Tools and Techniques

Computational tools and approaches offer opportunities to study biology in new and exciting ways, helping to answer questions like:

  • How do cells, human populations, and other complicated biological systems behave under a variety of conditions?
  • How can we organize, share, or visualize vast amounts of biological data?
  • What can we learn by simulating and modeling complex life processes?

Follow the links below to learn more about computational tools and techniques in biology, including recent developments, and read profiles of researchers working in this field.

Booklet

  • Computing Life
    Shows how scientists use computers to advance our understanding of biology and human health.
Other resources

Biomedical Beat Blog

  • Helium: An Abundant History and a Shortage Threatening Scientific Tools
    Scientists first discovered helium burning on the surface of the sun, but today liquid helium plays an essential role in supercooling scientific equipment. Unfortunately, our complex history with the element has led to a recent shortage that threatens some types of scientific research.
  • Cool Images: The Hidden Beauty of Plants
    For plants, beauty is more than just “skin deep.” Researchers have taken images of plants’ insides, from stem cells to pollen grains, and revealed stunning structures.
  • Crowdsourcing Science: Using Competition to Drive Creativity
    Historically, crowdsourcing has played an important role in scientific fields like wildlife biology and astronomy. Now, thanks in part to advances in computing, researchers are applying collaboration—mixed with some friendly competition—to help solve complex problems in biomedical science.
  • Advances in 3D Printing of Replacement Tissue
    Scientists funded in part by NIGMS devise ways to 3D print tiny air sacs in the lungs and small blood vessels. This technology may one day allow the production of replacement organs for those needing them.
 More blog posts

Profiles: Meet a Scientist

  • Mountains and Mouse Genes
    Biostatistician Gary Churchill studies mouse genetics to link gene combinations to traits.
  • Past to Present
    Evolutionary biologist Joe Thornton uses computers and other molecular biology tools to locate ancestral receptor genes.
  • Dr. Data
    Doctor-scientist Atul Butte uses computers to re-classify diseases.
More profiles

Quizzes and Puzzles

All quizzes and puzzles​