Non-equilibrium statistical mechanics in the context of biological physics

COFFEE_KLATCH  · Invited

Abstract

Living systems are inherently out of equilibrium and operate in a fluctuating environment. The current challenges and interests in quantitative biology thus provide a great opportunity to introduce and develop methods from non-equilibrium statistical physics. For example, Master equations for evolution of probability find applications in mutating sequences, molecular motors, and signaling networks.

*Support through NSF grant number DMR-04-26677 is gratefully acknowledged.

Authors

  • Mehran Kardar

    • Physics Department, MIT
    • Department of Physics, MIT