I chose to blog about Casey Alt’s idea of computer- aided design, Bioinformatics, and new architecture on page 665. This is a great stretch for me as I had difficulty understanding this section of the book. In addition, I decided to pick out the hardest part for myself…Crazy? Well, I had to take it a step further and Google Casey Alt at http://www.stanford.edu/dept/HPST/TimLenoir/Publications/Lenoir_FlowProcessFold.pdf for a better understanding. My brain seems slower in this chapter but UI find the subject fascinating. The chapter talks about how the architects are addressing the issues of philosophical, ethical, and social concerns through the use of IT. Alt states that biology has developed an inexorable (unstoppable) trend that is more exact and tailored in the medical field. By targeting surgical, medical and pharmacology to the patient rather than opting for more generalized medical models of the past has changed the way information technology is used. I clearly give Alt and company credit for assisting me in this blog.
Clearly, I am not the scientific type but I found through the reading that simulation technology included algorithms, enhanced DNA sequencing, computational and statistical techniques, and Genomic research. There are many other variables involved although I will digress at some point. I went a step further and looked up some of the definitions for sequencing and how technology is being used. Large scale sequencing and hybridization could not be accomplished without the use of information and computer-aided technology.
Scientists were limited to the architecture (hypothetical) that modeled the physical sciences. The change came in the ability to make 3-D models. With that said CAD had come from the 2 dimensional formats and allowed for manipulation of the 3-D software applications, expanding modeling programs. As Alt stated, this propelled the computer to become a microscope for examining molecules and a laboratory for measurable outcomes and experiments. This was profound in the area of protein folding.
Cyrus Levinthal at MIT discussed that computer building model CHEMGRAF would allow for the observer (scientist) to minimization process of protein folding, halt it, or significantly alter the process ultimately redefining biology as an information science. Levinthal’s model helped change the process in which computations were made and simplified a once arduous process.
This is only one approach that took considerable time to research. I found myself over my head but had fun learning about the subject. I struggled understanding the science behind it and am not sure I covered it adequately or proper. One thing I did learn was about the importance of information technology and how much there is to learn.
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The advent and use of supercomputers in bi related fields is nothing short of amazing. It takes years or even decades out of actual physical research. The importance in personalizing preventive medicine or even therapies will be a wave of the future. At least in my mind. It's also weird (or scary) to think that we can get a truly personalized medicine for what ever ails us rather than the same med and dosage based on our weight and age. Will that be good or bad? I guess it depends on if it makes us feel better or worse. But also th ability to pull a protein out of a DNA strand and replace it with something else is mind boggling.
ReplyDeleteYour blog was very eye-opening! I enjoyed reading how simulation technology enhanced DNA sequencing, computational and statistical techniques, and genomic research. When reading this passage I confess I too was a little confused as well...So i applaud you for tackling this subject! It was interesting to read! Technology has developed so much but also in the medical fields, I have recently been noticing this more than ever...by reading your passage it was interesting to read about Pharmacogenetics! Lenoir and Alt provide so many examples and information throughout the section it was very interesting to see where we are and where we will be in a few short years. Great Blog!
ReplyDeleteWe discussed the advancements in technology related to genetics in a fair amount of detail in a biology class I took last semester. Admittedly this comment is rather off topic from your post, but it sparked something in me. When it comes to these advancements in technology my mind always goes immediately to spider-man, when his dad tells him "with great power comes great responsibility" and then is killed after Toby Mguire uses his power for monetary gain. With bio technology, I always think that it could be a blessing and a curse. We can get meds that are completely tailored to us. With the ability to manipulate individual genes and DNA sequences, however, ethics becomes an issue. Nobody wants to have a child with a genetic disorder, and would probably jump at the chance to fix it. This needs to be controlled though because a fall down the slippery slope of designer children will start, has already. I could ramble off my opinions on the subject for a long time, but I'll save you that.
ReplyDeleteinteresting; and good comments
ReplyDeleteHey everyone so I think I will be writing on William Gibsons All Tomorrows Parties! I dont know what to expect but I'm excited to see what comes my way! Looking forward to reading this, and reading all of your blogs on Friday as well : )
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