BYSTANDER EFFECT
Charles François (2004). BYSTANDER EFFECT, International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(1): 348.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 348 ▶ |
| Object type | General information |
The effect on other elements of some input into one element in a system.
This effect has been observed in human biological systems where “cells that suffer a direct hit from radiation alter the level of gene activity in neighbouring cells” (Jack LITTLE, quoted by R. EDWARDS, p. 22, 1998).
This implies some communication between these cells, probably “through chemical messengers” (Ibid.)
Conversely, where there is a communication link , a bystander effect is probably possible. A search for bystander effects in societies should eventually be rewarding.