Sperrfristmeldungen
20.08.2025 10:07
Research results

Chasing and separating simultaneously

Adding non-linearity to a non-reciprocal system enables the two molecule species to change their dynamics. As a result, both run-and-chase interactions and phase separation can exist at the same time in the system.
Hinweis zur Verwendung von Bildmaterial: Die Verwendung des Bildmaterials zur Pressemitteilung ist bei Nennung der Quelle vergütungsfrei gestattet. Das Bildmaterial darf nur in Zusammenhang mit dem Inhalt dieser Pressemitteilung verwendet werden. Falls Sie das Bild in höherer Auflösung benötigen oder Rückfragen zur Weiterverwendung haben, wenden Sie sich bitte direkt an die Pressestelle, die es veröffentlicht hat.
Adding non-linearity to a non-reciprocal system enables the two molecule species to change their dynamics. As a result, both run-and-chase interactions and phase separation can exist at the same time in the system. | Copyright: MPI-DS, LMP | Download

Adding non-linearity to non-reciprocal interactions results in a chaotic system

• A new model describes the result of non-reciprocal interactions between two species of molecules if they are reversed and thus non-linear

• This non-linearity results in a dynamic and chaotic system, in which run-and-chase dynamics and phase separation co-exist at the same time

• The model resembles the complexity of living matter in a more accurate way and thus contributes to the understanding of how living matter organizes

Asymmetric interactions between different species of molecules have previously been demonstrated to result in self-organized patterns and functions. If one species A is attracted to B, but in turn, B is repelled by A, run-and-chase dynamics emerges. This is a common phenomenon observed in minimal models of living matter. In contrast, if the attraction and repulsion are mutual, the system typically acquires a more static state with separated phases – such as oil droplets in water.

Suropriya Saha and Ramin Golestanian from the department of Living Matter Physics at MPI-DS have now extended the model of non-reciprocal interactions. They investigated what would happen to the system if the role of the two molecule species were not linear. “When we introduce non-linearity into the system, the resulting behavior becomes dynamic and unpredictable,” explains Saha, the first author of the study. “This means that the roles of molecule A and B can be reversed, spontaneously reversing the roles in the run-and-chase interaction – or also acquiring a reciprocal behavior. Non-linearities arise generically in real systems in nature, yielding to a more comprehensive model describing living matter,” she continues.

The result of such non-linear non-reciprocal interactions is the coexistence of run-and-chase dynamics and phase separation. Moreover, since the role of the two species can reverse dynamically, the entire system becomes chaotic. “In living systems, such non-reciprocal interactions are more the rule than the exception” argues Golestanian. “Hence this model reflects the versatile dynamics of living systems and thus helps to understand the complexity of how matter can organize and contribute to the formation of life.” he concludes.

Wissenschaftlicher Ansprechpartner:
Ramin Golestanian

Originalpublikation:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61728-8

Weitere Informationen:
https://www.ds.mpg.de/4092121/250820_non-linear-non-recip

Die semantisch ähnlichsten Pressemitteilungen im idw