Quote of the Month!
"Moving forward in science is as much unwinding the distorted thinking of the past as it is putting a clearer idea on the table."
- Craig Venter
Craig Venter is an American geneticist and biotechnologist best known for founding Celera Genomics and leading the effort to sequence the first human genome. His groundbreaking work, including the creation of the first synthetic cell, has transformed genetics and opened new possibilities in medicine, biology, and biotechnology.
Commonly Asked Questions
Are you new to the field of bioinformatics and ready to start exploring? If so, you've come to the write section! Below are some of the general questions and background information about the field of bioinformatics that will give you a simple foundation.
What even is bioinformatics?
"Bioinformatics, as related to genetics and genomics, is a scientific subdiscipline that involves using computer technology to collect, store, analyze and disseminate biological data and information, such as DNA and amino acid sequences or annotations about those sequences. Scientists and clinicians use databases that organize and index such biological information to increase our understanding of health and disease and, in certain cases, as part of medical care" (National Humane Genome Research Institute). Essentially, bioinformatics is the study of medical data! It is the cross field of three crucial disciplines: biology, computer science, and math.
Why is bioinformatics important and relevant?
Bioinformatics is important because modern biology produces massive amounts of data that humans alone can’t analyze. It helps scientists make sense of DNA sequences, protein structures, and other complex biological information. This has direct impacts on medicine, from discovering new drugs to creating personalized treatments. In short, bioinformatics turns raw data into knowledge that drives progress in health, science, and technology.
What are some key areas of focus in bioinformatics?
Bioinformatics covers several key areas of focus that all revolve around making sense of biological data. These include studying DNA and genomes to understand genes and mutations, analyzing proteins and their structures, and examining RNA to see how genes are expressed. It also involves modeling biological systems to understand how everything works together, as well as applying these methods in medicine for drug discovery and personalized treatments. In short, bioinformatics connects data to discoveries across biology and healthcare.
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