Talk on Quantum Algorithms and Genetic Code

Ensemble is thrilled to organize their first activity in collaboration with Naturalists. The session will be an enthralling talk by Prof. Apoorva D. Patel (Centre for High Energy Physics, Physics Department, IISc) on Saturday (4th Feb, 5:30pm) followed by an interactive session. Title: Towards Understanding the Origin of Genetic Languages

Speaker: Prof. Apoorva D. Patel

Affiliation: Physical Sciences Department, IISc Bengaluru

Abstract: Molecular biology is a nanotechnology that works—it has worked for billions of years and in an amazing variety of circumstances. At its core is a system for acquiring, processing and communicating information that is universal, from viruses and bacteria to human beings. Advances in genetics and experience in designing computers have taken us to a stage where we can understand the optimisation principles at the root of this system, from the availability of basic building blocks to the execution of tasks. The languages of DNA and proteins are argued to be the optimal solutions to the information processing tasks they carry out. The analysis also suggests simpler predecessors to these languages and provides fascinating clues about their origin. Obviously, a comprehensive unraveling of the puzzle of life would have a lot to say about what we may design or convert ourselves into.

The talk will be held offline at the physics department auditorium. Stay tuned and do attend the session! Hope to see you there!