Computer Simulations Of Self Organization In Biological Systems

Computer Simulations of Self-organization in Biological Systems

Self-Organization in Biological Systems

The synchronized flashing of fireflies at night. The spiraling patterns of an aggregating slime mold. The anastomosing network of army-ant trails. The coordinated movements of a school of fish. Researchers are finding in such patterns--phenomena that have fascinated naturalists for centuries--a fertile new approach to understanding biological systems: the study of self-organization. This book, a primer on self-organization in biological systems for students and other enthusiasts, introduces readers to the basic concepts and tools for studying self-organization and then examines numerous examples of self-organization in the natural world. Self-organization refers to diverse pattern formation processes in the physical and biological world, from sand grains assembling into rippled dunes to cells combining to create highly structured tissues to individual insects working to create sophisticated societies. What these diverse systems hold in common is the proximate means by which they acquire order and structure. In self-organizing systems, pattern at the global level emerges solely from interactions among lower-level components. Remarkably, even very complex structures result from the iteration of surprisingly simple behaviors performed by individuals relying on only local information. This striking conclusion suggests important lines of inquiry: To what degree is environmental rather than individual complexity responsible for group complexity? To what extent have widely differing organisms adopted similar, convergent strategies of pattern formation? How, specifically, has natural selection determined the rules governing interactions within biological systems? Broad in scope, thorough yet accessible, this book is a self-contained introduction to self-organization and complexity in biology--a field of study at the forefront of life sciences research.

Computer Modeling and Simulations of Complex Biological Systems, 2nd Edition

This unique text explores the use of innovative modeling techniques in effecting a better understanding of complex diseases such as AIDS and cancer. From a way of representing the computational properties of protein-folding problems to computer simulation of bimodal neurons and networks, Computer Modeling and Simulations of Complex Biological Systems examines several modeling methodologies and integrates them across a variety of disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach suggests new ways to solve complex problems pertaining to biological systems. Written in clear and simple terms appropriate for both the novice and the experienced researcher, the book presents a step-by-step approach to the subject and includes numerous examples that explain the concepts presented in the text.