Chemical reaction networks and stochastic local search: satisfying homeostasis and self-organization

Abstract: We discuss stochastic chemical reaction networks that do something when something is wrong, and do nothing when all is right. Such networks can solve NP-complete problems such as 3SAT and graph coloring, sometimes efficiently. This may be interpreted as a form of homeostasis that aims to preserve a set of combinatorial constraints. Moving from well-mixed to surface-localized contexts reduces network size from polynomial in the problem instance to constant size, and suggests re-interpretation in terms of self-organization instead of homeostasis.

algebraic geometrydynamical systemsprobability

Audience: researchers in the topic

( video )

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Seminar on the Mathematics of Reaction Networks

Series comments: Subscription link: list.ku.dk/postorius/lists/morn.list.ku.dk/

This seminar series focuses on progress in mathematical theory for the study of reaction networks, mainly in biology and chemistry. The scope is broad and accommodates works arising from dynamical systems, stochastics, algebra, topology and beyond.

We aim at providing a common forum for sharing knowledge and encouraging discussion across subfields. In particular we aim at facilitating interactions between junior and established researchers. These considerations will be represented in the choice of invited speakers and we will strive to create an excellent, exciting and diverse schedule.

The seminar runs twice a month, typically on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, at 17:00 Brussels time (observe that this webpage shows the schedule in your current time zone). Each session consists of two 25-minute talks followed by 5-minute questions. After the two talks, longer discussions will take place for those interested. To this end, we will use breakout rooms. For this to work well, you need to have the latest version of Zoom installed (version 5.3.0 or higher), and use the desktop client or mobile app (not supported on ChromeOS).

We look forward hearing about new work and meeting many of you over zoom! Many of the talks are recorded; to see the recording, from Past Talks, open details of the listed talk for a video link.

The organizers.

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