| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/S66657/01 |
| Title: |
Molecular and Cellular Computing |
| Principal Investigator: |
Amos, Professor MR |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Engineering Computer Science and Maths |
| Organisation: |
University of Exeter |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
22 December 2003 |
Ends: |
21 December 2004 |
Value (£): |
54,591
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| New & Emerging Comp. Paradigms |
Theoretical biology |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Advances in the life sciences are driving innovation in the development of novel computing architectures based on biological materials. New computational paradigms and applications use bio-molecules as information processing components, and processes occurring both within and between living cells are being harnessed for the purposes of computation. Mechanisms that living cells use to process signals from the environment, as well as other cells, are yielding to molecular investigation. As knowledge on these mechanisms is accumulated it is possible to synthesize via genetic engineering chimeras capable of directed information processing with electronic hybrid functionality. Such chimeras are natural complements to manmade information processing systems and are the basis for a new generation of microscale and nanoscale sensors, machines, and computational systems. The simple one gene or one enzyme yielding one response paradigm that cells use in information processing has given way to a vision of biocomplexity that was unappreciated until recently. However, it is clear that this complexity is not unmanageable. The complexity demonstrated by higher ordered eukaryotic cells can be readily mimicked in lower eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, which may provide robust components in nano and microscale devices of the future. Systematic modelling of cellular functions at the level of metabolism, gene expression, and signalling will provide insight into fruitful paths of experimentation to create micro-organisms that carry out rudimentary information processing.This research is precisely targeted at addressing complex systems via novel computation and falls squarely within the remit of the call. Specific exemplars of this include the development of hybrid (biological/silicon) systems for information processing, the development of models representing the dynamic behaviour of cells and molecular complexes, and consideration of the computational complexity issues inherent to both the underlying biological processes and their simulation and modelling.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.ex.ac.uk |