Sneddon Lecture: Active Matter: Statistical Physics and the Arrow of Life

Professor Mike Cates FRS FRSE (University of Cambridge)

Monday 21st May 16:00-17:00 Davidson 208

Active matter comprises particles whose microscopic dynamics breaks time-reversal symmetry (TRS) via the continuous conversion of fuel into motion, resulting in entropy production at the microscopic scale. Examples include bacteria and synthetic self-propelled collids. Equilibrium statistical physics concepts, for instance the Boltzmann distribution, are not applicable to active matter because these concepts assume the TRS of the underlying microscopic laws. When viewed at a coarse grained level, the microscopic absence of TRS may either remain obvious at large scales or become almost undetectable. In the latter case, we retain the hope that equilibrium concepts, at least in some modified form, may be applicable. This talk will discuss the mathematical toolbox needed to characterize the presence or absence of TRS at coarse-grained level, focusing on global and local measures of entropy production. Put differently: when, and how, can you tell whether life's movie is running backwards?

More here: gla.ac.uk/schools/mathematicsstatistics/events/details/?id=10041

Are you a keen Bridge player?

I am currently Captain of a First Division Bridge team playing out of Glasgow and looking for some potential new players, writes John Di Mambro. We have several internationalists, junior and senior, currently on our panel and would be very keen to hear from anyone of a good standard, who might be interested in joining. The team is an exceptionally friendly one who would be most welcoming to new and experienced players. If you are interested, I will be happy to provide more details if you contact me johndimambro@gmail.com / 07505 233652.

Ferguson Bequest theatre ticket ballot for staff

The Ferguson Bequest has recently purchased an allocation of theatre tickets for the Spring 2018 staff ballot.

For full details of the performances, and to make an application via our on-line system, please use the Staff log-in on MyGlasgow Staff. Log-in will require your GUID and password. The Ferguson Bequest pages can be found under the Services listings. There you can enter the theatre ticket draws and book tickets for other Ferguson Bequest attractions.

Professor in Public Health and President of the University Athletics Football club, Professor Thomas Ferguson authored classic studies on the origin of Scotland's social and health services. In 1977, he bequeathed his estate to the University with the instruction that the money be used to foster the social side of University life for its staff.

First published: 3 April 2018

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