Biology as information

Abstract

Biology is being rapidly transformed by the ability to collect comprehensive information about cellular and organismal processes, as well as to systematically manipulate pathways. This keynote talk will survey the biological implications of such research programs as: genome-scale sequence from many related organisms; large-scale human genotyping to study the basis of disease; systematic recognition of signatures of cellular responses; comprehensive analysis of mutations in cancer; and systematic inhibition of genes through RNAi interference. It will address the laboratory and computational issues in fulfilling the opportunities presented by this revolution. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.