Abstract: Traditional biophysics focuses on the physical properties of biological molecules, tissues and processes. Yet biological problems sometimes make a less direct connection with physics: a conceptual connection that becomes evident through a certain level of abstraction. For example the phenomenon of Planar Cell Polarity, which is responsible, among many other things, for the orderly arrangement of hairs can be usefully analyzed with the help of concepts from magnetism. A very different example is provided by looking at the way natural selection works is sexually reproducing populations, where in the presence of genetic interaction, two very different regimes exist separated by a phase transition reminiscent of the "random energy" model of spin glasses.
Faculty Host: Nicholas Buchler
Coffee and cookies before the presentation at 3:15 pm, and refreshments after the presentation will both be served in Room 128.