‘Virtual bacteria’ created by scientists






Nick Collins
London Telegraph
July 31, 2012

The computer programme developed by researchers at Stanford University is an exact replica of the Mycoplasma genitalium bacterium, including its DNA and all the other components of its single cell.

The scientists hope that the simulation will help them explore the subtleties of how a cell works, unravel the genetic causes of disease, and predict how new therapies could prevent or treat illness.

Prof Markus Covert, who led the study published in the Cell journal, told the BBC: “The public hear about a new ‘cancer gene’ being discovered … cancer is not a one-gene problem.

“There are thousands of factors interacting in very complicated ways and for us to understand a disease like that, we really need to start going back and trying to see if we can understand the whole cell.”

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2 Responses to “‘Virtual bacteria’ created by scientists”

  1. This should be a big breakthrough to help veterans with Gulf War Syndrome.

    Mycoplasma incognitas, mycoplasma genitalium = part of GWS

  2. They’re still looking for that ever elusive answer, that unlocks
    the secrets the universe … at the tax payer’s expense of course.

    Maybe they should unlock their colonic blockage, the stinkin’ bog that inevitably leads to constipation, on the cellular level.

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