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Biology is often taught as a subject of memorization rather than understanding, which has distanced many engineers from engaging with it seriously. I argue that living systems can—and should—be viewed through the lens of engineering, governed by principles of kinetics, transport, energetics, and optimization. I think bridging this gap between engineering and biology may become essential for solving some of our important problems that we are currently face.

Every cell generates heat as it powers the chemistry of life. But can a single cell actually become warmer than its surroundings? Using a few simple calculations and some basic heat-transfer principles, we will explore why cells stay cool—and what this reveals about the thermal design of living systems.