Just as sound and color revolutionized the film industry, computer technology has changed the way scientists view biology. Researchers today not only can take snapshots of biology, they can animate entire biological processes, thrusting viewers deep into never-before-seen worlds.
Beating Bleeding | 7/14/11
Scientists have learned more about molecular interactions that help blood congeal at a wound site.
Modeling How Molecules Move Inside Cells | 3/24/11
Computational modeling helps explain why large molecules travel 15 times more slowly in the cell than in water.
Precisely Delivering Chemical Cargo to Cells (MOV) | 10/21/10
Manipulating gold nanowires may help deliver drugs to specific cells.
Math from the Heart: Simulating Stent Design and Coating (MOV) | 8/23/10
Modeling stents—tiny mesh tubes used to hold blood vessels open—could improve patients' health.
Cellular Ballrooms | 7/1/10
Scientists build a cellular ballroom to better understand how molecules boogie.
Computational Tool for Combing Through 'Hairballs' of Data | 5/27/10
A computer program called Cytoscape produces pictures that helps scientists explore and explain their data.
Computational Honeycombs Drip with Data | 2/16/10
This honeycomb-like grid groups genes that turn on (red) and off (green) at similar times, helping biologists visualize and interact with massive amounts of data. (Runtime: 00:0:14 | 676 KB)
Stretch Detectors: Modeling Contractile Forces (MOV) | 10/15/09
Scientists use microscopic experiments and computer simulations to learn how tissue stretching and contracting alter cell behavior. (Runtime: 00:1:59 | 11.9 MB)
Making a Microscopic Metropolis (MOV) | 12/22/08
Computer models allow researchers to study the formation of biofilms—thin layers of bacteria that can be useful or cause health problems. (Runtime: 00:0:36 | 3.6 MB)
Walking the Line (MOV) | 8/27/08
Researchers model leg muscles in motion to study ordinary movement and walking disorders. (Runtime: 00:0:54 | 4.5 MB)
Simulation of Potential Pandemic Flu in the United States (WMV)
Watch a pandemic flu spread across the United States with (bottom) and without (top) interventions. (Runtime: 00:1:19 | 8.9 MB)
Blood Clots Show Their Flex (AVI) | 3/13/08
Like bubble gum, a protein extends up to three times its normal length to help form the flexible fibers that make blood clots. (Runtime: 00:0:24 | 2.72 MB)