New Research Validates Turing’s Morphogenesis Theory
More evidence today showing how far Alan Turing lived ahead of his time. Researchers in London have announced confirmation of Turing’s 60 year-old morphogenesis theory. The findings also advance the understanding of regenerative medicine.
The Telegraph reports on new research, unveiled in the current issue of Nature Genetics. “In his 1952 paper The Chemical Basis of Morphogenesis, the code breaker proposed that animals’ stripes and spots are caused by the interaction of a pair of chemicals, dubbed ‘morphogens’.
“One of the chemicals, he suggested, triggered cell activity, while the other hindered it. The way in which they interact would dictate where cells grow, creating familiar patterns on the fur of animals.
“While scientists have been able to simulate Turing’s theory using computer models, for the first time scientists have identified the exact chemicals in action.” Read more.
The Mail has reaction from Dr. Jeremy Green from the Department of Craniofacial Development at King’s Dental Institute. He said, “As this year marks Turing’s centenary, it is a fitting tribute to this great mathematician and computer scientist that we should now be able to prove that his theory was right all along!” Read more.