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Three examples of Darwinian approaches in science and industry
Mark Bedau
Reed College;; 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd.;; USA
On 2008-12-11 at 14:30:00 (Brussels Time)

Abstract

Evolutionary algorithms, simulations, and perspectives have become a common tool in both the study of complex systems and the development of practical technologies for dealing with complex systems. This talk illustrates three examples of current work with such evolutionary methodologies. (1) The development of a "Darwinian thermometer" for measuring the evolutionary activity of artificial and natural evolving systems discloses a fundamental open question about why and how evolutionary systems are so creative. (2) Statistics developed for quantifying and visualizing the evolution of technologies (as reflected in patent applications, for example) reveal technological revolutions and can be used to predict trends in technology. (3) Cycles of high-throughput experimentation in the laboratory autonomously redesigned by statistical models and predictive algorithms discover and optimize complex chemical systems with practical industrial applications, including complex pharmaceutical formulations and complex biotechnology kits.

Keywords

Artificial life