Study estimates the energy costs of information processing in biological systems

Yale University study estimates the energy costs of information processing in biological systems.

Researchers at Yale University recently carried out a study aimed at calculating the energetic cost of this transfer of information between cells and molecular components.

Their paper introduces a new tool that could be used to study cellular networks and better understand their function.

Study could shed light on why neurons use chemical diffusion to communicate at synapses, but they use electrical signals when sending information over hundreds of microns from dendrites to the cell body.

In their paper, the researchers also introduced a 'phase diagram," representing situations in which the selective use of specific communication strategies (e.g., electrical signaling, chemical diffusion) is optimal.