by
DrMartin Nilsson Jacobi(Complex Systems: Statistical physics,
self-organization, and evolution (Chalmers))
→
Europe/Stockholm
Nordita Seminar Room
Nordita Seminar Room
Description
In recent years there has been an intense research
activity aimed at the creation of a synthetic chemical system that
bridges non-living and living matter. In a not too distant future we
believe that it will be possible to create programmable artificial
proto-cells in the laboratory. A proto-cell is defied as a
microscopic self-organizing, self-replicating, and evolvable
autonomous entity, built from simple organic and inorganic
substances. Proto-cells can be genetically programmed or evolved to
perform specific functions. Break troughs within this research area
will not only have profound scientific significance but also
important technological implications. The convergence of nano-
technology and biology holds a promise to become one of the most
exciting scientific and technological developments in the first half
of the twenty first century. My lecture will be a presentation of one
of the research efforts in this area.
