Computing Life - National Institute of General Medical Sciences

NIGMS brings you Computing Life, so you can learn how scientists use computers to advance our understanding of biology and human health.

"Computing Life" in PDF.
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Solve the clues of computing life in this interactive crossword puzzle. Accessible version

Cool Facts

We share about 70% of our genes with fruit flies, 98% with chimpanzees, and 99.9% with each other.The Innocence Project, which offers legal assistance to people who claim they’ve been wrongfully accused, says that DNA fingerprinting has led to the freeing of more than 194 people.Computational biologists helped prove that a doctor tried to murder his ex-girlfriend using a syringe filled with the AIDS virus.While you're sleeping, your computer could be doing scientific research.What's 1,010 X 15,580? Would you believe one answer is 6?A scientist estimates that between 2085 and 2105 we'll be able to sequence all the DNA on the planet in a month.

Overview
Scientists are using computers to understand fundamental biological processes.» more

Sim Sickness
Scientists create virtual worlds to study how contagious diseases could spread through your hometown.» more

Searching for Genetic Treasures
With computing advances, scientists uncover new details about diseases, drug treatments, and even crimes. » more

Integrating Biology
Researchers combine real data and computer models to diagram everything from how cells move to how hearts beat. » more

The Next Top Protein Model
Scientists harness computers, even ones in your home, to study biological molecules critical to human health.
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Made Possible By...
Read about the different types of scientists and other people who are computing life and find out how you can get involved, too.
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Movie Mania
See how scientists animate biological processes, thrusting you into never-before-seen worlds.
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Web Extras: Movies, Podcasts, and Other Cool Stuff
Find new articles, movies, podcasts, and other material exclusive to this site. » more