The Role of Theory in Advancing 21st-Century Biology: Catalyzing Transformative Research

Voorkant
National Academies Press, 22 jan 2008 - 208 pagina's

Although its importance is not always recognized, theory is an integral part of all biological research. Biologists' theoretical and conceptual frameworks inform every step of their research, affecting what experiments they do, what techniques and technologies they develop and use, and how they interpret their data.

By examining how theory can help biologists answer questions like "What are the engineering principles of life?" or "How do cells really work?" the report shows how theory synthesizes biological knowledge from the molecular level to the level of whole ecosystems. The book concludes that theory is already an inextricable thread running throughout the practice of biology; but that explicitly giving theory equal status with other components of biological research could help catalyze transformative research that will lead to creative, dynamic, and innovative advances in our understanding of life.

 

Inhoudsopgave

Summary
1 Introduction
2 The Integral Role of Theory in Biology
3 Are There Still New Life Forms to Be Discovered? The Diversity of LifeWhy It Exists and Why Its Important
4 What Role Does Life Play in the Metabolism of Planet Earth?
5 How Do Cells Really Work?
6 What Are the Engineering Principles of Life?
7 What Is the Information That Defines and Sustains Life?
9 How Much Can We Tell About the Pastand Predict About the Futureby Studying Life on Earth Today?
Learning to Think About the Elephant
11 Findings and Recommendations
References
Appendixes
Biographical Sketches of Committee Members
Workshop on Defining and Advancing the Conceptual Basis of Biological Science for the 21st Century
Copyright

8 What Determines How Organisms Behave in Their Worlds?

Overige edities - Alles bekijken

The Role of Theory in Advancing 21st-Century Biology: Catalyzing ...
National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Life Sciences,Committee on Defining and Advancing the Conceptual Basis of Biological Sciences in the 21st Century
Gedeeltelijke weergave - 2008
The Role of Theory in Advancing 21st-Century Biology: Catalyzing ...
National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Life Sciences,Committee on Defining and Advancing the Conceptual Basis of Biological Sciences in the 21st Century
Gedeeltelijke weergave - 2008
The Role of Theory in Advancing 21st-Century Biology: Catalyzing ...
Committee on Defining and Advancing the Conceptual Basis of Biological Sciences in the 21st Century,Board on Life Sciences,National Academy of Sciences (U.S.)
Fragmentweergave - 2008
Alles bekijken »

Veelvoorkomende woorden en zinsdelen

ability activity adaptive advances allow animals approaches areas bacteria base basic behavior biological systems biologists biology cell challenge changes characteristics collection communities complex components computational conceptual contribute described determine diversity dynamics ecological ecosystems effects emergent energy engineering environment environmental et al evolution evolutionary evolved example experimental experiments expression facts field framework function gene genetic genome human idea identify important individual inheritance integrated interactions internal kinds known lead levels living major mathematical measure mechanisms memory metabolic models modules molecular molecules natural networks observation organisms particular pathways patterns physical plants population possible potential practice predict problems processes produce properties proteins questions reactions recent regulatory represent require response robustness role scales scientific scientists selection sense sequences sharing signal species structure suggest theoretical theory tion understanding University variation

Bibliografische gegevens

TitelThe Role of Theory in Advancing 21st-Century Biology: Catalyzing Transformative Research
AuteursNational Research Council, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Board on Life Sciences, Committee on Defining and Advancing the Conceptual Basis of Biological Sciences in the 21st Century
UitgeverNational Academies Press, 2008
ISBN030913417X, 9780309134170
Lengte208 pagina's
  
Citatie exporterenBiBTeX EndNote RefMan