
Virtual Experimentation Complements Real-World Experimentation
Author(s) -
A. M. Smith,
Glen E. P. Ropella,
C. Anthony Hunt
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
epic series in computing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Conference proceedings
ISSN - 2398-7340
DOI - 10.29007/tlcv
Subject(s) - computer science , mechanism (biology) , data science , phenomenon , management science , artificial intelligence , engineering , epistemology , philosophy
Studying biological systems is difficult because of complexity, variability, and uncertainty. Conceptual models and diagrams are useful in conveying ideas about how a biological phenomenon are thought to be generated. However, sophisticated modeling and simulation methods are needed to discover mechanism-based explanations. Presented herein is a new and unique methodology for this application. Using virtual experiment methods, we recently provided a plausible solution to a problem that had eluded and perplexed pharmacologists and toxicologists for more than 40 years. We describe how virtual and real-world experimentation can be complementary, and propose a way to partially automate the methodology to expedite research.