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Bringing computation to biology by bridging the last mile

Advances in technology dramatically accelerate biology research, with computation being a standout example. Typically, adapting a new technology follows stages from method creation, via proof-of-concept application to biology, to the development of usable tools. Creating user-friendly software to bridge computer science and biology is a crucial step, yielding high returns on investment and driving biological discoveries. However, we need dedicated resources and a shift in the academic reward system to harness the full potential of computer science in biology.

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Correspondence to Anne E. Carpenter or Shantanu Singh.

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Carpenter, A.E., Singh, S. Bringing computation to biology by bridging the last mile. Nat Cell Biol 26, 5–7 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41556-023-01286-7

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