Systems Bioinformatics: An Engineering Case-Based Approach [Hardcover]

Gil Alterovitz (Editor), Marco F. Ramoni (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1596931248 | ISBN-13: 978-1596931244 | Publication Date: February 28, 2007

Powerful engineering tools can help solve today's complex biological and biomedical research challenges - and this first-of-its-kind guide is paving the way. This trail-blazing work gives engineers a quantitative systems approach to bioinformatics research using computational tools drawn from technical disciplines. It presents biological processes in an engineering context to help engineers use their technical skills in solving novel biological problems and also to facilitate reverse engineering from biology in developing synthetic biological devices. This first-of-its-kind volume explores how the knowledge bases of various technical disciplines relate to, and are observed, in biological systems. It discusses signal processing techniques used in biological data analysis, explains cellular regulatory systems and their similarities to traditional control systems, and explores protein and gene networks, inference networks, and network dynamics. A major milestone in systems biology, this groundbreaking work points engineers to new frontiers in the convergence of engineering and biological research.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gil Alterovitz is an NIH Biomedical Informatics Fellow in the Division of Health Sciences and Technology (HST) at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and is a research affiliate at the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT. Marco F. Ramoni is an assistant professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of health sciences and technology at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 398 pages
• Publisher: Artech House (February 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596931248
• ISBN-13: 978-1596931244
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,147,493 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rigorous engineering and molecular biology at the crossroads, September 5, 2008

By 

Paul Baker (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Systems Bioinformatics: An Engineering Case-Based Approach (Hardcover)

I came across this book while I was looking for a resource that showed how one can contribute one's engineering talent in biology. The book starts with a molecular biology section. Then the book looks at biology from engineering perspectives: control theory, network analysis, and signal processing. The book also talks about synthetic biology, and finishes off with topics at the horizon of bioengineering research. I think it is an impressive, cohesive text even though it covers complex topics within the intersection of molecular biology, computer science, and engineering (especially electrical and chemical engineering). Alterovitz and Ramoni appear to have gotten these topics into one book by working with a group of experts from around the world.

Pro: In addition to what I've already said, I like how the book comes with a CD. The nice thing about the software is that not only is it at my fingertips, but I can be assured that I'm using the same version (with the same functionality) that the text refers to. The other nice thing about the CD is that most if not all the figures are on the CD. I'm thinking of using a few in future presentations for class, research etc.

Con: I had a hard time chasing down a copy in bookstores, and I needed it for my research.

You should get this book if you're serious about learning about systems bioinformatics.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource for applying math and computation to biology, November 5, 2008

By 

J. Dreyfuss - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Systems Bioinformatics: An Engineering Case-Based Approach (Hardcover)

I found this book to be an extremely valuable resource for applying quantitative methods to modern biology. As someone working in bioinformatics with a statistical background and a keen interest in applying my strengths to the emerging field of synthetic biology - basically, control and construction of living systems - this book is wonderful for me.

The book begins with a simple introduction to the basics of molecular biology. It proceeds to work through a multitude of engineering approaches to biological systems. Although I am not an engineer, these approaches all make perfect sense to me in their more general quantitative context.

This book is ideal for you if you have an interest in the application of math and computation to biology; this book is written by leading academics around the globe to offer top-notch expertise on this topic. If you would prefer a non-mathematical introduction, however, I would not personally recommend this work.