Tyler Volk is a professor in the Earth Systems Group of New York University’s Biology Department. He has taught courses in visual science and on patterns in time. Inspired by Gregory Bateson, who suggested that we concentrate on shapes, patterns and relations when studying anything from anthropology to cybernetics, Volk has written a fascinating study of patterns of patterns, or metapatterns. In Metapatterns (Columbia, £21.50/$31.50, ISBN 0 231 06750 X), he explores the constants – patterns – throughout inconstant nature and the sciences. Already appearing in bestseller charts in the US, it’s well worth a read.
More from 91av
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending 91av articles
1
Red-light therapy does have health benefits but not the ones you think
2
Man destined for Alzheimer's may have been saved by accidental therapy
3
Woman in cancer remission without treatment in highly unusual case
4
We have figured out a new way to send messages into the past
5
Hantavirus: Where has the deadly cruise ship outbreak come from?
6
Extinct relative of koalas discovered in Western Australia
7
A lost ancient script reveals how writing as we know it really began
8
Huge landslide in Alaska caused 481m-high tsunami
9
Thought-provoking photographs capture what it feels like to have ADHD
10
Cancer-causing chemical found to be leaking from gas cookers
