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  • Nov
    28

    Appl Math: M. Lin on "Thermodynamic Limits of Molecular Computation"

    McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

    11:15 AM M416, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILS

    Title: Mathematics of Life Series: Thermodynamic Limits of Molecular Computation

    Speaker: Milo Lin, Bioinformatics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

    Abstract: Living systems update their status by altering the probability distribution of stochastically rearranging molecules in response to a change in the system parameters. These updates constitute molecular computational steps. Due to the presence of thermodynamic driving forces, typically in the form of chemical gradients, these computations convert a molecular system from one non-equilibrium steady state to another. Because such steady states are energetically costly to maintain, the question arises as to why nature has evolved this computational scheme. I will discuss a thermodynamic limit on computation. Namely, for any molecular system performing any computational step, the maximum information gained in the computation is shown to be a simple function of the thermodynamic force. Therefore, the presence of thermodynamic forces, and the expenditure of energy, allows biomolecular systems to convert modest changes in input into striking changes in output that would be surprising or impossible at equilibrium.

    Special Note: This lecture is part of the Mathematics of Life Series

    Zoom: This event will be held in person, and also online via Zoom at the following link: https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/97877158093

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    TIME Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM

    LOCATION M416, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Ted Shaeffer    ted.shaeffer@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

  • Sep
    8

    Welcome & Breakfast for New McCormick PhD Students

    McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

    9:00 AM LR2 & Tech East Plaza, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Monday, September 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

    LOCATION LR2 & Tech East Plaza, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Andi Joppie    andi.joppie@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

  • Sep
    12

    New Undergraduate Fall 2025 Registration

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Friday, September 12, 2025

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Sep
    15

    Welcome & Luncheon for New Full-time Graduate Students

    McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

    11:00 AM Ryan Auditorium & Tech East Plaza, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Monday, September 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

    LOCATION Ryan Auditorium & Tech East Plaza, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Andi Joppie    andi.joppie@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

  • Sep
    16

    Fall Classes Begin. Change of Registration (Drop/Add) Late registration for returning students begins

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Tuesday, September 16, 2025

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar