Week 3 - Nersessian x3

In both articles by Nersessian and MacLeod, the authors detail the processes and advantages of molding in integrative systems biology (ISB). In their article Coupling simulation and experiment, Nersessian and MacLeod explore the process of pairing simulation/modeling simultaneously. This process reminded me of the “dance of agency” that Pickering described, especially as detailed in Figure 5. The researcher, C9 in this case, was continually exploring new ideas with her model and testing them through experimentation. She said, “I like the idea that I’m building my model things are popping up in my head oh wow this would be a good experiment. I plan out the experiment myself and then go into the lab and I do it.” The coupling of these two practices can also reduce the complexity of the entire process of investigation. There is less room for error in communication and no lag time with data and ideas being shared between specialists. Again, C9 said, “I personally think [my approach] is better only because...I could tell someone what I needed. But, if they, I think not really under- standing the modeling aspect, they can’t accurately come up with a good enough experimental protocol to get what it is I need.” I do have hesitation, however, in making a one-to-one relation between the dance of agency and the coupling of simulation and experiment. While I did not distinguish between the two here, I wonder if others had a more in depth explanation of the simulation-experiment relationship?

The Chandrasekharan-Nersessian article focused on the cognitive processes and benefits of modeling complex systems, specifically ISB. One idea that struck me was how effective the process of exploring a topic through modeling was as a learning tool. In all three articles, actually, Nersessian was quick to point out that the modeler had a background in engineering, not biology. However, with some data and a bit of reading, this electrical engineer was able to make a significant breakthrough in biology. Nersessian writes, “This is a basic biological science discovery, generated by an electrical engineer, based on a few months of modeling. The finding is remarkable.” I think this illustrates the power of investigating topics through the modeling process.

If they existed, I think I would enjoy reading about similar practices situated around less complex models. That is, each of these examples showed pathways modeled with ODE’s, which clearly wouldn’t be used in the K-12 setting. How does the idea of coupling transfer to that level? Can we expect to see the same benefits in cognition with a simpler model?