Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
teomics, and metabolomics is now possible because of advances in high-
throughput technologies (e.g., microarrays, microfluidic devices) and a general
acceptance of computational and mathematical models by the biology commu-
nity at large. The ability to analyze and simulate pathways, networks, and the
spatial and temporal relationships between genes, transcripts, proteins, metabo-
lites, and cells is an important step in the attempt to attribute cause and effect in
living systems (see chapters 1.1 [by Pedraza and Oudenaarden], 1.3 [by Wag-
ner], and 1.4 [by Dhar and Tomita], this volume). A quantitative understanding
of entire subcellular, cellular, or multicellular systems could significantly alter
the approach taken to personalized medicine and drug discovery. Clearly, the
motivation to pursue the analysis of molecular pathways, networks, and regula-
tion of how the cell works as a whole system has been with us for some time.
What has changed is the recognition that the parts list (i.e., human genome) or
its sequence is a necessary but not sufficient ingredient for the synthesis. Sys-
tems biology is not an entirely new disciplinary domain of knowledge. In many
ways, it is the recasting of cell physiology with a DNA-twist, i.e., a desire to
dissect the emergent relational mechanisms that arise when traversing from the
molecular to the systems level. The harnessing of interdisciplinary talents such
as mathematics, computer science, and engineering is needed to develop the
theoretical framework for complex systems biology (and medicine) problems.
7.1. The Last Word on the Science of Organized Complexity
Much of science in the past century has been concerned with analysis of
parts; relatively little emphases has been placed on the synthesis and integration
of concepts that constitute the logic of life.
Each chapter contribution to follow, by design, reflects the system view of
biology or medicine. The chosen style and manor of system inquiry construction
contribute and frame a scheme of ideas that are unflinchingly imaginative and
connected without the burden of sustaining a unitary theory. The coalesced topic
is a system itself; as such, it has four interrelated and internally consistent as-
pects acting as a whole: systems philosophy, systems theory, systems methodol-
ogy (e.g., nanotechnology and microfluidics), and systems application.
Any theory of wider scope implies a worldview ... any major
development in science changes the world outlook and its
"natural philosophy" ...
—Ludwig von Bertalanffy,
Robots, Men and Minds
