Harnessing Biological Complexity

The challenge for the biosciences in the twenty-first century is to integrate genome sequencing information into a better understanding of biology, physiology, and human pathology. Such attempts at integration are moving the world toward a new generation of bioscience and bioengineering, where biological, physiological, and pathological information from humans and other living animals can be quantitatively described in silico across multiple scales of time and size and through diverse hierarchies of organization — from molecules to cells and organs, to individuals. To "harness" such complexity, international communities of integrative bioscientists and bioengineers aim to establish frameworks and information infrastructures for describing biological structures and physiological functions on multiple scales of time and space. This textbook includes a public platform to describe physiological functions using mathematical equations and guides the reader to perform mathematical modeling and computer simulations, to combine existing models as well as to create new models. Accessible to biologists, physiologists, and students of the sciences, with illustrative details provided when necessary, this book seeks to achieve a systematic way of harnessing biological complexity. Sharing the databases among communities worldwide will help to find comprehensive answers to all the important questions.

Harnessing Complexity will be indispensable to anyone who wants to better comprehend how people and organizations can adapt effectively in the information age. This book is a step-by-step guide to understanding the processes of variation, interaction, and selection that are at work in all organizations. The authors show how to use their own paradigm of "bottom up" management, the Complex Adaptive System-whether in science, public policy, or private commerce. This simple model of how people work together will change forever how we think about getting things done in a group. "Harnessing Complexity distills the managerial essence of current research on complexity. "A very valuable contribution to the emerging theory of competition and competitive advantage."-C.K. Prahalad, University of Michigan, coauthor of Competing for the Future "A brilliant exposition that demystifies both the theory and use of Complex Adaptive Systems."-John Seely Brown, Xerox Corporation and Palo Alto Research Center

Harnessing the Power of Viruses explores the application of scientific knowledge about viruses and their lives to solve practical challenges and further advance molecular sciences, medicine and agriculture. The book contains virus-based tools and approaches in the fields of: i) DNA manipulations in vitro and in vivo; ii) Protein expression and characterization; and iii) Virus- Host interactions as a platform for therapy and biocontrol are discussed. It steers away from traditional views of viruses and technology, focusing instead on viral molecules and molecular processes that enable science to better understand life and offer means for addressing complex biological phenomena that positively influence everyday life. The book is written at an intermediate level and is accessible to novices who are willing to acquire a basic level of understanding of key principles in molecular biology, but is also ideal for advanced readers interested in expanding their biological knowledge to include practical applications of molecular tools derived from viruses. Explores virus-based tools and approaches in DNA manipulation, protein expression and characterization and virus-host interactions Provides a dedicated focus on viral molecules and molecular processes that enable science to better understand life and address complex biological phenomena Includes an overview of modern technologies in biology that were developed using viral components/elements and knowledge about viral processes

“An excellent compendium of all things CRISPR from some of the leading minds in the field. With thorough coverage from every angle and beautifully detailed illustrations, this book is not to be missed!” Jennifer A. Doudna, Professor of Chemistry, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, UC Berkeley; Founder, Innovative Genomics Institute; Nobel Laureate and coinventor of CRISPR technology “This journey through CRISPR biology and several of its breakthrough applications offers an exciting glimpse into one of the most beautiful and compelling fields in the life sciences.” David R. Liu, Director of the Merkin Institute at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Harvard University; coinventor of base editing and prime editing “A must read! The CRISPR topics, written by world-leading experts, span from the fascinating mechanistic underpinnings to the ingenious applications. One can read from start to finish or pick and choose themes. Either way, the book delivers utterly enjoyable learning!” Bonnie Bassler, Squibb Professor and Chair, Princeton University Department of Molecular Biology; Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator CRISPR-Cas systems have revolutionized the science of gene editing and their possible applications continue to expand, from basic research to potentially groundbreaking medical and commercial uses. Led by a distinguished team of editors, CRISPR: Biology and Applications explores the subject matter needed to delve into this fascinating area. Topics covered include: Classification and molecular mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas systems CRISPR-Cas evolution, regulation, expression, and function Uses for gene editing and modulation of gene expression CRISPR-based antimicrobials and phage resistance for medical and industrial purposes Written by internationally renowned authors, CRISPR: Biology and Applications serves as both an introductory guide for those new to the field and an authoritative reference for seasoned researchers whose work touches this evolving and headline- making science.

Discover the latest trends and advancements in computer technology beyond traditional silicon-based systems. This book highlights innovations in hardware and computing paradigms, providing a glimpse into the future of technology and its potential to reshape industries.

Many potential applications of synthetic and systems biology are relevant to the challenges associated with the detection, surveillance, and responses to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. On March 14 and 15, 2011, the Institute of Medicine's (IOM's) Forum on Microbial Threats convened a public workshop in Washington, DC, to explore the current state of the science of synthetic biology, including its dependency on systems biology; discussed the different approaches that scientists are taking to engineer, or reengineer, biological systems; and discussed how the tools and approaches of synthetic and systems biology were being applied to mitigate the risks associated with emerging infectious diseases. The Science and Applications of Synthetic and Systems Biology is organized into sections as a topic-by-topic distillation of the presentations and discussions that took place at the workshop. Its purpose is to present information from relevant experience, to delineate a range of pivotal issues and their respective challenges, and to offer differing perspectives on the topic as discussed and described by the workshop participants. This report also includes a collection of individually authored papers and commentary.