My posts on

My former Anima Ex Machina blog

Selected Publications

Over 140 peer-reviewed contributions indexed in

H-index and list sorted by citation numbers available on

Peer-reviewed Papers

Letter numbering code:

J: journal | P: proceeding or chapter
# co-first author if not listed first
* corresponding author | ^ sorted alphabetically

|             All             |

130. J77 On Sequential Structures in Incompressible Multidimensional Networks
F.S. Abrahao, K. Wehmuth, H. Zenil, and A. Ziviani
2022 (submitted) [online, preprint]

129. P52 The Emergent Behavior of Computer Programs of Short Description Length in Discrete Time and Discrete Space
H. Zenil
Foundational Papers in Complexity Science pp. 1735–1792, Santa Fe Institute, 2024 [online, partial preprint].

122. J71 Assembly Theory is an approximation to algorithmic complexity based on LZ compression that does not explain selection or evolution
F.S. Abrahão, S. Hernández-Orozco, N.A. Kiani, J. Tegnér, H. Zenil
PLOS Complex Systems, 1(1): e0000014, 2024 [online, preprint]

120. J70 On the Salient Limitations of the Methods of Assembly Theory and their Classification of Molecular Biosignatures
A. Uthamacumaran, F.S. Abrahão, N.A. Kiani, H. Zenil
npj Systems Biology and Applications 10, 82, 2024. [online].

119. J69  A Review of Mathematical and Computational Methods in Cancer Dynamics

A. Uthamacumaran and H. Zenil
Frontiers in Oncology, 25 July 2022 [online]

113. J67 Emergence and Algorithmic Information Dynamics of Systems and Observers
F. S. Abrahão and H. Zenil
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A, 2022 [online]

108. P44 Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Causality for Precision and Value-based Healthcare
H. Zenil
In N. Lidströmer and H. Ashrafian (eds.)
Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Springer Verlag, 2021 [online]

107. P43 Causal Diagnostics for Cancer and Complex Diseases
H. Zenil
In I. Balaz and A. Adamatzky, Cancer, Complexity, Computation, World Scientific Publishing Company, Springer, 2021 [Amazon]

105. J64 Algorithmic Probability-guided Machine Learning On Non-differentiable Spaces
S. Hernández-Orozco, H. Zenil*, J. Riedel, A. Uccello , N.A. Kiani, and J. Tegnér
Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence, 25, 2021. [online, preprint]

104. P41 Algorithmic Information Dynamics
H. Zenil, N.A. Kiani, F.S. Abrahao and J. Tegnér
Scholarpedia, 15(7):53143, 2020.[online]

102. J62 A Review of Methods for Estimating Algorithmic Complexity: Options, Challenges, and New Directions
H. Zenil
Entropy, 22, 612, 2020. (special issue on Shannon Entropy and Kolmogorov complexity) [online]

101. P40 Evolving Neural Networks through a Reverse Encoding Tree
H. Zhang, C-H. Huck Yang, H. Zenil, N.A. Kiani, Y. Shen and J. Tegnér
IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence 2020. [preprint]

99. P39 Algorithmic Information Distortions in Node-Aligned and Node-Unaligned Multidimensional Networks
F.S. Abrahao, K. Wehmuth, H. Zenil, and A. Ziviani
Entropy 2021, 23(7), 835 [online]

97. J59. Causal Deconvolution by Algorithmic Generative Models
H. Zenil*, N.A. Kiani, A. Zea, J. Tegnér
Nature Machine Intelligence, vol 1, pages 58–66, 2019
[online, video] (NPG)

96. J58 A Novel Method for Reconstructing CT Images in GATE/GEANT4 with Application in Medical Imaging: A Complexity Analysis Approac
N. Gholamia, M. Mahdi Dehshibia, M. Fazlalib, A. Rueda-Toicen, H. Zenil, A. Adamatzky
Journal of Information Processing, vol. 28 pp. 161–168, 2020. [online, preprint]

92. J56. A Review of Graph and Network Complexity from an Algorithmic Information Perspective
H. Zenil, N.A. Kiani, J. Tegnér
Entropy, 20(8):551, 2018. [online]

91. J55. Training-free Measures Based on Algorithmic Probability Identify High Nucleosome Occupancy in DNA Sequences
H. Zenil, P. Minary
Nucleic Acids Research, gkz750, 2019 [online, preprint] (Oxford)

90. J54. Community assessment to advance computational prediction of cancer drug combinations in a pharmacogenomic screen
S.M Hill, L.M. Heiser, (…) i.a. H. Zenil (DREAM Challenge Consortium) (…), G. Stolovitzky, J. Guinney, J.R Dry, J. Saez-Rodriguez
Nature Communications, vol. 10, Article number: 2674, 2019. [online] (NPG)

87. J52. The Thermodynamics of Network Coding, and  Algorithmic Refinement of the principle of Maximum Entropy
H. Zenil*, N.A. Kiani, J. Tegnér
Entropy, 21(6), 560, 2019 [online] (MDPI)

86. J51. An Algorithmic Information Calculus for Causal Discovery and Reprogramming Systems
H Zenil, N.A. Kiani, F. Marabita, Y. Deng, S. Elias, A. Schmidt, G. Ball, J. Tegnér
iScience, S2589-0042(19)30270-6, 2019 [online, video] (Cell Press)

85. J50. Algorithmically Probable Mutations Reproduce Aspects of Evolution, such as Convergence Rate, Genetic Memory, and Modularity
S. Hernández-Orozco, N.A. Kiani, H. Zenil*
Royal Society Open Science, 5:180399, 2018 [online] (Royal Society)

84. J49. A Decomposition Method for Global Evaluation of Shannon Entropy and Local Estimations of Algorithmic Complexity
H. Zenil, S. Hernández-Orozco, N.A. Kiani, F. Soler-Toscano, A. Rueda-Toicen
Entropy 20(8), 605, 2018. [online] (MDPI)

82. P34. Model Discovery and Discrete Inverse Problems with Cellular Automata and Boolean Networks

H. Zenil*, Y. Zhang and N.A. Kiani
In A. Adamatzky, Automata and Complexity, Eric Goles festschrift, Springer, 2022. [Amazon]

81. J48. Symmetry and Correspondence of Algorithmic Complexity over Geometric, Spatial and Topological Representations
H. Zenil*, N.A. Kiani and J. Tegnér
Entropy, 20(7), 534, 2018 [online]

80. J47. Coding-theorem Like Behaviour and Emergence of the Universal Distribution from Resource-bounded Algorithmic Probability
H. Zenil*, L. Badillo, S. Hernández-Orozco and F. Hernandez-Quiroz
International Journal of Parallel Emergent and Distributed Systems, 2018 [online, preprint] (Taylor & Francis)

79. J46. Rule Primality, Minimal Generating Sets and Turing-Universality in the Causal Decomposition of Elementary Cellular Automata
J. Riedel and H. Zenil^*
Journal of Cellular Automata, vol. 13, pp. 479–497, 2018 [online, preprint]

78. J45. Algorithmic Complexity and Reprogrammability of Chemical Structure Networks
H. Zenil*, N.A. Kiani, M-M. Shang, J. Tegnér
Parallel Processing Letters, vol. 28, 2018. [online, preprint] (World Scientific)

77. J44. Cross-boundary Behavioural Reprogrammability Reveals Evidence of Pervasive Universality
J. Riedel, H. Zenil^*
International Journal of Unconventional Computing, vol 13:14-15 pp. 309-357, 2018 [online, preprint]

75. J42. Approximations of Algorithmic and Structural Complexity Validate Cognitive-behavioural Experimental Results
H. Zenil*, J.A.R. Marshall, J. Tegnér
Frontiers In Computational Neuroscience, vol. 16, 2023 [online]

73. J40. Undecidability and Irreducibility Conditions for Open-Ended Evolution and Emergence
S. Hernández-Orozco, F. Hernández-Quiroz and H. Zenil*
Artificial Life, vol. 24:1, pp. 56–70, 2018 [online, preprint] (MIT)

72. J39. A Computable Measure of Algorithmic Probability by Finite Approximations with an Application to Integer Sequences
F. Soler-Toscano, H. Zenil*
Complexity vol. 2017 (2017), Article ID 7208216 [online, preprint] (Wiley/Hindawi)

70. J37. HiDi: An efficient reverse engineering schema for large scale dynamic regulatory network reconstruction using adaptive differentiation
Y. Deng, H. Zenil*, J. Tegnér, N.A. Kiani
Bioinformatics btx501, 2017. [preprint, online] (Oxford)

68. J35. Low Algorithmic Complexity Entropy-deceiving Graphs
H. Zenil*, N.A. Kiani and J. Tegnér
Physical Review E 96, 012308, 2017.
[online] (APS)

67. J34. Formal Definitions of Unbounded Evolution and Innovation Reveal Universal Mechanisms for Open-Ended Evolution in Dynamical Systems
A. Adams, H. Zenil, P.W.C. Davies, S.I. Walker
Scientific Reports 7, No:997, 2017. [online] (NPG)

66. J33. Human Behavioral Complexity Peaks at Age 25
N. Gauvrit, H. Zenil*, F. Soler-Toscano, J.-P. Delahaye, P. Brugger
PLoS Comput Biol 13(4): e1005408, 2017. [online, video, supplementary information (SI)] (PLOS)

65. P33. Predictive Systems Toxicology
N.A. Kiani, M. Shang, H. Zenil and J. Tegnér
In Orazio Nicolotti (ed.), Computational Toxicology – Methods and Protocols, Methods in Molecular Biology, Springer, 2017. [online, preprint]

60. P28. Causality, Information and Biological Computation: An algorithmic software approach to life, disease and the immune system
H. Zenil, A. Schmidt, J. Tegnér
In S I. Walker, P.C.W. Davies and G. Ellis (eds.), Information and Causality: From Matter to Life.
Cambridge University Press, pp. 244-279, 2017. [preprint, Amazon]

59. P27. Algorithmic Data Analytics, Small Data Matters and Correlation versus Causation
H. Zenil
In M. Ott, W. Pietsch, J. Wernecke (eds.), Berechenbarkeit der Welt? Philosophie und Wissenschaft im Zeitalter von Big Data (Computability of the World? Philosophy and Science in the Age of Big Data)
Springer Verlag, pp 453-475, 2017. [online, preprint]

58. J32. Perspective on Bridging Scales and Design of Models using Low-Dimensional Manifolds & Data-driven Model Inference
J. Tegner, H. Zenil, N.A. Kiani, G. Ball, D. Gomez-Cabrero
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A, volume 374, issue 2080, 2016. [online] (Royal Society)

57. J31. Inferring causal molecular networks: Empirical Assessment of Causal Network Learning through a Community-based Effort
S.M Hill, L.M. Heiser, (…) i.a. H. Zenil (DREAM Challenge Consortium) (…), S. Mukherjee, G. Stolovitzky, J. Saez-Rodriguez
Nature Methods 13, pp. 310–318, 2016. [online] (NPG)

56. J30. Methods of Information Theory and Algorithmic Complexity for Network Biology
H. Zenil, N.A. Kiani and J. Tegnér
Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology, vol. 51, pp. 32-43, 2016. [online, preprint] (Elsevier)

55. J29. Fractal Dimension versus Process Complexity
J.J. Joosten, F. Soler-Toscano, and H. Zenil*
Advances in Mathematical Physics vol. 2016, Article ID 5030593 [online] (Hindawi)

53. J27. Quantifying Loss of Information in Network-based Dimensionality Reduction Techniques
H. Zenil*, N.A. Kiani, J. Tegnér
Journal of Complex Networks, vol. 4:(3) pp. 342-362, 2016. [online, preprint] (Oxford)

52. J26. Evaluating Network Inference Methods in Terms of Their Ability to Preserve the Topology and Complexity of Genetic Networks
N.A. Kiani, H. Zenil*#, J. Olczak and J. Tegnér
Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology, vol. 51, pp. 44-52, 2016. [online, preprint] (Elsevier)

51. P26. The Limits of Decidable States on Open-Ended Evolution and Emergence
S. Hernández-Orozco, F. Hernández-Quiroz and H. Zenil*
Artificial Life, vol. 24(1) pp. 56-70, 2018. [online] (MIT)

48. J25. Algorithmic complexity for psychology: A user-friendly implementation of the coding theorem method
N. Gauvrit, H. Singmann, F. Soler-Toscano, H. Zenil*
Behavior Research Methods, Volume 48, Issue 1, pp. 1-16, 2015. doi:10.3758/s13428-015-0574-3 [preprint, online] (Springer)

46. P22. Numerical Investigation of Graph Spectra and Information Interpretability of Eigenvalues
H. Zenil, N.A. Kiani, J. Tegnér
In F. Ortuño & I. Rojas (Eds.): 3rd International Work-Conference on Bioinformatics and Biomedical Engineering (IWBBIO) 2015, Part II,
LNCS 9044, pp. 395–405. Springer, 2015. [preprint, online]

44. J24. Algorithmicity and Programmability in Natural Computing with the Game of Life as an In Silico Case Study
H. Zenil
Journal of Experimental & Theoretical Artificial Intelligence, Volume 27, Issue 1, pp. 109-121, 2015. [online] (Taylor & Francis)

43. J23. Complexity Measurement Based on Information Theory and Kolmogorov Complexity
L. Ting Lui, G. Terrazas, H. Zenil, C. Alexander and N. Krasnogor
Artificial Life, vol. 21:2, pp. 205-24 2015. [online] (MIT Press)

42. J22. Two-Dimensional Kolmogorov Complexity and Validation of the Coding Theorem Method by Compressibility
H. Zenil, F. Soler-Toscano, J.-P. Delahaye and N. Gauvrit
PeerJ Computer Science, 1:e23, 2015. [online] (PeerJ)

41. J21. Natural Scene Statistics Mediate the Perception of Image Complexity
N. Gauvrit, F. Soler-Toscano, H. Zenil*
Visual Cognition, Volume 22, Issue 8, pp. 1084-1091, 2014. [preprint, online] (Taylor & Francis)

40. J20. Calculating Kolmogorov Complexity from the Output Frequency Distributions of Small Turing Machines
F. Soler-Toscano, H. Zenil#*^, J.-P. Delahaye and N. Gauvrit
PLoS ONE 9(5): e96223, 2014. [online, data, online program, Mathematica API, R package] (PLOS)

39. J19. Correlation of Automorphism Group Size and Topological Properties with Program-size Complexity Evaluations of Graphs and Complex Networks
H. Zenil, F. Soler-Toscano, K. Dingle and A. Louis
Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, vol. 404, pp. 341–358, 2014. [online, preprint, video]
(Elsevier)

37. J18. Algorithmic complexity for short binary strings applied to psychology: a primer
N. Gauvrit, H. Zenil*, F. Soler-Toscano and J.-P. Delahaye
Behavior Research Methods, vol. 46-3, pp 732-744, 2014. [preprint, online] (Springer)

35. J16. Correspondence and Independence of Numerical Evaluations of Algorithmic Information Measures
F. Soler-Toscano, H. Zenil#*, J.-P. Delahaye and N. Gauvrit
Computability, vol. 2, no. 2, pp 125-140, 2013. [online, preprint] (IOS)

34. J15. Exploring Programmable Self-Assembly in Non DNA-based Computing
G. Terrazas, H. Zenil and N. Krasnogor
Natural Computing, vol 12(4): 499–515, 2013. doi:10.1007/s11047-013-9397-2 [online, preprint] (Springer)

33. J14. Asymptotic Behaviour and Ratios of Complexity in Cellular Automata Rule Spaces
H. Zenil
International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos vol. 23, no. 9, 2013. [online, preprint] (WSPC)

32. P19. Algorithmic complexity of motifs clusters superfamilies of networks
H. Zenil, N.A. Kiani and J. Tegner
IEEE International Conference on Bioinformatics and Biomedicine, pp 74 – 76, Shanghai, China 2013. [online]

28. J13. Turing Patterns with Turing Machines: Emergence and Low-level Structure Formation
H. Zenil
Natural Computing, vol. 12(2): 291-303, 2013, [online, preprint] (Springer)

22. J11. Some Aspects of Computation Essential to Evolution and Life
H. Zenil and J.A.R. Marshall
Ubiquity, vol. 2013, no. April, pp 1-16. [online, preprint] (ACM)

20. J10. Life as Thermodynamic Evidence of Algorithmic Structure in Natural Environments
H. Zenil, C. Gershenson, J.A.R. Marshall and D. Rosenblueth
Entropy, 14(11), 2173-2191, 2012. [online] (MDPI)

16. J6. Numerical Evaluation of Algorithmic Complexity of Short Strings: A Glance Into the Innermost Structure of Algorithmic Randomness
J.-P. Delahaye and H. Zenil#*^
Applied Mathematics and Computation 219, pp. 63-77, 2012. [online, preprint] (2011) (Elsevier)

15. J5. Empirical Encounters with Computational Irreducibility and Unpredictability
H. Zenil, F. Soler-Toscano and J.J. Joosten
Minds and Machines, vol. 22, Number 3, pp. 149-165, 2012. [preprint] (Springer)

14. J4. Image Characterization and Classification by Physical Complexity
H. Zenil*, J.-P. Delahaye and C. Gaucherel
Complexity, vol. 17-3, pages 26-42, 2012. [online, preprint] (Wiley)

4. P3. On the Algorithmic Nature of the World
H. Zenil and J-P. Delahaye
In G. Dodig-Crnkovic and M. Burgin (eds), Information and Computation, World Scientific Publishing Company, 2010. [preprint]

3. J1. Compression-based Investigation of the Dynamical Properties of Cellular Automata and Other Systems
H. Zenil
Complex Systems, vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 1-28, 2010. [online]

2. P2. On the Kolmogorov-Chaitin complexity for short sequences
J-P. Delahaye and H. Zenil#
In C. Calude (ed) Randomness and Complexity: From Leibniz to Chaitin, World Scientific Publishing Company, 2007. [preprint]