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From: jwb@mcnc.UUCP (Jack W. Buchanan Jr.)
Newsgroups: net.bio
Subject: Re: Purpose of bio newsgroup
Message-ID: <1988@mcnc.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 14-Mar-84 12:04:11 EST
Article-I.D.: mcnc.1988
Posted: Wed Mar 14 12:04:11 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 15-Mar-84 07:23:23 EST
References: <228@masscomp.UUCP>
Organization: Microelectronics Ctr. of NC; RTP, NC
Lines: 16

I agree that the field of biology is diverse.  However, this does not mean that
there aren't common interests, in addition to the obvious uses of answering 
questions from non specialists, etc.  For example, Paul Dolber mentions the
study of impulse propagation in the developing heart.  I study impulse propaga-
tion in the adult heart, and would submit that is not all that different. 
Although I am in a Department of Medicine, our group uses Guinea pigs, pigs,
and dogs, as well as computer simulations.  Although the ultimate application
is understanding things about man, I would submit that the distinction between
research in "biology" and research in "medicine" is somewhat artificial at times
In addition to the above relatively common research, we, and others are beginn-
ing to study impulse propagation in excitable membranes as a model for potential
biomolecular electronic devices.  If this goes anywhere, an interface
with groups more in the usenet mainstream would be essential.  
I still think this group has hope.
	Jack Buchanan
	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill