Biosciences and Bioengineering
Biological function arises from complex processes that interact over a large range of spatial and temporal scales, and remarkable advances in biotechnology have led to the generation of an enormous amount of data. However, the lack of a theoretical framework in which to interpret these data means their full potential has not yet been realised. The theoretical challenge we are addressing in this context is two-fold: constructing meaningful mathematical and computational models at each individual scale, then developing new mathematical and computational techniques to integrate these into a tractable model that allows us to understand how individual processes at one scale affects those at a different scale.
In addition to the research undertaken by OCCAM's faculty and Research Fellows, the following projects are currently being undertaken by PDRAs and students:
- BB1: Mathematical modelling of plant/crop growth in stressed environments
- BB2: Tear Film Dynamics
- BB3: Multiscale Modelling and Simulation for the Life Sciences : coupling the plasma membrane with the cytosol
- BB4: The role of hyperactivated motility and fluid mechanics in human fertility : a modelling and imaging study
- BB5: Mathematical modelling of self-propelled cell motion on biomaterial surfaces
- BB6: Developing a novel mathematical model of coronary blood flow in the heart
- BB7: Mathematical modelling of ion channels
- BB8: Mathematical models of spatially coherent brain states
- BB9: Mathematical modelling of growth in physical and biological systems
- BB10: Mathematical modelling of mRNA transport and its role in learning and memory
- BB11: Gene transcription: investigation of interactions between DNA, cohesin complex and mRNA polymerase
- BB12: Understanding collective behaviour of systems of interacting particles
- BB13: Morphoelastic rods: the growth and mechanics of biological filaments
- BB14: Wave phenomena in neural field models of visual cortex and the role of short term plasticity
- BB15: Mathematical modelling of protein transport and signalling at synapses
- BB16: A framework for hybrid discrete/continuous multiscale modelling of biological tissues
- BB17: Brain Mechanics, Cortex Folding, and Pattern Formation in Growing Tissues
- BB18: Modelling the self-assembly processes of bio-membranes and cell aggregates
- BB19: Mathematical Models of Retinitis Pigmentosa
- BB20: Modelling solid-fluid interactions in the brain
- BB21: The Mechanics of Growth and Muscle Contraction in Tissues and Organs
- BB22: Lymphaniogenesis and vasculogenesis: the interplay between biophysical and biochemical stimuli in network development
- BB23: A new mechanism of motility: the role of the bleb
These projects are being carried out in multi-disciplinary teams, so that the model hypotheses are grounded in experimental reality and model predictions can be verified.