Researchers are turning to computational models to solve some of the most pressing biomedical challenges. Melding the intricacies of human biological systems with the precision of mathematical modeling, computational models are redefining how we conduct biomedical research and its implications for human health.  

Promise of Precision

At its core, computational modeling (sometimes referred to as silicon modeling) offers a promise of precision that traditional experimental methods struggle to match. Imagine being able to predict the progression of a disease in a digital twin of a human body, tailored to the genetic makeup and lifestyle of an individual. Computational models allow researchers to simulate and analyze scenarios that are impossible to recreate in the lab. They provide a dynamic view of how diseases develop and how they might be stopped in detail. 

Upholding Ethical Standards

Ethical considerations are paramount in biomedical research, especially when it involves experimental treatments on humans or animals. Computational models stand out as an ethical tool, reducing  animal testing and potentially risky human trials.  

By simulating the effects of drugs or genetic modifications first in a virtual environment, researchers can identify potential failures and refine their approaches without endangering lives. This not only speeds up the research process but also upholds a higher ethical standard scientific inquiry with humane treatment. 

Catalyst for Collaboration

One of the most exciting aspects of computational modeling is its ability to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Biologists, computer scientists, statisticians, and engineers converge in this space, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise. This convergence is not just about sharing tools and techniques—it’s about shared vision and values. It creates a rich, collaborative ecosystem that goes beyond traditional boundaries, setting the stage for true innovation. 

Democratizing Data

Big data is transforming countless fields. Biomedical research is no exception. Computational models thrive on large datasets. Their capability to process and analyze vast amounts of information democratizes the research process. Smaller labs or institutions in developing countries, which may lack the resources for extensive physical experiments, can participate in cutting-edge research by leveraging computational power.  

This democratization not only broadens the base of scientific inquiry but also increases the diversity of questions being asked and problems being tackled. Simply put, democratizing data also means the democratization of innovation. 

Forward to the Future

The potential for computational models in biomedical research is boundless. From personalized medicine to global health crises, these models offer scalable solutions for biomedical challenges. But they are not a panacea.  

The fidelity of a model is only as good as the data and the assumptions on which it is built. Ongoing research, continuous validation, and rigorous scrutiny are critical to ensure these models serve as reliable and effective tools in our quest to understand and improve human health. 

In the landscape of biomedical research, computational models are more than just a technological evolution—they are a paradigm shift. By integrating the digital with the biological, the theoretical with the practical, they enable us to envision and engineer solutions that were once thought impossible. We must also nurture the collaborations and values that make such advancements possible, ensuring our scientific pursuits remain as humane as they are innovative.  

Next time, we will discuss in silico modeling (a term often referred to with regard to computational models), where computer models are developed to model a pharmacologic or physiologic process, as a logical extension of controlled in vitro experimentation that will help push the needle in human relevant biomedical research. 

For a Deeper Dive

• Gregory Sliwoski, Sandeepkumar Kothiwale, Jens Meiler, and Edward W. Lowe, Jr. (2014) Computational Methods in Drug Discovery. Pharmacol Rev. 2014 Jan; 66(1): 334–395. Computer-aided drug discovery/design methods have played a major role in the development of therapeutically important small molecules for over three decades.  

• Sadybekov, A.V., Katritch, V. Computational approaches streamlining drug discovery. Nature 616, 673–685 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05905-z 

• Schaduangrat, N., Lampa, S., Simeon, S. et al. Towards reproducible computational drug discovery. J Cheminform 12, 9 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13321-020-0408-x 

• Sliwoski, G., Kothiwale, S., Meiler, J., & Lowe, E. W. (2014). Computational methods in drug discovery. Pharmacological reviews, 66(1), 334-395.