Herbert Levine, physicist and
professor of bioengineering at Rice University, makes the argument that the
subjects of biology and physics have inherit similarities. Levine made his
argument by appealing to logos. He explained, logically, that cells must use
complex degrees of navigation to perform properly in their environment. He
writes, "Cells figure out where to go by using primitive ‘senses,’ mostly
smell—detecting chemicals—and touch—detecting the hardness of surface."
Levine goes on to describe how these movements involve the law of attraction, there
for making evident that biology has physics applications.
Another way Levine rationalizes his
argument of cell mobility is through analogies. With the knowledge that
his readers are of the age of driving, he compares the
chemical mechanics of cell structures to a "cell driving
car". He draws similarities to a cell and a car whereby they refuel
themselves, respond to stimuli and survive in many ranges of environments. In
this way, he gives his audience a tangible and memorable way to understand his
subject at hand.
Overall, Levine makes a compelling
argument. As a student of science, it is interesting to learn how all the
facets is interconnected. I would think that chemistry and biology are more
directly related, before reading this article, but it seems that all three
subjects have some parallels. I wonder what it is like to have a teacher like
Levine who also researches in laboratories and makes new discoveries every day.
Science is a growing subject in that we still do not know what we do not know. Textbooks
are constantly changing and new methods are being brought up, in contrast to
history or math, where bureaucratic learning has been practice for years. In conclusion,
biological structures are constantly making amazing innovations and people like
Herbert Levine are responsible for this!
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