hit rate on the order of 1% or less, with still fewer expected to be real leads following further testing (see drug discovery). As an example, the technique was utilized for a drug repurposing study in order to search for potential cures for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). Cell models Efforts have been made to establish computer models of cellular behavior. For example, in 2007 researchers developed an in silico model of tuberculosis to aid in drug discovery, with the prime benefit of its being faster than real time simulated growth rates, allowing phenomena of interest to be observed in minutes rather than months. More work can be found that focus on modeling a particular cellular process such as the growth cycle of Caulobacter crescentus. These efforts fall far short of an exact, fully predictive computer model of a cell's entire behavior. Limitations in the understanding of molecular dynamics and cell biology as well as the absence of available computer processing power force large simplifying assumptions that constrain the usefulness of present in silico cell models. Genetics Digital genetic sequences obtained from DNA sequencing may be stored in sequence databases, be analyzed (see Sequence analysis), be digitally altered or be used as templates for creating new actual DNA using artificial gene synthesis. Other examples In silico computer-based modeling technologies have also been applied in: Whole cell analysis of prokaryotic and eukaryotic hosts e.g. E. coli, B. subtilis, yeast, CHO- or human cell lines Discovery of potential cure for COVID-19. Bioprocess development and optimization e.g. optimization of product yields Simulation of oncological clinical trials exploiting grid computing infrastructures, such as the European Grid Infrastructure, for improving the performance and effectiveness of the simulations. Analysis, interpretation and visualization of heterologous data sets from various sources e.g. genome, transcriptome or proteome data Validation of taxonomic assignment steps in herbivore metagenomics study. Protein design. One example is RosettaDesign, a software package under development and free for academic use. See also Virtual screening Computational biology Computational biomodeling Computer experiment Folding@home Cellular model Nonclinical studies Organ-on-a-chip In silico molecular design programs In silico medicine Dry lab References External links World Wide Words: In silico CADASTER Seventh Framework Programme project aimed to develop in silico computational methods to minimize experimental tests for REACH Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals In Silico Biology. Journal of Biological Systems Modeling and Simulation In Silico Pharmacology Pharmaceutical industry Latin biological phrases Alternatives to