Bioinformatics and Computational Biology: Taking a Closer Look at Ourselves.

Bioinformatics is the study and use of computing technology for the benefit of biological study, more specifically genetics. In bioinformatics, computers are used to collect, organize, store data. Computers are also used in the analyzing process, depending on the collected data and the information that needs to be extracted; there are various algorithms that can be used in bioinformatics. Bioinformatics was an important factor in the completion of The Human Genome Project – the project aimed to sequence and map the entire genome of humanity. The Human Genome Project finished mapping all of Homo sapiens’ genes on 2003.

The improvements brought on by bioinformatics have not just been black and white text spelling out results. Bioinformaticians have been able to create software the bring color and excitement to the field. Protein Workshop is software that simulates proteins in 3D to show they are made and how important it is that the protein folds correctly when it is being built. When a protein is not built correctly, it can either not work or can cause great problems for the individual. Sickle cell anemia is the result of when the hemoglobin (a protein that makes up majority of red blood cells) folds improperly. 

Image Processing: Improving Our View of the World

Image processing refers to the extraction on certain information from a 2D image by a computer. In Bioinformatics, a method called gel electrophoresis is used to perform analysis on DNA, RNA and proteins. An electrical charge in passed along gel that contain the DNA/RNA/protein(s) causing them to break apart and their fragments separate depending on their size and charge. By cutting the gel near where the tested molecules were, a black and white 2D image (2D page) shows the separation of the molecule parts. The 2D page is passed to a computer that analysis it by using an algorithm to compare it to another (known) 2D page. The analysis comes from corresponding spots with similar intensity (same shade). Through this type of testing, bioinformaticians are able to see how similar/difference the unknown molecule is to a known one.

Two 2D pages

Bioinformatics is just one field where image processing is used; with algorithms becoming more powerful, image processing is becoming more useful. Some algorithms are able to make images look clearer by removing “noise” from them (such as pictures from far away objects) while other are able to identify objects within the image – even if they are partly hidden.

Communications and Security: Secure Yourself

Thanks to the Internet our entire world has become as small as the smallest smartphone. Using email, social networks and other communication services (i.e. Skype) we are able to communicate with anyone almost anywhere in the world through it. However, just like the Internet allows us to connect with people, other people are able to connect to us and they do not mean well. Using the Internet exposes a person’s personal information to a degree, this degree tends to increase when they use more online services; such as social networks or their bank account. If a person does not protect their computer and online services properly, they can expose the personal information that they store to the wrong sort of people.

To protect online services that store personal information (and usually require a password to access) use unique passwords that are difficult to guess (but that you can still remember) for each service. This way even if one password is cracked, the damage that the person(s) that cracked it can be contained.

Most importantly, is to protect your computer because that device can hold the most personal information. Protect your computer by keep your antivirus, operating system and web browser(s) updated. By keeping your antivirus updated, you can be better protected from malware that can be used to steal you personal information without you even knowing. Keeping your operating systems and web browser(s) up-to-date will prevent people from exploiting flaws in the old versions to get into your computer.

Artificial Intelligence: Way of the Future

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the intelligence of machines and a branch of Computer Science, which aims to create it. I find artificial intelligence very interesting not just because am a Computer Science major but also because of the possible futures that can come about with the development of AI. Looking at robots, they are extremely stupid. When programming a robot to perform a certain task, the programmer has to be extremely detailed in the instructions so that there will be no margin of error that the robot could misunderstand. It is because of this “stupidity” that artificial intelligence is very interesting. By developing artificial intelligence, robots will not only be able to perform tasks correctly but they will be able to also learn. Learn to deal with new situations but more importantly how to deal with them correctly.

Robots in the past have been used to perform repetitive and menial tasks (such as in factories). Thanks to the development in artificial intelligence, robots are coming out of the factories and joining the rest of the world. Robots are becoming smaller (compared to their old factory relatives) and even more human-like. Performing human tasks and humans perform them. It is truly an exciting time for the advancement in AI.

History of Computer Science: Video Games

In 1972, Pong, the first arcade game was launched and with its great success begun the age of commercial video games. Looking back at Pong, video games have made quantum leaps forward along with technology. With the advancements of technology and gaming technology, video games have significantly decreased in size (from human size to pocket size) and yet increased drastically in content. Video games have gone from a 2D world, bouncing of a pixel, to a 3D world that allows you to interact with people from around the globe.

With each generation, videos games are becoming even more realistic than the previous generation. Havok develops tools, which are used in the video games industry. Physics is a product from Havok that helps video games be more realistic. For example, should a car crash into a wall of boxes (in the game), Physics would calculate how the boxes should fly/fall depending on the calculated impact from the car.

I wait for the day that we move from feeling that we are inside the game through advanced 3D graphics to being inside game itself (virtual reality).

If you are interested in video games, especially mobile games, then you should check Project Anarchy.