Systems biology will revolutionise medicine

Remember the Human Genome Project? Conceived over 20 years ago, it was supposed to lead to breakthroughs in the treatment of a host of diseases by understanding every gene in our cells. It hasn't turned out that way. The genetic blueprint of even one human has proved bafflingly complex, and the links between genes and disease much hazier than the project's cheerleaders predicted.

Their response has been to embark on another heroic quest for genetic enlightenment, in the form of the 1,000 Genomes Project, launched last week. The hope is that by scouring the genetic blueprints of a thousand people, scientists will get the insights that have eluded them thus far.

Yet after two decades of bluster and hype, it's clear that these gene-centred spectaculars will

never deliver. As sceptics have said for years, a far more sophisticated approach is needed - one that takes into account not just genes, but the biochemistry they control, the cells they inhabit and the interactions between those cells.

For years, this sounded like a counsel of despair, as there was little hope of capturing the full complexity of even a single cell. Now that's changing, thanks to smart scientists packing awesome amounts of computer firepower.

They describe themselves as systems biologists, a low-key name for a decidedly high-brow calling. Their goal is to create simulations reflecting as much of the complexity of living systems as available computing-power allows. And that means venturing far beyond the level of genes, using the world's most powerful computers.

It's a tough job, but scientists