Many biological networks are bi-partite networks, i.e. vertices link two different groups of nodes (such as genes and proteins, animals and plants etc.). We have developed methods to analyse such networks when quantitative information about the link strength is given (2).

This work was initially done for ecological networks (1,3). Meanwhile people have used it to quantify networks linking programmers and software, and even judges with law-cases.

(Collaboration on ecological networks with Nico Blüthgen, Würzburg)

1. Blüthgen Nico, Menzel F, Hovestadt T, Fiala B, Blüthgen Nils: Specialization, constraints, and conflicting interests in mutualistic networks. Curr Biol 2007, 17(4):341-346
2. Blüthgen Nico, Menzel F, Blüthgen Nils: Measuring specialization in species interaction networks. BMC Ecol 2006
3. Blüthgen Nico, Verhaagh M, Guitiia, W, Blüthgen Nils: Ant nests in tank bromeliads - an example of non-specific interaction. Insects Sociaux 2000, 47:313-316.