BEHIND THE BROCHURES:
THE TURING PATTERN
UNDERGRADUATE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Once upon a time, a remarkable man named Alan Turing worked right here at The University of Manchester - and during this time he turned in a paper which introduced a new and multi-disciplinary concept. It's his theory which inspired the design of our subject brochures this year.
With these being our first ever digital copies, we think there's something fitting about the father of modern computing playing a role in their creation.
A GENIUS IN ORIGINAL THINKING
Alan Turing is perhaps best known as the Father of Modern Computing, but did you know he was also a theoretical biologist?
Mathematician and Computer Scientist, over his lifetime he studied and wrote papers over a whole spectrum of subjects - from physics and chemistry to psychology and philosophy.
Today, we share the story of his reaction-diffusion system, also known as The Turing Pattern - a discovery in which Science and Engineering are woven together, and which you can find on each of our brochures.
THE STORY OF THE TURING PATTERN
In 1952, Alan Turing wrote a paper named The Chemical Basis of Morphogenesis. This paper introduced a very new and exciting concept.
His proposal was a mechanism to explain patterns observed in nature - how they can arise naturally and autonomously from a homogeneous uniform.
Tricky though it is to condense Turing's work into a nutshell, specifically he noted that asymmetry is a unique property of biological systems, which cannot arise due to physical laws alone.
His key example, was the development of an embryo: stating an embryo begins as a symmetrical mass of cells, and that in most cases the laws of physics could not explain the development of organs such as limbs and eyes at precise locations.
So, he proposed that the development of asymmetry in biological systems could arise as a result of signalling molecules - each emerging from a certain source in the tissue and moving away from that source.
The result being a concentration gradient, and therefore patterns within a system. Turing named this signalling molecules morphogens.
Turing also took into account that patterns arising in a molecule system, which is moving according to the basic laws of physics, would eventually be forced to disappear, leaving behind no detectable path.
His solution? To hone a stable process capable of generating and amplifying these patterns.
By introducing the diffusion of morphogens at specific time points to a linear system of molecular movement, Turing proposed we would be able to explain the development of patterns.
Based on theoretical calculations, his addition of diffusion led to the the development of what we now call Turing Patterns. This is now a widely accepted system known as the reaction–diffusion system.
His work was hugely significant, especially in its numerical analysis of biological phenomena and the introduction of the concept of morphogens and reaction diffusion systems.
The Turing Pattern has made a difference to many fields - including biology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, ecology, and even design.
THE STORY CONTINUES
From providing insight into beautiful animal pigmentation and the rippling waves which blow on sand, to habitat formation and even the settlement of human communities - The Turing Pattern continues to inspire new research and discovery every day.
And a nice bonus, the permeation of The Turing Pattern into the design world means you can find traces of Turing all around us.
TRY IT YOURSELF!
This interactive simulator of the Reaction-Diffusion System excellently demonstrates the process Turing discovered, and can be rather addictive once you get started.
Click the model to start and move the mazes. If you want to uncover more of the presets - spots, worms, even 'chaos' - you can open the simulator in a new tab on the button below.
PODCAST EPISODE: A LASTING IMPACT
Hear more about the lasting impact of Alan Turing, in this podcast.
Includes interviews from Dermot Turing, nephew of Alan Turing, and James Sumner, Senior Lecturer in History of Technology at the Centre for the History of Science here at the University.
HEAR FROM THOSE WHO WERE THERE
A few years ago, we were lucky enough to be able to interview alumni who studied and graduated The University of Manchester between the years of 1948-1952 - the years Alan Turing worked here at the University.
This was an exciting time at Manchester. Tom Kilburn, Geoff Toothill, Sir Fred Williams, and Research Student Alec Robinson were in the midst of creating the first memory-stored computer. Head of Physics, Patrick Blackett had just received his Nobel Prize for or his investigation of cosmic rays using his invention of the counter-controlled cloud chamber.
Journey back with our graduates and professors, as they recount Manchester at the time.
A special thank you to our friends at Northern Bear for working with us to create a campaign which visually reflects our identity as pioneers in Science and Engineering.
Ready to explore all of our Science and Engineering Brochures?