- #1
dsdsuster
- 30
- 0
Hi all,
My understanding is that biology is mostly an empirical science. This is perhaps due to the fact that biological systems are very complex, heterogeneous, highly modularized. My vague idea is: Is it possible to do for biological systems what physics has done for condensed matter systems? These systems are probably relatively less heterogeneous and complex but physicists have been able to isolate what is essential and develop a very satisfying model that begins with first principles rather than 'curve fitting'.
Is the goal of systems biology to do something like this for biological signaling?
Statistical Physics essentially averages over equilibrium systems of many tiny parts to deliver some useful results. What prevents us from doing the same in biological systems?
Thanks!
My understanding is that biology is mostly an empirical science. This is perhaps due to the fact that biological systems are very complex, heterogeneous, highly modularized. My vague idea is: Is it possible to do for biological systems what physics has done for condensed matter systems? These systems are probably relatively less heterogeneous and complex but physicists have been able to isolate what is essential and develop a very satisfying model that begins with first principles rather than 'curve fitting'.
Is the goal of systems biology to do something like this for biological signaling?
Statistical Physics essentially averages over equilibrium systems of many tiny parts to deliver some useful results. What prevents us from doing the same in biological systems?
Thanks!