin of Life / / by Liam Graham

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Cham : , : Springer Nature Switzerland : , : Imprint : Springer, , 2023

ISBN

3-031-38681-7

Edizione

[1st ed. 2023.]

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (277 pages)

Disciplina

530.12

Soggetti

Stochastic processes

Quantum physics

System theory

Life - Origin

Neurosciences

Stochastic Processes

Quantum Physics

Complex Systems

Origin of Life

Neuroscience

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Nota di contenuto

Introduction -- Random Patterns -- The Molecular Storm -- The Joy of Thermodynamics -- The Engines of Creation -- From Big Bang to Big Freeze -- How Chemistry Works -- Lively Molecules.

Sommario/riassunto

Why is the universe the way it is? Wherever we look, we find ordered structures: from stars to planets to living cells. This book shows that the same driving force is behind structure everywhere: the incessant random motion of the components of matter. Physicists call it thermal noise. Let’s call it the molecular storm. This storm drives the fusion reactions that make stars shine. It drives whirlpools and currents in atmospheres and oceans. It spins and distorts molecules until they are in the right orientation to react and form new substances. In living cells, it drives proteins to fold and molecules to self-assemble. It is behind every detail of the astonishing molecular machines that control



cellular processes. Using cutting-edge research, “Molecular Storms” takes us on a dazzling journey from the early universe to the interior of the smallest living things. There, in a nanoscale world of biological devices, it explains the physics behind the chemical system which we call Life. Whether you're someone with a general interest in science or a student looking to add context to your studies, this book is for you. "Molecular Storms" is an accessible and captivating read that will deepen your appreciation of the power of science to explain the world.