Discover
/
Article

Gamer creates self-replicating mathematical organism

JUN 18, 2010
Physics Today
New Scientist : Computer gamer Andrew Wade demonstrated how complexity can form from simple beginnings when he posted his self-replicating mathematical organism on the internet. He created his prototype while playing John Conway’s Game of Life , a two-dimensional mathematical universe that involves patterns which form on a grid, based on a few simple rules. An initial pattern of “live” cells is chosen, which changes configuration over time as the rules are applied repeatedly. His discovery is exciting because it may help us understand how life on Earth began or inspire the design of tiny computers.
Related content
/
Article
The finding that the Saturnian moon may host layers of icy slush instead of a global ocean could change how planetary scientists think about other icy moons as well.
/
Article
/
Article
After a foray into international health and social welfare, she returned to the physical sciences. She is currently at the Moore Foundation.
/
Article
Modeling the shapes of tree branches, neurons, and blood vessels is a thorny problem, but researchers have just discovered that much of the math has already been done.

Get PT in your inbox

pt_newsletter_card_blue.png
PT The Week in Physics

A collection of PT's content from the previous week delivered every Monday.

pt_newsletter_card_darkblue.png
PT New Issue Alert

Be notified about the new issue with links to highlights and the full TOC.

pt_newsletter_card_pink.png
PT Webinars & White Papers

The latest webinars, white papers and other informational resources.

By signing up you agree to allow AIP to send you email newsletters. You further agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.