A new mathematical theory for fluctuations, anticipation and response in non-equilibrium membranes

Abstract: Plasma membranes are essential to all living cells, acting as adaptive materials that process and transmit information through bioelectric signals, such as action potentials and mechanosensitive responses. While we know that membrane dynamics—involving the coupling of voltage, mechanical stress, and shape—underlie critical processes like cell migration and development, we currently lack a rigorous mathematical framework to explain how these properties enable biological functions like “memory” and anticipation. This project aims to develop a new mathematical theory for fluctuations in non-equilibrium membranes to map these coupled physical processes. By establishing these fundamental rules, the research seeks to decode how cells process information and unlock new potential for developing biologically-inspired neuromorphic computing.