From science writer Philip Perry at BigThink:
If the nature of reality is in fact reducible to information itself, that implies a conscious mind on the receiving end, to interpret and comprehend it. Wheeler himself believed in a participatory universe, where consciousness holds a central role. Some scientists argue that the cosmos seems to have specific properties which allow it to create and sustain life. Perhaps what it desires most is an audience captivated in awe as it whirls in prodigious splendor.
Modern physics has hit a wall in a number of areas. Some proponents of information theory believe embracing it may help us to say, sew up the rift between general relativity and quantum mechanics. Or perhaps it’ll aid in detecting and comprehending dark matter and dark energy, which combined are thought to make up 95% of the known universe. As it stands, we have no idea what they are. Ironically, some hard data is required in order to elevate information theory. Until then, it remains theoretical.More.
Hello? Hello? Oh great, we have a connection again, Perry. Guess the tech finally succeeded in cleaning the mouse nests out of your switchbox. Happens here too.
Um, yeah, the live part of the universe is mainly information and only incidentally matter and energy. It is amazing the number and variety of types of matter and energy that life can use.
And yes, we can test for information. But few Big Thinkers want to do it. They make good off Big Thinking – the greatest tap dance ever.
See also: Is origin of life a fluke, physics… or just not a science question at present?
Data basic: An introduction to information theory
and
Introduction to Evolutionary Informatics