There is More Mathematics in the Future of Biology
The complexity of biological systems and the desire of biological scientists to find simple explanations stand in stark contrast. There is an increasing role for mathematicians and statisticians (which I am neither) in helping to bridge this gap. In this talk some of the challenges will be illustrated including: 1. How searches for gene function are compromised by false positives. 2. Why complex disease genetics is really complicated. 3. Why robust quantitative measurements are needed in non-invasive diagnostics. I will also describe the emerging field of bottom up synthetic biology which attempts to create biological systems amenable to accurate mathematical modelling, yet still able to disaplay interesting biological behavior.
Charles Cantor, SEQUENOM, Inc.