That is a beautiful picture. I don't understand why it's easier to simulate each individual atom than it is to simulate things with structure. I would assume a

That is a beautiful picture. I don't understand why it's easier to simulate each individual atom than it is to simulate things with structure. I would assume a simulation would regard the long yellow strands of dna as dna rather than the component parts. I'm used to a world where having structure implies constraints. With constraints, simulation can avoid a bunch of special cases and is therefore faster. I find foobarbazqux's approach of simulating each atom upsetting. But that's ok. You guys seem to think it's the way to go, and you all get results. shrug -edit- I don't think simulating water is easy, but i believe it's likely easier to simulate water than it is to simulate all possible states of the constituant atoms.