Modeling and Simulation in the Life Sciences?
By bdc at Tue, Aug 21 2007 3:41am |
Aside from molecular modeling and quantum chemistry, are computational modeling and simulation used much in the life sciences? As an outside observer, modeling and simulation seem conspicuously absent, compared to prevalence in other disciplines. Please share thoughts, observations, or URLs that will expand my thinking.
Very much an expanding area.
The use of computational tools in life sciences could be argued to be the area for greatest growth over the last few years.
The study of interconnected biological processes (Systems Biology) is only possible because of computer modelling. All the work to try and link genomics, biomarkers with diseases relies on computer modelling.
Imaging biological systems is another area of science that has been similarly effected, in particular understanding how the brain functions. As has the understanding of enzyme/receptor/channels etc.
Synthetic Biology (http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/page.asp?changes=0&latest=1&id=6731) is another important area.
There are a collection of links here http://www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/Haseloff/
I'll try and dig out a few more links later.
Canonical Models?
Can you (or others) direct me to any canonical models that have been concisely and publicly described in systems biology? I'd like to wrap my mind around some concrete examples at the very outset.
You've already helped immeasurably. I just spent the last hour or two following up on your links, and I've got a lot more reading to do!
Canonical Models
Its not really my area :-) but try this
http://www.engg.upd.edu.ph/~compbio/Canonical%20Modeling%20and%20Systems%20Biology.htm
E-Cell Simulation Environment 3D
After following your first set of links, I eventually stumbled upon something that may be of interest to the community:
The E-Cell Simulation Environment 3D
http://ecell3d.iab.keio.ac.jp/
I'm not sure about its scientific merit, but I think it's safe to say that they've got a 2008 Apple Design Award in the bag.