On Growth, Form and Computers

On Growth, Form and Computers provides an authoritative introduction to developmental biology and computational development. By augmenting experimental biology with computer models of development, biologists are building a greater understanding of how developmental processes such as pattern formation, morphogenesis, cell signalling and regeneration construct the staggering complexities of living organisms. At the same time, by creating computer algorithms based on developmental processes, computer scientists are enabling computers to solve a range of challenging problems such as neural network design and robot control. Organized into five sections, this book comprehensively discusses developmental biology, analytical models of developmental biology, the role of physics in development, computational models inspired by developmental biology and real-world applications of computational development software. As disciplines increasingly merge in areas such as computational biology and bioinformatics, this book forms a much-needed interface between the fields of developmental biology and computer science, providing an invaluable reference for researchers and students in evolutionary biology, artificial life, anatomy and evolutionary computation. Key features: * Foreword written by Prof. John H. Holland * Includes chapters from many of the best and most respected scientists in their fields (including Randall Beer, Richard Dawkins, Hans Meinhardt, Ian Stewart and Lewis Wolpert) * Provides both introductory and more detailed material on these two very complex disciplines, making key biological and computational concepts and ideas clear * Shows biologists the usefulness of computational models and computer scientists the usefulness of developmental algorithms * Glossary covering both computer science and developmental biology terminologyOn Growth, Form and Computers, 1 was published 2003 under ISBN 9780124287655 and ISBN 0124287654.