New thermodynamic framework for cells

Physicists at the University of Luxembourg have developed theoretical tools to analyze and optimize chemical engines ranging from simple chemical reaction networks to complex metabolic pathways.

The astonishing efficiency of life

All life on earth performs computations – and all computations require energy. From single-celled amoeba to multicellular organisms like humans, one of the most basic biological computations common across life is translation: ...

Physicists design zero-friction quantum engine

(Phys.org) —In real physical processes, some energy is always lost any time work is produced. The lost energy almost always occurs due to friction, especially in processes that involve mechanical motion. But in a new study, ...

Achieving optimal efficiencies for nanoengines

(PhysOrg.com) -- "There's a lot of recent interest in understanding the functioning and optimal performance of small systems," Katja Lindenberg tells PhysOrg.com. Lindenberg is a scientist in the Department of Chemistry ...