Challenging Established Views on Thermodynamic Dissipation in Replicators

In recent research, Artemy Kolchinsky presents findings that challenge the established understanding of thermodynamic dissipation in self-replicating systems. The paper, titled "Thermodynamic dissipation does not bound replicator growth and decay rates," argues against the interpretation that there exists a universal relationship connecting thermodynamic dissipation to the growth and decay rates of replicators. This interpretation has been largely based on earlier work by Jeremy England, which suggested that the energy dissipated by self-replicating systems could be universally bounded.

Kolchinsky asserts that it is fundamentally impossible for a thermodynamically consistent replicator to experience both per-capita growth and decay back into its original reactants. Instead, he posits that while a replicator can decay into separate waste products, replication and decay should be viewed as independent processes. This distinction implies that no universal relationship exists that links their thermodynamic and dynamic properties.

The implications of this research are significant for the fields of statistical mechanics and biological physics, as it redefines how scientists might approach the study of replicators and their energy dynamics. By clarifying the independence of replication and decay processes, Kolchinsky's work invites further investigation into the thermodynamic principles governing self-replication and the broader implications for biological systems.

For those interested in the detailed findings, the full paper can be accessed here.