Colloquium : Random first order transition theory concepts in biology and physics

Glassy systems are characterized by multiple time and length scales and, due to their intrinsic complexity, have been the source of much debate for decades. This Colloquium describes the random first order transition theory of the structural glass transition and how its basic ideas can be used to understand aspects of biological systems and other condensed matter problems. The routine transformation of a liquid, as it is rapidly cooled, resulting in glass formation, is remarkably complex. A theoretical explanation of the dynamics associated with this process has remained one of the major unsolved problems in condensed matter physics. The random first order transition (RFOT) theory, which was proposed over 25 years ago, provides a theoretical basis for explaining much of the phenomena associated with glass forming materials. It is argued that the common aspect in all these diverse phenomena is that multiple symmetry unrelated states governing both the equilibrium and dynamical behavior - a lynchpin in the RFOT theory - controls the behavior observed in these unrelated systems.