“The Evolution of Biological Information: How Evolution Creates Complexity, from Viruses to Brains” with Professor Christoph Adami

Evolution of Biological Information on Bridging the Gaps

Consider this thought-provoking statement: “Life is information that maintains itself.” This argument, proposed by Professor Christoph Adami in his book “The Evolution of Biological Information: How Evolution Creates Complexity, from Viruses to Brains” places information at the heart of biological systems. Adami’s innovative perspective offers fresh insights into phenomena such as the evolution of drug resistance in viruses, the development of cellular communication, and the emergence of intelligence. By framing information as the unifying principle of biology, this approach provides a systematic way to explore the origin of life—both on Earth and beyond. In this episode of Bridging the Gaps I speak with Professor Christoph Adami.

Christoph Adami is professor of microbiology and molecular genetics & physics as well as astronomy at Michigan State University. A pioneer in the application of methods from information theory to the study of evolution, he designed the Avida system that launched the use of digital life as a tool for investigating basic questions in evolutionary biology. He has received several awards, including the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for Artificial Life.

We begin with an in-depth exploration of Shannon’s information theory, focusing particularly on the concept of entropy. This foundation sets the stage for a discussion on how biological systems store and preserve information. We delve into the information content of genes and proteins, highlighting a key idea from the book: “Living organisms know some very important facts about the world they inhabit and thrive in.”

Next, we examine the concept of genetic information and its storage within DNA molecules and genomes. This includes a detailed look at the nature of this information and the latest understanding of the data encoded within the genome.

We then turn to the core mechanisms—or laws—of evolution: inheritance, variation, and selection, framing these processes as the measurement, processing, and transmission of information. To describe evolution through the lens of information theory, Adami incorporates the concept of Maxwell’s demon, a thought experiment that challenges the second law of thermodynamics. We discuss this thought experiment in detail and its application to understanding the evolution of biological information.

Finally, we explore the profound question of the origin of life, accompanied by an engaging discussion on viruses. Before finishing this discussion, we also touch upon the nature and challenges of multidisciplinary research. Overall, this has been an enlightening and highly informative journey into the intersection of biology and information theory.

Complement this discussion with “The Network of Life: A New View of Evolution” with Professor David Mindell and then listen to “Zero to Birth: How the Human Brain Is Built” with Professor William Harris

By |December 21st, 2024|Biology, Information, Podcasts, Research|
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“The Secret Life of Data: Navigating Hype and Uncertainty” with Aram Sinnreich and Jesse Gilbert

Secret of Data Book Reviewed at Bridging the Gaps

As fresh algorithms and new analytical methods emerge, existing datasets can uncover insights beyond their original purpose. Regardless of their intended use, data often possess hidden potentials and always have a “secret life”. “How this data will be used, by other people in other times and places, has profound implications for every aspect of our lives—from our intimate relationships to our professional lives to our political systems”, argue Professor Aram Sinnreich and Jesse Gilbert in their new book “The Secret Life of Data: Navigating Hype and Uncertainty in the Age of Algorithmic Surveillance”. This phenomenon raises various moral, ethical, and legal questions: Should we use datasets for unexpected and unforeseen insights? Should we create new frameworks to control and regulate using datasets for purposes beyond their original intent? Ignoring opportunities to analyse data in new ways might limit their potential, but pursuing them introduces ethical dilemmas. In this episode of Bridging the Gaps, I speak with Professor Aram Sinnreich and Jesse Gilbert.

Aram Sinnreich is an author, professor, and musician. He is Chair of Communication Studies at American University. Jesse Gilbert is an interdisciplinary artist exploring the intersection of visual art, sound, and software design at his firm Dark Matter Media. He was the founding Chair of the Media Technology department at Woodbury University.

I begin the conversation by setting the stage for our listeners and delving into the idea of the “secret life of data” as discussed in the book. We then delve deeper into the nature and scale of the challenge posed by this phenomenon. One key point highlighted in the book is that the challenge is primarily conceptual—we’re uncertain about what exactly we’re aiming to control, handle, and regulate. We thoroughly explore this aspect.

To address this “conceptual challenge,” the book provides a comprehensive overview of various frameworks and approaches that have been developed and are currently utilised to tackle similar challenges. The book then extends these concepts to envision and propose a framework that could aid us in addressing this particular challenge. We discuss in detail a number of existing frameworks outlined in the book, and then explore the possibilities to address these emerging challenges. Overall, this conversation has been immensely interesting and enlightening.

Complement this discussion with “Dark Data: Why What You Don’t Know Matters” with Professor David Hand and then listen to Reclaiming Human Intelligence and “How to Stay Smart in a Smart World” with Prof. Gerd Gigerenzer

By |May 20th, 2024|Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Future, Information, Podcasts|
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“Evolutionary Intelligence: How Technology Will Make Us Smarter” with Professor W. Russell Neuman

Evolutionary Intelligence book reviewed at Bridging the Gaps

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most remarkable advancements of our time. It is a powerful evolving technology that has transformed the way we interact with machines and perceive the capabilities of computer systems. However, with this newfound power comes a natural apprehension. There is a noticeable fear surrounding the unintentional consequences and unintended implications of Artificial Intelligence. As this technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the question is: how justified are our fears and just how tangible, and how real is the threat posed by this revolutionary technology? Perhaps, the underlying cause of these fears is our tendency to unjustifiably attribute human traits to the machines we may construct.

A compelling new perspective suggests that human intelligence will evolve alongside digital technology, leading to a transformative coevolution of human and artificial intelligence. This augmented intelligence will reshape our thinking and behaviour. In his recent book “Evolutionary Intelligence: How Technology Will Make Us Smarter” Professor W. Russell Neuman offers a remarkably optimistic perspective where computational intelligence not only addresses the well-known limitations of human judgement but also enhances decision-making capabilities and expands our capacity for action. In this episode of Bridging the Gaps, I speak with Professor W. Russell Neuman. We discuss how our future depends on our ability to computationally compensate for the limitations of the human cognitive system. We explore Neuman’s viewpoint that “if intelligence is the capacity to match means with ends, then augmented intelligence can offer the ability to adapt to changing environments as we face the ultimate challenge of long-term survival”. Professor Neuman’s distinctive approach to explain complex concepts through narratives and anecdotes adds an engaging layer of interest to this discussion. This highly informative discussion makes a powerful argument for the continued coexistence of humans and their machines.

W. Russell Neuman is Professor of Media Technology at New York University. He is a specialist in new media and digital education. He is a founding faculty of the MIT Media Lab. He served as a Senior Policy Analyst in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, working in the areas of information technology, broadband policy, and technologies for border security.

Complement this discussion with Reclaiming Human Intelligence and “How to Stay Smart in a Smart World” with Prof. Gerd Gigerenzer and then listen to “Working with AI: Real Stories of Human-Machine Collaboration” with Professor Thomas Davenport and Professor Steven Miller.

By |March 31st, 2024|Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Future, Information, Knowledge, Podcasts, Technology|
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