Seminar by Nisheeth Vishnoi
Theory as a lens to the Sciences: Evolution
Nisheeth Vishnoi
Microsoft Research
Date: Friday, August 31st, 2012
Time: 4PM
Venue: CS101.Abstract:
Theoretical computer science has largely evolved in an attempt to rigorously understand what computational models can or cannot do. However, as it stands today with its models, tools and techniques, it presents itself as a powerful lens to view the sciences. Several fundamental problems in biology, physics, economics and social sciences can be, and are being, tackled by theoreticians since information and computation lie at their heart. Thus, theory assumes a unique and exciting position with a potential to deeply impact this world we live in.
In this talk I will illustrate this emerging viewpoint via a problem in evolution which has applications to understanding the origins of life on Earth and designing drugs to counter viruses.