Weak Links
Subtitle: Stabilizers of Complex Systems from Proteins to Social Networks (The Frontiers Collection)
Edition: 1 edition
Publisher: Springer
Published: April 28, 2006
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 410
ISBN-13: 9783540311515
Subjects: Communication Studies; Social theory; Science/Mathematics; Nature; Science; General; Life Sciences - Biochemistry; Physics; Ecosystem stability; Nature / General; Network dynamics; Protein folding; Psychological traits; Social networks; Life Sciences - Biophysics; Force and energy; Stability; Whole and parts (Philosophy)
Description: "Why do women stabilize our societies? Why can we enjoy and understand Shakespeare? Why are fruitflies uniform? Why do omnivorous eating habits aid our survival? Why is Mona Lisa's smile beautiful? - Is there any answer to these questions? This book shows that the statement: "weak links stabilize complex systems" holds the answers to all of the surprising questions above. The author uses weak (low affinity, low probability) interactions as a thread to introduce a vast variety of networks from proteins to ecosystems. Many people, from Nobel Laureates to high-school students have helped make the book understandable to all interested readers."--BOOK JACKET.