Computational Biology

Computational Biology or Bioinformatics is the development and application of methods for analysis, interpretation, prediction and modeling of biological data. It was conceived at the crossroads of biology and computer science and impacts biotechnology, medicine and the society as a whole. A common thread in projects in this area is the use of mathematical tools to extract useful information from data produced by high-throughput biological techniques.

A case in point is the recent developments in genomic research that present both challenges and opportunities for Army scientists to extract knowledge from large amounts of gene and protein data that could lead to early detection of biological threats and emerging infectious diseases, as well as the discovery of new drugs and treatment regimens. As information technology becomes increasingly important in medical research and development there is a critical need to advance the state-of-the-art of computer models and simulation by developing bioinformatics/informatics applications capable of analyzing huge quantities of gene and protein data to gain insight into therapy, drug targeting, and diagnosis of biological threats to benefit both the warfighter on point for the nation and the public at large.