In the future, scientists will be able to simulate life in the computer using new theories on mechanisms of evolution coupled with advanced computer simulation technologies. No more real animal or cellular models. We will be able to investigate the causes of diseases by using virtual biological models of any organism to a resolution down to the molecular level. We can dissect the complete progression of any disease and be able to identify the macromolecular elements that are potentially involved.

I am beginning to think that the study of natural systems is a desperate attempt of the poor and limited human mind to grasp the laws and mechanisms of nature. Investigations in natural science can only proceed by assuming that certain limitations don't really matter so much or by assuming that they are addressed well. 

I recently started working on a research project on bioinformatics. Being an optimist about the increasing importance of computers in biological research, I saw it as an opportunity to learn more and to come up with some concrete outputs to convince myself that I can also weave computers and biology together to discover something new. Though I have the burning interest, I still consider myself as a complete newbie both on the theoretical and practical aspects of bioinformatics. There is a lot to learn and a lot to practice.

Imagination can be a great help or a great impediment to the development of science. It can become an impediment in the sense that it has the tendency to be unrealistic, illogical and anti-scientific. It can make something appear appealingly true without evidence. Examples of unbridled imaginations are myths, legends, fictions, and fabrications, among others. What science does is to challenge imagination to be in accord with nature - that is, to conform to that which we can observe and demonstrate through our senses.

It seems that humans are hardwired to make some sense of life or to have some meaning. Science and religion both agree on this goal, which is to come up with meaningful models to understand everything. These two spheres of human exploration fulfill our deepest longing to make sense of the world. The only difference is that science is more realistic and objective while religion is more imaginative and subjective.