Toward a New Understanding of Aging, Adaptation, and the Arrow of Time

Explore the complex interplay between biological aging, adaptation, and the arrow of time in this thought-provoking lecture by physicist Jean Carlson. Delve into a new perspective on aging that goes beyond simple clock-based measurements, examining how age impacts bone strength, memory, and immune system function. Discover how the timeline of aging is marked by transitions and discrete events, reflecting evolving tradeoffs between robustness and fragility. Learn about ongoing research at the Santa Fe Institute aimed at identifying pathways for healthy aging, adaptation, and resilience. Gain insights into Carlson's unique approach to studying complexity in natural and technological systems, spanning diverse applications from brains and bones to communication networks and natural disasters.