ABSTRACT
Advances in computing power occur in parallel with advances in biological knowledge. The recent sequencing [86] of the complete genome of the sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus), for instance, revealed the enormous complexity of its immune system. Further analysis revealed that gene clusters associated with this uniquely complex immune system have been present in animal genomes for longer than previously known. These findings have important implications that make the sea urchin a valuable model for further genomic research. We can expect the explosive growth in biological knowledge to continue as researchers leverage ever-advancing technologies like cloud computing.
