30 June 2023
Jianhua Xing
Department of Computational and Systems Biology
University of Pittsburgh
Many prominent physicists emphasize the importance of physical intuition: guess the answer, then formulate theory and carry out the calculations. However, in the era of data science and AI, this tradition has often been overlooked. In this discussion, I will present examples from my own research to underscore the importance of physical intuition, particularly in the context of the big data age.
The first example pertains to the interplay between experimental studies conducted by Howard Berg and his colleagues, and our theoretical work aimed at comprehending the puzzling mechanochemical properties of the bacterial flagellar motor. Through a series of iterative efforts, we were able to leverage our physical intuition to shed light on this intricate system.
The second example revolves around the intriguing puzzle of olfactory receptor selection, which was observed by Richard Axel and Linda Buck. By applying simple physics principles, we were able to provide an explanation for this phenomenon, highlighting the power of physical intuition in unraveling complex biological processes.
Lastly, we explore the analogy between molecular and cellular dynamics, drawing inspiration from the development of molecular dynamics simulations and chemical rate theories. This analogy has guided our efforts in developing dynamical theories of cells, further emphasizing the importance of physical intuition in bridging different scales of biological phenomena.
By showcasing these examples, I aim to emphasize the continued relevance and necessity of physical intuition, even in the age of big data and AI. It serves as a guiding principle for formulating theories, interpreting complex experimental observations, and advancing our understanding of the natural world.