life inspired

Very nice combination of computational biology and artificial life techniques to answer fundamental evolution questions: "Tooth development is used as a model to examine which aspects of phenotype can be optimized by natural selection; this reveals that the complexity of the relationship between genotypic and phenotypic variation can affect adaptation. " Full article @ Nature

Labels: evolution, genotype-phenotype map

"Our results suggest that individuals with similar genotypes may not actively select into friendships; rather, they may be placed into these contexts by institutional mechanisms outside of their control. Our work highlights the fundamental role played by broad social structures in the extent to which genetic factors explain complex behaviors, such as friendships." Full articke @ PNAS

Labels: collective behavior, genotype-phenotype map, human behavior, social networks

"Although long-studied, the underlying basis of mammalian coat patterns remains unclear. By studying a large number of cat species and varieties, Kaelin et al. identified two genes, Taqpep and Edn3, as critical factors in the development of feline pigment patterns."

See news piece @ NYTimes. Paper: Kaelin et al [2012]. "Specifying and Sustaining Pigmentation Patterns in Domestic and Wild Cats." Science. 337 (6101), 1536-1541.

Labels: gene regulation, genotype-phenotype map

"An entire organism is modeled in terms of its molecular components. Complex phenotypes can be modeled by integrating cell processes into a single model. Phenotype from Genotype, in a computational model." Full article @ Cell

Labels: computational biology, genotype-phenotype map