Metabolic Scaling in Biology and Computation

Explore the fascinating connections between metabolic scaling in biology and computation in this thought-provoking lecture by Melanie Moses, External Professor at the Santa Fe Institute and Professor of Computer Science and Biology at the University of New Mexico. Delve into the intricate world of energy requirements and evolutionary processes that shape body plans in living organisms and information systems. Discover how internal transport networks and regulation mechanisms play crucial roles in both biological and technological systems as they increase in size and complexity. Examine the physics of metabolic scaling and its applications in understanding diverse systems, from ant colonies to server farms. Gain insights into the future evolution of technology, sustainability challenges for planetary culture, and the implications for space exploration, economics, and computer chip design. Learn about Moses' interdisciplinary research on balancing growth and maintenance demands in complex systems, and how this knowledge can revolutionize our understanding of search algorithms and eusocial organisms.