Existence and Inevitability of Pathological Stability in Nonlinear Biological Systems
Abstract
This work establishes the mathematical inevitability of pathological stability in nonlinear biological systems. We demonstrate that systems possessing feedback, adaptation, and multiscale coupling generically admit multiple attractors, including stable pathological states. Component-level perturbations are shown to be insufficient for eliminating disease persistence unless they induce qualitative changes in system stability. Using minimal dynamical models, we show that relapse, resistance, and spontaneous remission arise naturally from attractor structure and basin geometry rather than from incomplete intervention. These results provide a formal foundation for the Law of Pathological Stability.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Complex Systems and Dynamics
Ecosystem dynamics and resilience
Mathematical and Theoretical Epidemiology and Ecology Models
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Publication date
- 29 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Preprint