Currently, computers are using largely in most of the fields in
science. There should not be any arguments about how sufficient benefits of
applying computational technology bring to our lives. Bioinformatics and computational biology
are where scientific computing lands its touch into the biology field in which
computers are used to gather, analyze the biological information. Computational
biology is the study about biology by using computer tools and techniques, and its
goal of learning is about new biology, species, or living system. Bioinformatics,
however, uses computer as a powerful tool to solve its complex biological data such as
Human Genome project. Both are very important under aspects of science and engineering.
In this post, I would like focus more on Bioinformatics’
applications and how computer plays an important role in modern biology.
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| DNA Sequence in analyzing computer tool |
1. Collect and process data: biological data is one
of the most complicated data that human can be able to analyze with the help
from computer. For example, DNA sequencer and spectrophotometer are common lab equipment
that can get connected to a computer to convert its analog to digital data.
2. Track and manage experiments: without computer running
restlessly in most of the labs nowadays, it is impossible to get the data
tracked and managed. Most automated lab management works are using
computational software to maintain all the result records.
3. Store and unify data: database references are very
important in biology research. It is a need of having a public database that
can easily access and get updated throughout for all scientists within the
field. A public biological database can be built and managed as same as any
computational database.
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| Molecular Dynamics Simulation |
4. Analyze and predict from collected data: this is all
about bioinformatics can do. A computational tool can help to recognize and
extract a pattern from experimental data.
5. Annotation and simulation: when finding a new
uncharacteristic data, an annotation tool can use automated sequence to compare
with a pattern to identify any new potential molecules such as proteins, acid
amides, DNA, RNA in a genome system. In addition, a simulation tool can help to
draw a biochemical model of interactive molecules in a testing system.
References:
1. Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
2. Computers + Biology = Bioinformatics
Hey Quang,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your post on bioinformatics. I too touched on this topic in one of my earlier posts. You were very thorough and gave a great deal of information. I love biology and am always interested in learning more about anything that has to do with the field. Your pictures helped illustrate your point and the sources you provided only added more credibility. The only room for improvement would be working on a few spelling and grammar mistakes. Otherwise, great job. I was very impressed and look forward to reading more of your posts.
Quang,your post gives a really good introduction to scientific computing used in bioinfomatics. I don't really have the penchant for bioinformatics but for a novice like me it helps me understand the topics and understand. The images illustrate your point really well. On the whole the content is organized really well and makes it easier to read.
ReplyDeleteGood job!
Quang, overall your blog has a good potential, yet it does need grammatical and analysis improvements. Your post makes a good point at explaining that computers help humans analyze complex human data, due to its complexity. However, your post does not explain why data is hard to analyze. The grammar did make it a bit hard to read, but, overall, it is a good post. It puts a strong emphasis on why computers are essential at analyzing and collecting data for research purposes.
ReplyDeleteAnother point that did not make sense fully was, why research should not dispute the use of computers in science. Your first point could use some clarification. Overall, your blog incorporates visuals well, and it is a fun and informative read.
This has to be the most informative and well written blog about Bioinformatics and the Role of Computers in Modern Biology that I have read. But most importantly, it was very exciting to read as well. Good job and keep up the good work, Quang!
ReplyDelete