New machine learning algorithm uncovers time-delayed interactions in cells

Scientists have designed a new machine learning algorithm that uses time-series data to uncover underlying biological networks. Biologists have long understood the various parts within the cell. But how these parts interact with and respond to each other is largely unknown. "We want to understand how cells make decisions, so we can control the decisions they make," said Northwestern University's Neda Bagheri. "A cell might decide to divide uncontrollably, which is the case with cancer. If we understand how cells make that decision, then we can design strategies to intervene."