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The use of sequence and structure databanks is examined in relation to their application in some of the main branches of protein studies. Also the question of availability is addressed by means of presenting some information on current sequence and structure databanks. Increasingly research in molecular science requires joint access to both sequence and structure databases, and the reasons for this development, together with some of the methods for integrated access, are analysed.

A strong and fast‐cycle innovation system has been developed to counter the ongoing threat of computer viruses within computer systems employing vulnerable operating systems. Generally, however, the innovative applications that develop in response to each generation of computer virus can be seen as a reactive, rather than proactive, critical response. The paper seeks to present a critique of the innovation system that has emerged to combat computer viruses by comparing it with its natural system namesake, the human anti‐viral immune system. It is proposed that the relevance of this analogy extends beyond this case to innovation systems more generally.

This paper discusses the biological theory related to the human body's immune system and how immune systems might be mimicked in the development of security systems and anti‐virus software. The paper then outlines the biomimicry framework that can be used for scoping the development and features of the security systems and software, including the population of the framework segments. The implications of biomimetic approaches in the wider innovation management literature are discussed.

Some commercial security products that are undergoing evolutionary development and current research and development activities are used to augment the biomimetic development framework and explicate its use in practice. The paper has implications for the manner in which the objectives of innovation systems are defined. There is implicit criticism of linear models of innovation, that by their nature ignore the recursive and/or adaptive processes evident in natural systems.

This is the first paper, to the best of the authors' knowledge, that discusses the application of natural systems and biomimetics to broaden the scope of innovation process design, and link its findings back to the wider innovation literature.

Recognizes the need for computer programs which provide simple, user‐friendly techniques by which individuals can assess their diet. To this end the Nutri‐Test Computer Software was developed to raise awareness in users of the need to increase the percentage of energy derived from carbohydrate and to decrease the percentage of energy derived from fat in the UK diet. The Nutri‐Test was validated by comparing results with those obtained from a five‐day food diary. Results indicate that data obtained using the Nutri‐Test software and the food diary were very similar, inspiring confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the Nutri‐Test.

Briefly reviews previous literature by the author before presenting an original 12 step system integration protocol designed to ensure the success of companies or countries in their efforts to develop and market new products. Looks at the issues from different strategic levels such as corporate, international, military and economic. Presents 31 case studies, including the success of Japan in microchips to the failure of Xerox to sell its invention of the Alto personal computer 3 years before Apple: from the success in DNA and Superconductor research to the success of Sunbeam in inventing and marketing food processors: and from the daring invention and production of atomic energy for survival to the successes of sewing machine inventor Howe in co‐operating on patents to compete in markets. Includes 306 questions and answers in order to qualify concepts introduced.

A review was carried out of the ‘information landscape’ within the pharmaceuticals‐based molecular biology community, which examined the research problems requiring biological‐sequence data, important sources of information, methods of access, information‐seeking behaviour of end users and the role of libraries and information centres. This work concentrated on the practical aspects of how biological sequence information is managed and used in a research setting and was carried out as part of the MSc in Information Science at the City University. Fifteen questionnaires were sent to information scientists in the UK pharmaceutical industry and a user study was carried out amongst scientists at Celltech. Most of the important primary data are available freely or cheaply via the Internet and molecular biologists were found to be self‐reliant in their use of these resources. Currency of information was found to be very important in the research process and the issue of Internet security was taken very seriously. Most questionnaire respondents saw a productive role in the future for information workers in the field of molecular biology, citing end‐user training and data integration as possible roles, although the degree of involvement will depend on the particular mix of skills and experience that exist within an information department.

The development and application of a minicomputer based information retrieval system (CAIRS) is described. Capable of performing several different tasks this relatively low cost computer system is dedicated to this application and is operated entirely by the information and library staff. Specifically designed for information retrieval the system can perform fast interactive on‐line searches using a visual display. The general operation of the system, factors affecting its selection, and its effect on providing an efficient information service are considered

This paper is the result of the research I undertook at Lancaster University with a Marie Curie Fellowship during the academic years 2000‐2002. The objective of this research was to study the limits and the challenges of the analogy between molecular geneticists’ work and hackers’ activities. By focusing on this analogy I aim to explore the different ethical and philosophical issues surrounding new genetics and its IPR regulations. The paper firstly will show the philosophical background lying behind the proposed analogy and analyses the sense in which we can talk of geneticists as “hackers.” It will provide grounds for the analogy by exploring some of the techniques used by geneticists; in particular it will focus on the so‐called Shotgun method for genomic sequencing. After having provided reasons for the proposed analogy I will claim that the open source philosophy used in the computer field would be a good way to regulate research in the genetics and in pharmaceutical field too. The open source philosophy would provide fair distribution of research opportunities around the globe with the shift from patenting to copyright in sensitive fields such as genetics.

As the range of computer software available to nutritionists increases, choosing software becomes more complex and more important. Provides an overview of the types of software available and the uses to which that software might be put. Considers software in four broad groups: (1) wordprocessing packages; (2) data storage and statistical analysis packages; (3) nutritional analysis packages; and (4) educational packages. Considers the conditions under which different software packages are useful and gives examples of software from each group. Provides addresses for further information about the software packages described in the text. Much of the software available is designed for use with personal computers (PCs), mainframe computers or Apple Macintosh computers, but also studies nutritional software designed for use with an electronic personal organizer. A vast range of the available nutritional analysis software can be used on a PC or an Apple Macintosh, but a system which fits easily into a pocket, such as the Psion Personal Organiser, has certain advantages, especially for those researchers who wish to take a computer with them while collecting data.