Researchers Produce First Complete Computer Model of an Organism

[xchrom]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120721091451.htm

ScienceDaily (July 21, 2012) — In a breakthrough effort for computational biology, the world's first complete computer model of an organism has been completed, Stanford researchers reported last week in the journal Cell.

A team led by Markus Covert, assistant professor of bioengineering, used data from more than 900 scientific papers to account for every molecular interaction that takes place in the life cycle of Mycoplasma genitalium, the world's smallest free-living bacterium.
By encompassing the entirety of an organism in silico, the paper fulfills a longstanding goal for the field. Not only does the model allow researchers to address questions that aren't practical to examine otherwise, it represents a stepping-stone toward the use of computer-aided design in bioengineering and medicine.
"This achievement demonstrates a transforming approach to answering questions about fundamental biological processes," said James M. Anderson, director of the National Institutes of Health Division of Program Coordination, Planning and Strategic Initiatives. "Comprehensive computer models of entire cells have the potential to advance our understanding of cellular function and, ultimately, to inform new approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of disease."

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The Covert Lab incorporated more than 1,900 experimentally observed parameters into their model of the tiny parasite Mycoplasma genitalium. () (Credit: Illustration by Erik Jacobsen / Covert Lab)

[rfranklin]

1. Geez, I read that as "computer model of an orgasm"

Then I see it's named for genitalia.

[xchrom]

2. ...

[gtar100]

3. We are only in the beginning steps of computer technology.

AI is a simulation of intelligence and some amazing feats have been accomplished. But I think if we build up models that can mimic life processes at more fundamental levels such as this, there's bound to be some incredible discoveries along the way as we build larger and more complex systems using these building blocks...Frankenstein notwithstanding. It's one thing to observe processes and behaviors in nature and write about them; it's a whole other level of engagement to attempt to create a virtual model in a computer that can duplicate those same processes and behaviors. I'm jealous of today's students. They have such amazing tools to work with and so many rich and accessible domains in which to apply them.