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News and Views Feature
Nature 427, 601-604 (12 February 2004) | doi:10.1038/427601a
Networking opportunity
Ian Stewart1
Abstract
A neglected mathematical theory is enjoying new popularity, thanks to its relevance to network dynamics in biological systems. The beating of a leech's heart is just one example that has a mathematical basis in 'groupoid theory'.
The historically uneasy relationship between biology and mathematics has improved markedly in recent years, as it has become increasingly clear that our understanding of biological systems can benefit from mathematical input and insight. Examples include the spatial and temporal behaviour of ecosystems, the geometry of protein folding, the informatics of DNA, the dynamics of the cytoskeleton and the mechanisms of visual perception.
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