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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)

  • Dec
    9

    Fall examinations end

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Saturday, December 9, 2023

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

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Dec
    9

    Northwestern Engineering PhD Hooding and Master's Recognition Ceremony

    McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

    4:00 PM Pick-Staiger Concert Hall

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

    LOCATION Pick-Staiger Concert Hall    map it

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    CONTACT Northwestern Engineering Events    northwestern-engineering-events@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

  • Dec
    15

    Fall Degrees Conferred

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Friday, December 15, 2023

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

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Dec
    22

    Winter Recess - University Closed

    University Academic Calendar

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    TIME Friday, December 22, 2023

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

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Jan
    1

    New Year's Day - University Closed

    University Academic Calendar

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    TIME Monday, January 1, 2024

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

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Jan
    3

    Winter Classes begin

    University Academic Calendar

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    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Wednesday, January 3, 2024

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

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar