We give a new introduction to hyperstructures and higher order structures in general. A specific implementation of a hyperstructure we call Abstract Matter, and we argue that this is a suitable model for studying and simulating various kinds of both organic and inorganic matter — even...

We introduce a class of dynamical systems called Higher Order Cellular Automata (HOCA). These are based on ordinary CA, but have a hierarchical, or multi-level, structure and/or dynamics. We present a detailed formalism for HOCA and illustrate the concepts through four examples. Throughout the...

We propose a universal, astrophysically based theory of the origin of life on Earth and on other rocky planets as well. Life is an information system where the information content grows because of selection. It must start with the minimum possible information, or the minimum possible departure...