ICTS Colloquium
Title : Asexual Evolution (Through the Lens of Theory) Speaker : Nisheeth Vishnoi, Microsoft Research India, Bangalore Date : Thursday, November 14, 2013
Time : 04:00 p.m.
Venue : ICTS Seminar Room, IISc Campus, Bangalore
Abstract : This talk will be about models that capture the error-prone asexual evolution of molecules such as RNA and DNA. Such models have been used to study fast-evolving organisms such as viruses and have influenced drug-design strategies which counter them. In particular, I will focus on Eigen's quasispecies model and its extensions to finite populations. I will then take a rigorous look at their underlying phenomena such as the "error-threshold"
and the "speed-of-evolution", which are crucial to anti-viral approaches.
Along the way I will point out some important mathematical and computational problems that arise and involve topics such as Boolean functions, threshold phenomena, and Markov chains and how the lens of theoretical computer science (theory) can be of help.
International Centre for Theoretical Sciences - TIFR
Bangalore Address: Old TIFR Centre Building, Indian Institute of Science, Subedarpalya, Malleshwaram, Bangalore 560012 (India) Tel: +91 80 23608200 Fax: +91 80 23608199
Mumbai Address: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005 (India) Tel: +91 22 2278 2287 Fax: +91 22 2280 4731
Email: [email protected] Website: www.icts.res.in
