Leon N. Cooper - Böcker

Does science have limits? Where does order come from? Can we understand consciousness? Written by Nobel Laureate Leon N. Cooper, this book places pressing scientific questions in the broader context of how they relate to human experience. Widely considered to be a highly original thinker, Cooper has written and given talks on a large variety of subjects, ranging from the relationship between art and science, possible limits of science, to the relevance of the Turing test. These essays and talks have been brought together for the first time in this fascinating book, giving readers an opportunity to experience Cooper's unique perspective on a range of subjects. Tackling a diverse spectrum of topics, from the conflict of faith and science to whether understanding neural networks could lead to machines that think like humans, this book will captivate anyone interested in the interaction of science with society.

Leon Cooper's somewhat peripatetic career has resulted in work in quantum field theory, superconductivity, the quantum theory of measurement as well as the mechanisms that underly learning and memory. He has written numerous essays on a variety of subjects as well as a highly regarded introduction to the ideas and methods of physics for non-physicists. Among the many accolades, he has received (some deserved) one he likes specially is the comment of an anonymous reviewer who characterized him as “a nonsense physicist”.This compilation of papers presents the evolution of his thinking on mechanisms of learning, memory storage and higher brain function. The first half proceeds from early models of memory and synaptic plasticity to a concrete theory that has been put into detailed correspondence with experiment and leads to the very current exploration of the molecular basis for learning and memory storage. The second half outlines his efforts to investigate the properties of neural network systems and to explore to what extent they can be applied to real world problems.In all this collection, hopefully, provides a coherent, no-nonsense, account of a line of research that leads to present investigations into the biological basis for learning and memory storage and the information processing and classification properties of neural systems.

Leon Cooper's somewhat peripatetic career has resulted in work in quantum field theory, superconductivity, the quantum theory of measurement as well as the mechanisms that underly learning and memory. He has written numerous essays on a variety of subjects as well as a highly regarded introduction to the ideas and methods of physics for non-physicists. Among the many accolades, he has received (some deserved) one he likes specially is the comment of an anonymous reviewer who characterized him as “a nonsense physicist”.This compilation of papers presents the evolution of his thinking on mechanisms of learning, memory storage and higher brain function. The first half proceeds from early models of memory and synaptic plasticity to a concrete theory that has been put into detailed correspondence with experiment and leads to the very current exploration of the molecular basis for learning and memory storage. The second half outlines his efforts to investigate the properties of neural network systems and to explore to what extent they can be applied to real world problems.In all this collection, hopefully, provides a coherent, no-nonsense, account of a line of research that leads to present investigations into the biological basis for learning and memory storage and the information processing and classification properties of neural systems.

In Theory of Cortical Plasticity, Nobel Laureate Leon Cooper and his collaborators present a systematic development of the Bienenstock, Cooper and Munro (BCM) theory of synaptic plasticity, and discuss experiments that test both its assumptions and consequences.This insightful book provides an elegant analysis of theoretical structure in neuroscience research, and elucidates the role BCM theory has played in guiding research leading to our present understanding of the mechanisms underlying cortical plasticity.This book has been selected for coverage in:• CC / Physical, Chemical & Earth Sciences• Neuroscience Citation Index®• Index to Scientific Book Contents® (ISBC)

In Theory of Cortical Plasticity, Nobel Laureate Leon Cooper and his collaborators present a systematic development of the Bienenstock, Cooper and Munro (BCM) theory of synaptic plasticity, and discuss experiments that test both its assumptions and consequences.This insightful book provides an elegant analysis of theoretical structure in neuroscience research, and elucidates the role BCM theory has played in guiding research leading to our present understanding of the mechanisms underlying cortical plasticity.This book has been selected for coverage in:• CC / Physical, Chemical & Earth Sciences• Neuroscience Citation Index®• Index to Scientific Book Contents® (ISBC)

Named a Top Five Book of 2011 by Physics Today, USA."... the editors deserve praise for the selection of topics and for enlisting a distinguished set of authors. BCS: 50 Years is a successful attempt to capture the history of the development of superconductivity theory and its continuing impact. Any person curious about superconductivity will find something in this book to enjoy."Physics TodayThe BCS theory of superconductivity developed in 1957 by Bardeen, Cooper and Schrieffer has been remarkably successful in explaining the properties of superconductors. In addition, concepts from BCS have been incorporated into diverse fields of physics, from nuclear physics and dense quark matter to the current standard model. Practical applications include SQUIDs, magnetic resonance imaging, superconducting electronics and the transmission of electricity. This invaluable book is a compilation of both a historical account and a discussion of the current state of theory and experiment.With contributions from many prominent scientists, it aims to introduce students and researchers to the origins, the impact and the current state of the BCS theory.