Jon Lieff - The Secret Language of Cells

Contents

The Secret Language of Cells takes us on an exciting journey into a world where we can visualize elaborate conversations among immune cells, brain cells, gut cells, bacteria, and even viruses. Dr. Lieff gives a wealth of examples for his thesis that this cellular signaling is the basis of life. It is a must read for anyone seeking to understand modern biology and advanced medical science. It is equally important for those of us who wonder, as I do, how this ubiquitous information transfer in the form of cellular conversations might be related to the emergence of intelligence and consciousness.

Ray Kurzweil, inventor, author, and futurist

The Secret Language of Cells explains the complex ways that cells in the body communicate and presents a new paradigm for understanding health and disease. It also suggests new possibilities for treatment and for promoting healing. Im pleased that my former Harvard colleague, Jon Lieff, has written this important book.

Andrew Weil, MD, director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, professor at University of Arizona College of Medicine, and author

Through a brilliant synthesis of cellular biology, microbiology, immunology, and neuroscience, The Secret Language of Cells offers a lucid explanation of the marvelous intricacies of cellular life. The result is a masterful exploration of the profound implications of cellular intelligence for understanding pathophysiology, human health, and even our origins.

William B. Miller, Jr., MD, physician, biologist, author of The Microcosm Within: Evolution and Extinction in the Hologenome, and internationally recognized expert on Cognition-Based Evolution

Jon Lieffs description of cellular communication is insightful, provocative, illuminating, and engaging and provides deep and novel observations into the remarkable symphony of how life happens. Mimicking the cellular world he describes, Dr. Lieff is the great communicator and muse of living things. An inspiring and informative read.

Ted Kaptchuk, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School

This journey into the dynamic realm of cellular conversations is a tour-deforcefascinating, vital, and especially timely for understanding emerging viruses. As we learn about intelligence in smaller and smaller animals, its not surprising that the tiniest creaturesmicrobes and even virusesexhibit elaborate communication and complex decision making. Read The Secret Language of Cells!

Marc Bekoff, PhD, professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder and author of Canine Confidential: Why Dogs Do What They Do

As a storyteller, my imagination is sparked by the insights Dr. Lieff brings to our innermost world and the mysteries at the edge of our understanding. The Secret Language of Cells reveals how the micro world reflects the macro, alive with heroes and villains, shapeshifters and tricksters, vigilant guards and gullible bystanders, helpers that commit suicide for the common good and warriors that seize the day or collapse from exhaustion. Lieffs fascinating exploration inspires awe for the astonishing dialogues and clarion calls at the heart of the intelligence within.

Antonia Felix, EdD, MFA, New York Times bestselling author

Calling all physicians, microbiologists, medical students, and fellow science enthusiastsyoure going to love The Secret Language of Cells! This book reveals fascinating ongoing conversations between cells, bacteria, and viral particles that provide the basis for understanding growth, development, healthy biology, and pathology. Perhaps more importantly, they provide the blueprint for novel interventions, treatments, and cures for ailments ranging from chronic inflammatory diseases, to cancers and even viral infections. The COVID-19 pandemic has focused the worlds lens on the world of microbes like never before. Read this book and join the conversation.

Jill Grimes, MD, family physician, speaker, author, and educator

The Secret Language of Cells is ideal for the education of medical and science students, as well as for practicing physicians. Dr. Lieffs remarkable synthesis of the scientific literature provides a current view of the intricate communication systems determining our physiology. He clearly explains how conversations among cells are the bridge between immunology, neuroscience, microbiology, and cancer research. Detailed Endnotes provide an avenue for further study, either on ones own or as part of a formal course.

Sharon Redd, MD, senior associate in anesthesia at Boston Childrens Hospital and assistant professor in anesthesia at Harvard Medical School

By focusing on the very small, with this landmark publication, Jonathan Lieff has reached new heights! When his career began, almost half a century ago, he displayed superior communication skills in interactions with his patients and their families, fellow physicians, and staff. Further, three decades ago, in his leadership role, he played a central role in establishing a professional journal and catalyzing communication about the latest scientific, clinical, and educational developments to professionals, patients, caregivers, and policy makers. At that time, he also was the first physician I knew who was communicating via a computer, well before most of us even had a computer. He then was one of the very first to understand and utilize telemedicine to enhance communication to legions of people in need who lacked accessibility to needed health care. In The Secret Language of Cells, Dr. Lieff, brilliantly and effectively, communicates the complexities of modern biology to clinicians, and even laypeople, in understandable terms. In the process, he elucidates how communications between diverse varieties of cells determine our physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as the potential social implications. With this book, Dr. Lieff provides us a way to appreciate a whole new way of looking at intelligence and life.

Sanford Finkel MD, founder of AAGP, cofounder of IPA and APA Council on Aging, and clinical professor of Psychiatry at University of Chicago Medical School

Dr. Jon Lieffs The Secret Language of Cells is a tour-de-force. In this detailed, yet easy-to-comprehend text, Dr Lieff has shared with us an insiders vantage point toward understanding why and how all lifes activity occurs because of conversations among cells. I found particularly compelling his insights into why and how the gut microbiota, using intercellular communication with brain cells, may impact vital brain functions and may contribute to the pathogenesis of brain diseases such as Alzheimers disease. I highly recommend this fascinating book to science readers and anyone wanting to better understand the role and importance of cellular functions and communications in health and disease.

George T. Grossberg, MD, director of Geriatric Psychiatry for the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience at Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Dr. Lieff has synthesized an extensive literature on the biological communications that underlie life into a highly accessible book. His integrative summary will appeal to a broad audience, from high school biology students to professionals with specific areas of expertise. The lists of references that follow each chapter offer relevant peer-reviewed articles for those wishing to more deeply explore specific questions. Dr. Lieffs central thesis is that information transfers between an organisms biological components are both ubiquitous and essential. Constant communications between various cellular structures and between the cells of the same and different organ systems are presented as critical to biological functioning.