Phys.org

Biophysical model suggests how cells optimize information gathering without using too much energy

In both biological and engineered systems, cells and sensors must make sense of noisy, changing signals to function. However, collecting and using this information consumes valuable energy. A new study, published in Physical Review Letters, describes a model for how a sensor or cell might maximize information collection from its surroundings while controlling the overall energy cost, resulting in an optimized system.