Information Theory, Evolution, and the Origin of Life

by Hubert P. Yockey

Information Theory, Evolution and the Origin of Life presents a timely introduction to the use of information theory and coding theory in molecular biology. The genetical information system, because it is linear and digital, resembles the algorithmic language of computers. George Gamow pointed out that the application of Shannon's information theory breaks genetics and molecular biology out of the descriptive mode into the quantitative mode and Dr Yockey develops this theme, discussing how information theory and coding theory can be applied to molecular biology. He discusses how these tools for measuring the information in the sequences of the genome and the proteome are essential for our complete understanding of the nature and origin of life. The author writes for the computer competent reader who is interested in evolution and the origins of life.

Genres: Science, Evolution

272 pages, Hardcover

First published June 30, 2005

Reviews

[Vishal · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing is jumpy, there is no clear flow or broader picture painted by the author. It's the kind where you have to push yourself to read the next page - as the content doesn't automatically make you flip the pages. Also, this is when you try to read the book ignoring 40% of the content which is either one of two - the author belittling other scientists - or tooting his own whistle.

[Oren Mizrahi · Rating 4 out of 5]

wildly interesting but inconsistent. a mix of highly mathematical, highly specific molecular bio, and highly philosophical.

yockey takes very strong stances but he usually defends them. this book is heterodox and highly interesting. connections between biology and modern technology are not made often enough.

i did find a few typos.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information herein is clear and points towards an obvious conclusion, but the strictures of censorship and control in the field has the author avoiding that conclusion as if his job depends upon him doing so, which, sadly, it does.

Read it for the information within, but dismiss the errors of towing the line, and the book will prove profitable.

[Bernhard Geiger · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the few books I stopped reading: I did not have the impression that I could learn a lot from this book, but that's maybe because I have little knowledge in genetics. Another problem might be the missing clear line of flow: Yockey jumps from topic to topic, from one subjective opinion to the other, and illustrates his points on very specific examples rather than trying to paint a general picture. Finally, his boasting of his own contributions, and his disregard for many other scientists, keeps reading the book from being too enjoyable.