14 November 2002

Focus on computational biology

Biology is overwhelmed with data. The various genome projects are generating, with increasing ease, vast gigabases of DNA sequence, which have stimulated the development of high-throughput assays to provide comprehensive post-genomic analysis.

To meet these challenges, biologists are co-opting mathematical techniques, developed to address seemingly unconnected problems in disparate fields such as economics, engineering and sociology to attach meaning to the output of their experiments. In turn, mathematicians versed in applying these techniques bring novel ways at examining the processes of life.

In this web focus, we present a specially commissioned Nature Insight on Computational Biology: a diverse set of reviews giving an overview of the areas of molecular cell biology that are embracing the application of mathematical theory to advance discovery. To accompany this Insight, we have selected a collection articles and features about computational biology, handpicked from the Nature archives. All content is available free until December 15th.

Computational Biology Insight
A collection of reviews showing how sophisticated mathematical concepts can illuminate the principles underlying biology at a genetic, molecular, cellular and even organismal level.

Physics meets biology: Bridging the culture gap
JONATHAN KNIGHT
Molecular biologists are deluged with data, and physicists, used to reducing complex systems to basic principles, might help to make sense of it all. But bringing the two disciplines together isn't easy, says Jonathan Knight.
Nature 419, 244–246 (2002); doi:10.1038/419244a
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Are you ready for the revolution?
DECLAN BUTLER
If biologists do not adapt to the powerful computational tools needed to exploit huge data sets, says Declan Butler, they could find themselves floundering in the wake of advances in genomics.
Nature 409, 758–760 (2001); doi:10.1038/35057400
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For my next trick. . .
PAUL SMAGLIK
Nature 407, 828–829 (2000); doi:10.1038/35038242
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Magical numbers in nature
Mathematician Ian Stewart talks to Nature Science Update about snowflakes, sticklebacks and a new kind of science.

Water drop holds a million computers
Devices with DNA software may one day be fitted into cells.

Why cells are persistent
The characteristic movement of cells has a simple explanation.

Patterns Shape Ant Cemeteries
Fifty-year-old theory explains how ants gather their dead.

Computational biology: Beyond the spherical cow
JOHN DOYLE
Computational and mathematical models are helping biologists to understand the beating of a heart, the molecular dances underlying the cell-division cycle and cell movement, and much more.
Nature 411, 151–152 (2001); doi:10.1038/35075703
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Post-genomic cultures
Like it or not, big biology is here to stay.
Nature 409, 545 (2001); doi:10.1038/35054677
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Systems biology's multiple maths
Modelling cellular systems will be a key element of post-genomics science.
Nature 407, 819 (2000); doi:10.1038/35038207
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