If NASA simulate physics (with programming) precisely enough to accurately calculate what will happen when they send a rocket into space, can biologists simulate the human body to discover what will happen when, for example, new medicine is introduced to it?

Question

I was thinking a reinforcement learning algorithm could be a trained in a simulated environment to find a cure for cancer, testing how every which complex process of a new medicine or even nanotechnology might react to its environment. Am I way off?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Modeling and simulating spaceflight is relatively simple and straightforward because it is based on physical principles of movement that are well understood and have been well understood for some time. To the extent that generally the only thing that throws off our models is when a new, unaccounted-for variable (such as a large asteroid that hadn’t been previously detected crosses an orbital path and throws things off with its gravity) enters the fray. Then you can adjust for that new variable and you’re back in business.

With biology, an individual’s genetic makeup and individual body chemistry play a part in nearly everything, from drug and nutrient reactions, to organ function, everything. Infinitely more difficult to model.