High-Tech Biology
10/03/11 14:35 Filed in: GenomeWeb Daily Scan
Submitted by S. Pelech - Kinexus on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 14:35.
Biology has been primarily a descriptive science and the sequencing of genomes and determination of the 3D structures of the proteins encoded by their genes has really just carried on this tradition. However, we are at the brink of a major paradigm shift in which at least the study of molecular and cellular biology are on the verge of becoming much more constructive and predictive.
With a growing avalanche of data and improving computing capability, complex problems that only a few decades ago were calcitrant and untractable are yielding to solutions. The development of synthetic or artificial intelligence will further accelerate scientific research and development. This new found power can be channeled to spur on innovation and creativity that can truly transform health care and many diverse industries including those for food, clothing, shelter and energy production. Such a biorevolution will be achieved by a work force of scientists that will require a lot more training than what we actually typically offer today.
Those contemplating a career in this direction should appreciate that dedication, a very broad and deep base of knowledge, and the ability to rapidly learn and master a new subject are key factors to ensure continuing employment success. The graduate and post-graduate experiences remain the best opportunities to acquire such capabilities, but those beginning to embark on this career path should expect to work very hard and long as the bar is raised. Too often, the relatively relaxed and unhurried lifestyles of many graduate students and post-graduate fellows does not adequately prepared them for what is coming and needed.
Link to the original blog post.
Biology has been primarily a descriptive science and the sequencing of genomes and determination of the 3D structures of the proteins encoded by their genes has really just carried on this tradition. However, we are at the brink of a major paradigm shift in which at least the study of molecular and cellular biology are on the verge of becoming much more constructive and predictive.
With a growing avalanche of data and improving computing capability, complex problems that only a few decades ago were calcitrant and untractable are yielding to solutions. The development of synthetic or artificial intelligence will further accelerate scientific research and development. This new found power can be channeled to spur on innovation and creativity that can truly transform health care and many diverse industries including those for food, clothing, shelter and energy production. Such a biorevolution will be achieved by a work force of scientists that will require a lot more training than what we actually typically offer today.
Those contemplating a career in this direction should appreciate that dedication, a very broad and deep base of knowledge, and the ability to rapidly learn and master a new subject are key factors to ensure continuing employment success. The graduate and post-graduate experiences remain the best opportunities to acquire such capabilities, but those beginning to embark on this career path should expect to work very hard and long as the bar is raised. Too often, the relatively relaxed and unhurried lifestyles of many graduate students and post-graduate fellows does not adequately prepared them for what is coming and needed.
Link to the original blog post.