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Cited by 14Advanced Mathematical Theories and ApplicationsSpace Science and Extraterrestrial LifeOrigins and Evolution of Life

Viscosity and diffusion in life processes and tuning of fundamental constants

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Trachenko, K·2023·Reports on Progress in Physics
DOI 10.1088/1361-6633/acfd3e
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Abstract

Viewed as one of the grandest questions in modern science, understanding fundamental physical constants has been discussed in high-energy particle physics, astronomy and cosmology. Here, I review how condensed matter and liquid physics gives new insights into fundamental constants and their tuning. This is based on two observations: first, cellular life and the existence of observers depend on viscosity and diffusion. Second, the lower bound on viscosity and upper bound on diffusion are set by fundamental constants, and I briefly review this result and related recent developments in liquid physics. I will subsequently show that bounds on viscosity, diffusion and the newly introduced fundamental velocity gradient in a biochemical machine can all be varied while keeping the fine-structure constant and the proton-to-electron mass ratio intact. This implies that it is possible to produce heavy elements in stars but have a viscous planet where all liquids have very high viscosity (for example that of tar or higher) and where life may not exist. Knowing the range of bio-friendly viscosity and diffusion, we will be able to calculate the range of fundamental constants which favour cellular life and observers and compare this tuning with that discussed in high-energy physics previously. This invites an inter-disciplinary research between condensed matter physics and life sciences, and I formulate several questions that life science can address. I finish with a conjecture of multiple tuning and an evolutionary mechanism.

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  • Trachenko (2023) investigated the effects of a variation of the constants on condensed matter and liquid physics, focusing on viscosity and diffusion in order to translate the range of bio-friendly viscosity and diffusion on the range of fundamental constants which favor cellular life.

    “Trachenko (2023) investigated the effects of a variation of the constants on condensed matter and liquid physics, focusing on viscosity and diffusion in order to translate the range of bio-friendly viscosity and diffusion on the range of fundamental constants which favor cellular life.”

    From Fundamental constants: from measurement to the universe, a window on gravitation and cosmology (2025) · cites this paper as Trachenko (2023)

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Authors
Trachenko, K.
Affiliations
Queen Mary University of London (GB)
Corresponding author
Trachenko, K
ORCID
Trachenko, K
Venue
Reports on Progress in Physics
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Published
2023-10-09
Volume
86
Issue
11
Pages
112601
ISSN
  • 0034-4885 (ISSN-L)
  • 1361-6633
DOI
10.1088/1361-6633/acfd3e
OpenAlex
W4387439469
Cited by
14
References
91
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 4
FWCI
0.41
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Reports on Progress in Physics (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • arXiv (Cornell University) (submittedVersion)
  • arXiv (Cornell University)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Statistical and Nonlinear Physics › Advanced Mathematical Theories and Applications
  • Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Astronomy and Astrophysics › Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
  • Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Astronomy and Astrophysics › Origins and Evolution of Life
Keywords
fundamental physical constants, fine-structure constant, proton-electron mass ratio, viscosity, diffusion, cellular life, heavy element nucleosynthesis

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