|
As Chaos explained
the science of disorder, Nexus reveals the new science of connection and
the odd logic of six degrees of separation. How can
geometry explain the puzzles of human behavior? In this incisive, insightful work
Mark Buchanan presents the fundamental principles of the emerging field of "small
worlds" theory -- the idea that a hidden pattern is the key to how networks
interact and exchange information, whether that network is the information highway
or the firing of neurons in the brain. Mathematicians, physicists, computer scientists,
and social scientists are working to decipher this complex organizational system,
for it may yield a blueprint of dynamic interactions within our physical as well
as social worlds. Highlighting groundbreaking research behind network theory,
Buchanan documents mounting support for the small-worlds idea and demonstrates
its multiple applications to diverse problems -- whether explaining the volatile
global economy or the Human Genome Project, the spread of infectious disease or
ecological damage, Nexus is an exciting introduction to the hidden geometry
that weaves our lives so inextricably together. Mark
Buchanan is a science writer and holds a doctorate in physics. He has been an
editor at Nature and New Scientist. He lives in France. |
