Human-designed infrastructure and networks relying on centralized or hierarchical control are susceptible to single-point catastrophic failure when disrupted. By contrast, most complex biological systems employ distributed control and can be more robust to perturbations.

To understand how simple rules encoded at the individual level can lead to the emergence of robust group-level (distributed) control, we examined structures we call “scaffolds”, self-assembled by lotus leaf tissues that aid to repel water for maintenance and nutrient transportation. see microscope exploration journal

lotus root silk threads

Informed by our observations, we present a theoretical model based on proportional control and negative feedback, which may be relevant to many distributed systems in which group-level properties can be modified through individual error sensing and correction. The mechanism is simple, and each structure unit only require information about their individual state.

definitions of fast micro and slow macro variables

We show how the analytical solution allows for estimation of these dynamics. You can see the three attractor states of the structure being defence, inhaling, exhaling.

example of ODE of group level variable

Other directions to study:

• predicting when a plant branches (this is morphogenesis. can use model based on diffusion)
• predicting the spiralling dynamics (nutation) of a plant shooting up (challenge: shooting on a wall)
• what happens when you go beyond a single lifetime and consider evolutionary generations
• isn’t it sacrilege to uncle if we use a torch to do the ancient and time-consuming craft of burning wood for charcoal covering? (what was it called…)