Mathematical insights into an emerging paradigm in biology

A diverse array of fundamental biological functionalities has emerged each sharing a common mechanism: many weak, transient interactions. Lecture 1 presents a mathematical description of this paradigm in multiple biological settings: self-organization of chromosomal DNA in living cell nuclei; barrier and self-healing properties of mucus that coats internal organs; membrane-less sequestering of molecular condensates; and, antibody protection in mucosal barriers. Lectures 2 and 3 focus in more depth on mathematical insights into SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infections and mucus, respectively.