Biology vs Electronics: Can Electronic Systems Simulate Biology?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the potential for electronic systems to simulate biological systems, exploring the feasibility of replicating various biological features through electronic means. Participants consider both macro and micro levels of biological functions and the implications of technology such as bionic eyes and prosthetics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that electronic systems can simulate biological systems by replicating simple processes that lead to complexity, though they acknowledge differences between the two systems.
  • Others introduce the concept of computer viruses as a form of biological behavior, highlighting their contagion and reproduction mechanisms.
  • A participant suggests that while macro-level simulations may be feasible, micro-level functions may not be replicable in the same way.
  • There is a discussion about the possibility of creating electronic eyes that can send signals similar to biological eyes, with some participants noting ongoing research in bionic technology.
  • Concerns are raised about the current limitations of prosthetics, questioning how closely they can replicate lost biological functions.
  • One participant asks about the starting point for understanding biological systems in the context of electronic simulation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the capabilities of electronic systems to simulate biological functions. While some believe that certain features can be replicated, others emphasize the limitations and differences inherent in the two systems. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views presented.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the current state of technology in prosthetics and bionic systems, which are not yet true replacements for biological functions. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of what constitutes a biological system versus a simulation.

Moni
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Biology Vs Electronics !

Hi!
I am not a “Biology” man! But I have an interesting question that I always think of:

We have seen many sci-fi usually Asimov stories that robots are becoming - humans! These homo sapiens as far as I know very complex system specially the brain – nervous system. But my question to the biologist over here: Can it be ever possible that any electronic system can simulate any biological system?

That means from your point of view which biological features are possible to simulate in electronic system and which are not?
 
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Originally posted by Moni
Hi!
I am not a “Biology” man! But I have an interesting question that I always think of:

We have seen many sci-fi usually Asimov stories that robots are becoming - humans! These homo sapiens as far as I know very complex system specially the brain – nervous system. But my question to the biologist over here: Can it be ever possible that any electronic system can simulate any biological system?

That means from your point of view which biological features are possible to simulate in electronic system and which are not?
I think an electronic system could ..'simulate' a biological system. Even Biology seems to most simply be a number of simple process, each relating to other processes in a way which builds up huge complexity over the many numbers of simple processes.

Of course though, an electronic version will be different to the biological version, but the end product may be essentially the same IMO.
 
Computer viruses do. Interesting that you said "biological system" rather than life.

They spread by a contagion vector.
They require a host to reproduce their "genetic" information.

Njorl
 
Another.G.
As you mentioned that there can be made some equavalent system i.e. Output will be the same...

I think this can be done only for the macro level...but in the micro level that may be not possible...
 
Originally posted by Njorl
Computer viruses do. Interesting that you said "biological system" rather than life.

They spread by a contagion vector.
They require a host to reproduce their "genetic" information.

Njorl

Good point...I can say it a Biological behaviour... :smile:

Computer generatied simulation games...and others with AI can represent Biological Behaviour...

But in the Micro level...what system exists there?
 
well it depends what you mean.

If you mean "can you get an electronic system to hold physical information in one location, change the form of that information so that it can be moved into another area, and then have the changed form of the information be turned into machinery", then I think 'Absolutely! Electronics would be able to do that just as well as biology' (IMO...can't really be certain).
But if you mean "Can you get an electronic system to hold the genetic code, have it transcribed into an RNA code, and then have that RNA translated into proteins.' then of course not. Electronics is not biology.

There will just about always be a different version of the same idea. But the closer your try to make the two system, the more they just become the one system.
 
Your words are fine :smile:

For the 1st part I agree...of course this is possible.

Todays genetics sci. are using softwares and special hardwares a lot.

But I am focusing on the 2nd part.

Suppose you have lost you two eyes...
And there is no *biological* eyes available...

Then can there be any electronic eye...that can be used there?
I mean, it will send those signals those are sent by the previous *flesh* eye ball?
 
Then can there be any electronic eye...that can be used there?
Yes certainly. Though not very practical at the moment, scientists are indeed working on such "bionic eyes". Currently the quality is very low, only about 20 pixels, but the basic idea works. We just need to perfect the technology. After all, it is just electrical signals we are talking about.
 
Originally posted by FZ+
Yes certainly. Though not very practical at the moment, scientists are indeed working on such "bionic eyes". Currently the quality is very low, only about 20 pixels, but the basic idea works. We just need to perfect the technology. After all, it is just electrical signals we are talking about.

Really Then why not other parts...hands...legs...etc.
CYBORG?

Then this I can say that a biological system is simulated or transplanted by electronic system...thus we may simulate a full human body, isn't it?
 
  • #10
At the present time all these things are at the level of prosthetics, meaning that they give their owners some help where there was none before, but they are far, far, from a true replacement of the lost function. It might be useful to counter the hype with asking, how much better is this technology than a wooden leg?
 
  • #11
Hmm... but if someone wants to start...from where he'll start?
I mean, from which perspective he have to observe the biological systems?
 

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