Alan Turing - Pattern Formation and Mathematical Biology

Pattern Formation and Mathematical Biology

Turing worked from 1952 until his death in 1954 on mathematical biology, specifically morphogenesis. He published one paper on the subject called The Chemical Basis of Morphogenesis in 1952, putting forth the Turing hypothesis of pattern formation. His central interest in the field was understanding Fibonacci phyllotaxis, the existence of Fibonacci numbers in plant structures. He used reaction–diffusion equations which are central to the field of pattern formation. Later papers went unpublished until 1992 when Collected Works of A.M. Turing was published. His contribution is considered a seminal piece of work in this field.

Read more about this topic:  Alan Turing

Famous quotes containing the words pattern, formation, mathematical and/or biology:

    His talent was as natural as the pattern that was made by the dust on a butterfly’s wings. At one time he understood it no more than the butterfly did and he did not know when it was brushed or marred. Later he became conscious of his damaged wings and of their construction and he learned to think and could not fly any more because the love of flight was gone and he could only remember when it had been effortless.
    Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961)

    Out of my discomforts, which were small enough, grew one thing for which I have all my life been grateful—the formation of fixed habits of work.
    Elizabeth Stuart Phelps (1844–1911)

    All science requires mathematics. The knowledge of mathematical things is almost innate in us.... This is the easiest of sciences, a fact which is obvious in that no one’s brain rejects it; for laymen and people who are utterly illiterate know how to count and reckon.
    Roger Bacon (c. 1214–c. 1294)

    The “control of nature” is a phrase conceived in arrogance, born of the Neanderthal age of biology and the convenience of man.
    Rachel Carson (1907–1964)