Systems theory applications

Citation

Rudall, B.H. (2001), "Systems theory applications", Kybernetes, Vol. 30 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/k.2001.06730baa.001

Systems theory applications

Systems theory applications

Keywords: Automation, Cybernetics, Research, Technological developments

Abstract Reports and surveys are given of selected research and development in systems and cybernetics.They include: Systems theory, Biocybernetics, Biometric technology, Plastic microchips, Innovative projects.

Innovative applications of systems theory

There are many applications of systems theory that are well publicised in the literature. It is, however, refreshing to read of new areas of application that are both innovative in character and interdisciplinary in approach.

One such application of systems theory and also control theory lies in making full use of the explosion of data being produced by molecular biologists. It is claimed that using systems and control theory new light can be thrown on genomics, for example. Dr Olaf Wolkenhauer of the UK's University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) provides a scenario where interdisciplinarity proves its effectiveness as a new approach to current endeavours. He says that:

New technology means that we can now observe biological systems at the molecular level.

As a result there is a shift of focus in molecular biology from characterising individual molecules to understanding functional activity. The two central questions are: "what are genes' biological function?" and "how do genes interact?".

Readers in this area of research will be aware that it is now becoming clear that genes interact with other genes, and proteins with other proteins in a dynamic and controlled process. Dr Wolkenhaur believes it is at this point that systems theory can help us to understand the complexity of this interactivity. In a report recently published the outlines the reasons behind this belief:

System theory is not a collection of facts, but rather a way of thinking which devises formal models to explain relationships and allow predictions to be made.

Around three years ago I began to realise that my research may be relevant to the developments in the life sciences and so I started to initiate contacts with researchers in the bioscience department here.

Learning the language takes time but it is interesting in itself. It is astonishing how interests can be very similar but how the ways of investigating them are so different. Until now bioinformatics has largely been seen as a branch of computer science.

But with the shift of focus from molecular characterisation to understanding functional activity, interactions and relationships, formal mathematical modelling of these dynamic processes will become more important.