| The Role of Theory in Advancing 21st-Century Biology: Catalyzing Transformative Research Contributor(s): National Research Council (Author), Division on Earth and Life Studies (Author), Board on Life Sciences (Author) |
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ISBN: 0309112494 ISBN-13: 9780309112499 Publisher: National Academies Press OUR PRICE: $57.95 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: February 2008 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Science | Research & Methodology - Science | Life Sciences - Biology - Science | Biotechnology |
| Dewey: 570.72 |
| LCCN: 2007940783 |
| Physical Information: 0.51" H x 6.14" W x 8.91" (0.79 lbs) 196 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Although its importance is not always recognized, theory is an integral part of all biological research. Biologists' theoretical and conceptual frameworks inform every step of their research, affecting what experiments they do, what techniques and technologies they develop and use, and how they interpret their data. By examining how theory can help biologists answer questions like What are the engineering principles of life? or How do cells really work? the report shows how theory synthesizes biological knowledge from the molecular level to the level of whole ecosystems. The book concludes that theory is already an inextricable thread running throughout the practice of biology; but that explicitly giving theory equal status with other components of biological research could help catalyze transformative research that will lead to creative, dynamic, and innovative advances in our understanding of life. |