Visualizing the evolution of bioinformatics: Chronological networks created by textual analysis of intelligent systems for molecular biology 1998-2006

摘要

This study aimed to uncover the evolutionary processes behind the developments in the field of bioinformatics by analyzing prestigious conference presentations reflecting the prominent research in the field. Bioinformatics was selected as a representative interdisciplinary research field. Textual analyses on the abstracts of proceedings papers produced chronological networks of conference sessions. In those networks, divergent session nodes corresponded to practical papers that proposed fundamental technologies promoting new research. Convergent session nodes corresponded to papers that combined various theories and methodologies proposed in the past. The convergent session nodes play a significant role in innovation, which brings together complementary knowledge derived from different backgrounds. A joint chronological network shows a differentiation between pure scientific research and applied research, contributed to the benefit of the general public. These findings were obtained by assessing the chronological networks that reflect future perspectives on session titles in scholarly communities.