Stoichiometry and the new biology: The future is now
2007
Stoichiometry and the New Biology: The Future Is Now
publication
Author Information
Author(s): James J. Elser, Andrew Hamilton
Primary Institution: Princeton University
Hypothesis
What shape might the new biology take as it moves away from reductionism?
Conclusion
The study argues that integration in biological sciences is already happening through biological stoichiometry.
Supporting Evidence
- The new biology should be mathematical and integrative across levels of organization.
- Ecological stoichiometry helps understand how food-web structure affects nutrient availability.
- The growth rate hypothesis connects organismal growth rates to elemental composition.
Takeaway
Scientists are saying we need to look at the big picture in biology instead of just tiny parts, and they're already doing it with new ideas like biological stoichiometry.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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