Professor Nicolas Brodeur's research focuses on exploring the fundamental role of non-equilibrium thermodynamics in complex living systems, and more specifically in human physiology. He is interested in the physical origin and complexity of living beings as dissipative structures. In this thermodynamic framework, entropy production and export are constructive properties necessary for maintaining physiological stability, adaptability, and resilience in the human body. His work aims to bridge the gap between fundamental physics and practical applications in the field of health. In this regard, he has developed an innovative experimental approach that uses direct and indirect calorimetry to enable real-time measurement of entropy production and export rates in humans. This methodology has made it possible to explore the physiological and clinical relevance of entropy flux regulation, in particular by demonstrating significant alterations in entropy export capacity (and subsequent entropy accumulation) in relation to age, sedentary lifestyle, and the presence of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
Selected publications
- Brodeur, N., Longtin, A., Kenny, G. P., & Seely, A. J. E. (2025). Real-time measurement of entropy production and export in humans: A step toward entropically informed medicine. Ann NY Acad Sci., 1550, 283–295. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.15385
- Brodeur, N., Notley, S. R., Kenny, G. P., Longtin, A., & Seely, A. J. E. (2023). Continuous Monitoring of Entropy Production and Entropy Flow in Humans Exercising under Heat Stress. Entropy, 25(9), 1290. https://doi.org/10.3390/e25091290
- Brodeur, N., Cloutier, P., Bass, A. D., Bertrand, G., Hunting, D. J., Grandbois, M., & Sanche, L. (2018) Absolute cross section for DNA damage induced by low-energy (10 eV) electrons: Experimental refinements and sample characterization by AFM. J Chem Phys. 28;149(16):164904. doi: 10.1063/1.5041805.