News & Events
Department Events

Events

  • 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

    -----

    To subscribe to the Applied Mathematics Colloquia List send a message to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.IT.NORTHWESTERN.EDU with the command:

    add esam-seminar Youremail Firstname Lastname

    more

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

    LOCATION M416, Technological Institute    map it

    ADD TO CALENDAR

    CONTACT Ted Shaeffer    ted.shaeffer@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

  • Jun
    15

    2024-2025 Commencement Ceremony

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILSmore info

    TIME Sunday, June 15, 2025

    ADD TO CALENDAR

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

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Jun
    16

    Northwestern Engineering PhD Hooding and Master's Degree Recognition Ceremony

    McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

    9:00 AM 2705 Ashland Ave

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Monday, June 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    LOCATION 2705 Ashland Ave   

    ADD TO CALENDAR

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

    CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

  • Jun
    16

    Northwestern Engineering Undergraduate Convocation

    McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

    2:00 PM 2705 Ashland Ave

    EVENT DETAILSmore info

    TIME Monday, June 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

    LOCATION 2705 Ashland Ave   

    ADD TO CALENDAR

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

    CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

  • Jun
    23

    Summer classes begin

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Monday, June 23, 2025

    ADD TO CALENDAR

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

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Sep
    16

    Fall 2025 Classes Begin

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Tuesday, September 16, 2025

    ADD TO CALENDAR

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

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar