A full understanding of the developmental process in individuals requires contributions from disciplines including developmental biology and psychology, physiology, neuropsychology, social psychology, sociology, and anthropology. This ambitious and wide-ranging book integrates the findings from these and related areas to form a holistic view of human development from conception to death. Distinguished scientists have combined their expertise in a synthesis of biological and social sciences that will demand the attention of all researchers and practitioners concerned with human development across the lifespan. Based on a Nobel symposium, the topics discussed range from the function and development of single cells to the whole organism interacting with its environment. Drawing upon new theories and models, including the study of nonlinear dynamic systems and chaos theory, this book represents a major step in the move towards an integrated science of human development.