Universal Biology Database

Puzzle 3: What is the minimum number of tables needed for a universal biology database?

The answer is four.

Is it really possible to create a universal database for biology, one in which the data of the basic and clinical sciences can be stored and integrated?  Yes, of course, this is one of the central features of a data-driven biology. 

By introducing a working model of a universal biology database we now have something to shoot for and to shoot at.  If we can demonstrate - convincingly - that this new resource performs well in complex research settings and helps with the solutions to difficult puzzles, then the argument for transforming biology into a data-driven science becomes stronger.