3 ms·
On the contrary, I've heard that entropy is a useful lens through which to understand the biological processes behind life. We're used to thinking of living thi
by justinpombrio 2y ago
On the contrary, I've heard that entropy is a useful lens through which to understand the biological processes behind life. We're used to thinking of living things as processing energy: ingesting high energy food, distributing it, making it into forms that do useful work (e.g. ATP). Apparently (I don't know the details, but this was from a biologist) it's also useful to view it as processing entropy. Ingesting low entropy food, distributing it, making it useful, excreting high entropy waste and heat. A gradient from low entropy inputs to high entropy outputs.
- 082349872349872 2y ago"Life is fire, slowed down, with an attitude"
- ChainOfFools 2y agoWhat is the source of this? Many years ago I wrote an honors essay for some undergrad class that built on the same observation, although I needed to run with it for a dozen pages or so to satisfy page count expectations.
- 082349872349872 2y agoSorry, I've completely forgotten the source, but I'm pretty sure it was extant before 2000, if that helps...