Sync: The Emerging Science of Spontaneous Order

Mr. Strogatz talks with Alan Alda about his book Sync: The Emerging Science of Spontaneous Order, published by Hyperion. The book explains the fundamentals of a new science labeled “synchrony.” Using the example of fireflies that coordinate their periods of flashing, Professor Strogatz describes “synchrony” as the method in which large systems can synchronize themselves spontaneously. Other examples of “synchrony” include fads, traffic jams, the circadian rhythms that govern sleeping; and the simultaneous seizures hundreds of Japanese children fell into while watching the cartoon show Pokemon. According to Professor Strogatz, these phenomena might seem unrelated, but there is a connection generated by mathematics. Professor Strogatz also discusses possible applications of this new science, such as the use of synchronized electrons to pinpoint diseased tissues associated with epilepsy and heart arrhythmias. A question and answer period follows the presentation. close