28 September 2012
Biology by Numbers
Many biologists don’t like maths, but most would concur that with the increasing bulk of biological data being churned out of biological research labs, mathematical tools are key to answering fundamental questions about how complex systems work. Mathematicians have recently come up with a unifying model (pictured) to clarify the function of microRNAs. Discovered over a decade ago these tiny (21-23 nucleotide-long) strands of RNA [genetic code transcribed from DNA] play a role in modifying the speed at which genes are translated into proteins. Molecular biologists have discovered at least nine different mechanisms by which microRNAs do their job. So which one is the main method? Mathematicians hope that their unifying model might help biologists to resolve some of the conflicts arising from the publication of experimental evidence.
Written by
- Annick Harel-Bellan
- CNRS, France
- Copyright © 2012 RNA Society
- Research published in RNA 2012
Search The Archive
Submit An Image
Like us on Facebook
Follow on Twitter
Follow on Tumblr
Follow on Instagram
What is BPoD?
BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.
BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.