Foremost among these is the rapid accumulation of DNA sequence data across a host of species. This treasure trove of data presents both unique scientific opportunities and nearly overwhelming computational challenges. Biologists and medical researchers are now convinced that mathematics, statistics, and computer science are the appropriate lenses for viewing and interpreting the data generated by the highly parallel, automated, and miniaturized machines that carry an ever-growing burden of laboratory experimentation. Beyond the immediate needs of archiving, annotating, and displaying these data, ultimately there is even a stronger need to model and quantify the mechanisms by which biological systems operate. The mathematical sciences offer the tools for transforming biology from a descriptive science into a quantitative science.
Computational biology encompasses bioinformatics and mathematical biology.
It overlaps computational chemistry and medical imaging. Bioinformatics involves the study and application of biological information. It is a young discipline designed to deal with the avalanche of genetic and protein data. Bioinformaticians are now actively mining the biological databases, seeking to discern patterns by applying computer and statistical algorithms. The task of organizing, annotating, and cataloging this information is immense.