(Press-News.org) Contact information: Federica Sgorbissa
comunicazione@medialab.sissa.it
39-040-378-7644
International School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)
25 years of DNA on the computer
A review of the computer simulations of nuclear DNA
DNA carries out its activities "diluted" in the cell nucleus. In this state it synthesises proteins and, even though it looks like a messy tangle of thread, in actual fact its structure is governed by precise rules that are important for it to carry out its functions. Biologists have studied DNA by observing it experimentally with a variety of techniques, which have only recently been supplemented by research in silico, that is to say, the study of DNA by means of computer simulations. This is a recent area of study, but it has already given a major contribution to knowledge in this field. Angelo Rosa, a theoretical physicist of the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste, with the collaboration of Christophe Zimmer, an experimental physicist from the Pasteur Institute in Paris has assessed the state of the art of this novel but powerful approach in a systematic review that has just been published in the journal International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology.
"Apart from some rare exceptions, we reviewed virtually all of the models developed to date", explains Rosa. "The review is mainly aimed at biologists in that we have made minimal use of mathematical formulas which hamper reading. I think this is the first review of its kind. The paper is actually also interesting for physicists and mathematicians who are approaching this new field for the first time".
The two physicists reviewed 25 years of computational models: "in this relatively short time span the models have become increasingly sophisticated and this, thanks to the development of computers", explains Rosa. "Today we are able to make far more detailed and predictive simulations, which allow us to lead the work of experimental researchers in previously unthought-of directions".
"This is a useful tool which, without going into mathematical detail, provides the biologist with an overview of the type of studies that will increasingly complement the more traditional approaches" continues Rosa. "Today, for example, we already have software programmes which, starting from experimental data, allow us to reconstruct the structure of specific portions of chromosomes. I think that if computers continue to evolve as they have done until now – and there's no reason to doubt this – we'll be able to reconstruct entire chromosomes".
"At the present time, the future prospects of in silico research into nuclear DNA are twofold", concludes Rosa, "to understand in detail the dynamics of gene expression (the details of protein synthesis) and to identify precisely where the chromosomes are when DNA unravels in the nucleus".
INFORMATION:
25 years of DNA on the computer
A review of the computer simulations of nuclear DNA
2014-01-03
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Higher vitamin D levels in pregnancy could help babies become stronger
2014-01-03
Higher vitamin D levels in pregnancy could help babies become stronger
Children are likely to have stronger muscles if their mothers had a higher level of vitamin D in their body during pregnancy, according to new research from the Medical Research Council ...
Nordic study: Few persons with metabolic syndrome adhere to nutrition recommendations
2014-01-03
Nordic study: Few persons with metabolic syndrome adhere to nutrition recommendations
Adherence to dietary recommendations is weak among people suffering from metabolic syndrome or having increased risk for metabolic syndrome, according to the Nordic SYSDIET study led by ...
University of East Anglia scientists make advance in cancer research
2014-01-03
University of East Anglia scientists make advance in cancer research
A protein that has been at the centre of cancer drug design for the last 20 years should not be given up on according to new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA).
The most advanced ...
Important mutation discovered in dairy cattle
2014-01-03
Important mutation discovered in dairy cattle
Scientists have discovered a mutation with a built-in dilemma for dairy cattle breeders. The deleted gene sequence has a positive effect on milk yield but causes embryonic death in dairy cattle.
Scientists have found ...
Another step towards understanding the quantum behavior of cold atoms
2014-01-03
Another step towards understanding the quantum behavior of cold atoms
A UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country researcher has explored the quantum effects produced when bosons and fermions are mixed at a very low temperature
This news release is available in Spanish. ...
The entropy of nations
2014-01-03
The entropy of nations
Global energy inequality lessens, but for how long?
The 18th century writer Adam Smith provided a workable metaphor for the way society utilizes resources. In his book "The Wealth of Nations," he argued that even as individuals strive, through ...
A novel look at how stories may change the brain
2014-01-03
A novel look at how stories may change the brain
Neuroscience research finds reading can boost brain function
Many people can recall reading at least one cherished story that they say changed their life. Now researchers at Emory University have detected what may ...
Supercomputers join search for 'cheapium'
2014-01-03
Supercomputers join search for 'cheapium'
Duke engineers using brute force computing to find new materials
DURHAM, N.C. -- In the search for cheaper materials that mimic their purer, more expensive counterparts, researchers are abandoning hunches and intuition for theoretical ...
Sex matters for microbes
2014-01-03
Sex matters for microbes
Caught in the act! Researchers from the University of Bristol have observed mating for the first time in the microbes responsible for African sleeping sickness. This tropical disease is caused by trypanosomes, single-celled ...
Parkinson's patients utilization of deep brain stimulation treatment reduced in demographic groups
2014-01-03
Parkinson's patients utilization of deep brain stimulation treatment reduced in demographic groups
PHILADELPHIA -- Among Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, female, black, and Asian patients are substantially less likely to receive proven ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
The Lancet: Plastic pollution is an underrecognised threat to health, experts warn as they launch a project to track plastics’ health impacts and monitor progress
The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics to track impact of plastic production and pollution on human health
Announcing The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics
Study unexpectedly finds living in rural, rather than urban environments in first five years of life could be a risk factor for developing type 1 diabetes
Editorial urges deeper focus on heart-lung interactions in pulmonary vascular disease
Five University of Tennessee faculty receive Fulbright Awards
5 advances to protect water sources, availability
OU Scholar awarded Fulbright for Soviet cinema research
Brain might become target of new type 1 diabetes treatments
‘Shore Wars:’ New research aims to resolve coastal conflict between oysters and mangroves, aiding restoration efforts
Why do symptoms linger in some people after an infection? A conversation on post-acute infection syndromes
Study reveals hidden drivers of asthma flare-ups in children
Physicists decode mysterious membrane behavior
New insights about brain receptor may pave way for next-gen mental health drugs
Melanoma ‘sat-nav’ discovery could help curb metastasis
When immune commanders misfire: new insights into rheumatoid arthritis inflammation
SFU researchers develop a new tool that brings blender-like lighting control to any photograph
Pups in tow, Yellowstone-area wolves trek long distances to stay near prey
AI breakthrough unlocks 'new' materials to replace lithium-ion batteries
Making molecules make sense: A regional explanation method reveals structure–property relationships
Partisan hostility, not just policy, drives U.S. protests
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine Ahead-of-Print Tip Sheet: August 1, 2025
Young human blood serum factors show potential to rejuvenate skin through bone marrow
Large language models reshape the future of task planning
Narrower coverage of MS drugs tied to higher relapse risk
Researchers harness AI-powered protein design to enhance T-cell based immunotherapies
Smartphone engagement during school hours among US youths
Online reviews of health care facilities
MS may begin far earlier than previously thought
New AI tool learns to read medical images with far less data
[Press-News.org] 25 years of DNA on the computerA review of the computer simulations of nuclear DNA