Keynote

Precision Measurement in Biology

Stephen Quake
Lee Otterson Professor of Bioengineering and Applied Physics
Stanford University and Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Is biology a quantitative science like physics? I will discuss the role of precision measurement in both physics and biology, and argue that in fact both fields can be tied together by the use and consequences of precision measurement. The elementary quanta of biology are twofold: the macromolecule and the cell. Cells are the fundamental unit of life, and macromolecules are the fundamental elements of the cell. I will describe how precision measurements have been used to explore the basic properties of these quanta, and more generally how the quest for higher precision almost inevitably leads to the development of new technologies, which in turn catalyze further scientific discovery. In the 21st century, there are no remaining experimental barriers to biology becoming a truly quantitative and mathematical science.

About the Distinguished Seminar Series The Invitrogen-UC San Diego Frontiers in Biotechnology Distinguished Seminar series provides a forum to discuss the potential for applying cutting-edge engineering technologies applied to challenges in the biotechnology and life sciences industries. The Seminar series is sponsored by Invitrogen in partnership with the UC San Diego Institute of Engineering in Medicine.

Contact
erevents@ucsd.edu
(858) 534-6068