Suropriya Saha and Ramin Golestanian are physicists at the Department of Living Matter Physics at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-DS). Now they have developed a model that generally considers the non-reciprocal interaction between two arbitrary non-linear molecules. Their research, published in Nature Communications, is the first to show how these interactions form self-organizing patterns in complex living systems. It further examines the capabilities that result from these observed patterns.
The researchers built upon previous models of competition to address the challenges associated with these non-reciprocal interactions. These elegant interactions occur when one kind of molecule violently attracts another while extremely repelling it at the same time. This interaction is responsible at least in part for a “run-and-chase” phenomenon that amplifies disorderly conduct in the system. For Saha, the first author of the study, the most important takeaway from adding non-linearity to these systems is what it means.
Exploring Non-Recriprocal Interactions
Saha and Golestanian’s model provides evidence that such non-reciprocal interactions are common in bio-physical contexts. Indeed, hostile exchanges are the rule, not the exception. These connections enable emergent complex behaviors seen in most living systems. When species A is an attraction to species B, that’s where the magic occurs. If species B excludes species A, this interaction can lead to rich and vibrant results that show how life’s interactions can play out in miraculous ways.
“In living systems, such non-reciprocal interactions are more the rule than the exception,” – Ramin Golestanian.
The study highlights that the roles of the two molecular species can be dynamic and switchable. This results in a system that is not just unpredictable, but one that can be self-organizing. This observation is especially exciting because it reflects the behavioral patterns observed in diverse natural systems.
The Impact of Non-Linearity
Introducing such non-linearity to a non-reciprocal mixed system changes the dynamics of each molecular species within. Non-linearities are often the rule rather than the exception in complex real-world systems and are the basis for our understanding of many intricate biological phenomena and intricacies.
According to Saha, “When we introduce nonlinearity into the system, the resulting behavior becomes dynamic and unpredictable.” This unpredictability is critical for scientists. It inspires them to understand how inanimate matter orders itself and plays an integral role in the emergence of life.
The impacts of this research are felt well beyond the academic framework. It really makes you understand how molecular interactions can produce emergent complex structures. Realizing this deepens our appreciation for the complex patterns of activity displayed by living biological organisms.
Implications for Understanding Living Systems
The implications of Saha and Golestanian’s work highlight the need to probe the dynamics of non-reciprocal interactions in biological systems. Their model shows how these interactions promote self-organization. This helps us to understand the basic mechanisms underlying these processes that dictate how living matter works.
“Hence this model reflects the versatile dynamics of living systems and thus helps us understand the complexity of how matter can organize and contribute to the formation of life.” – Ramin Golestanian.
Saha and Golestanian’s landmark work provides a window into the beautiful chaos of the molecular realm. This exploration opens the door for collaborative innovations across the social, behavioral, and computer sciences.