Biological Informatics question

[Richard Pyle]

> With regard to biology and ecology students being able to use internet and
> computing, I feel that they should be able to do so. I think it is about
> time that the proper definition of bioinformatics should be reinstated as:
>
> "The application of computing to biology"
>
> whatever the form of biology.
>
> I prepare to be flamed!!!!!

No flames here.  As far as I'm concerned, the general definition of the term
is far superior than any number of more specific   definitions.  Except,
because the root terms of the word are "bio" and "information", I would
modify your definition slightly to include the word "information" (e.g.,
"computerized information"). I simply plan to ignore any efforts to
establish a more specific meaning. If a more specific meaning needs to be
conveyed, then qualifiers should be appended.

Too many times in biology, words with an original general meaning evolve a
much more precise and specific meaning, to the exclusion of usage of the
word in the original broader sense (e.g., "significant").  I completely
agree that terms need precise definitions, and that oftentimes communication
can be enhanced by defining a multitude of related terms, each with
unambiguous and non-overlapping meaning.  The problems start when a term
initially has an established broad meaning, and over time acquires a more
specific and exclusive meaning.

Aloha,
Rich

Richard L. Pyle
Ichthyology, Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice St., Honolulu, HI 96817
Ph: (808)848-4115, Fax: (808)847-8252
email: deepreef at bishopmuseum.org
http://www.bishopmuseum.org/bishop/HBS/pylerichard.html
"The views expressed are the author's, and not necessarily those of Bishop
Museum."