FIGURE 2

Information flow in network biology research. Data or raw maps generated by large scale experiments first need to be annotated to extract biologically relevant information. Atop the annotated information, statistical analysis examines the design principles or dynamic parameters of the networks. Then, predictions can be made by applying the design principles and parameters in network models or simulations. Last but not least, the principles, parameters and predictions must be subjected to iterative experimental verification and refinement to approximate the true biological network as nearly as possible. With each step, data are churned or sublimed into information with a reduction in the amount of bits but an increase in accuracy, quality and usefulness.