Biomathematics

Biomathematics deals with applying mathematical and computational techniques to synthesize new scientific knowledge about biological systems. The areas which we are working on range from modelling cancer growth and chemotherapy to mathematical modelling of soil-plant-atmosphere continuum.

For queries about this topic, contact Tiina Roose.

View the calendar of events relating to this topic.

Projects

Application of RNA-Seq for gene fusion identification in blood cancers

William Tapper (Investigator), Marcin Knut

Gene fusions are often the cause of different blood cancers. As such, accurate identification of them provides information on the underlying cause of a cancer, ensuring appropriate choice of treatment. However, due to shortcomings of the currently applied methods for gene fusion identification, some of them escape undetected. We are employing RNA-Seq, a cutting-edge method for sequencing RNA, the messenger of genetic information, to investigate gene fusions.

Development and application of powerful methods for identifying selective sweeps

Andrew Collins, Reuben Pengelly, Timothy Sluckin, Sarah Ennis (Investigators), Clare Horscroft

This project is about detecting regions of the genome which have experienced selective pressure. To achieve this, mathematical models will be developed and applied to human genomic data sets, as well as to those of other species.

Image Based Modelling of Fluid Flow through Lymph Nodes

Tiina Roose, Bharathram Ganapathisubramani, Geraldine Clough (Investigators), Laura Cooper

In this project we are using images of mouse lymph nodes to investigate the fluid transport pathways through it. The images of the nodes are taken using selective plane illumination microscopy, and synchrotron micro computed tomography. The fluid flow is modelled using Darcy's law in COMSOL Multiphysics and the models are run on the Iridis cluster.

Investigations of Lymphatic Fluid Flow

Tiina Roose, Bharathram Ganapathisubramani, Geraldine Clough (Investigators), Laura Cooper

The lymphatic system performs three main roles returns interstitial fluid back into the blood stream to maintain tissue fluid homeostasis. The aim of this project is to increase our understanding of how the lymph flows through the system by creating three dimensional fluid structure interaction models of the secondary lymphatic valves and image based models of lymph nodes.

Mathematical modelling of plant nutrient uptake

Tiina Roose (Investigator)

In this project I will describe a model of plant water and nutrient uptake and how to translate this model and experimental data from the single root scale to the root branching structure scale.

Mathematical tools for analysis of genome function, linkage disequilibrium structure and disease gene prediction

Mahesan Niranjan, Andrew Collins, Reuben Pengelly (Investigators)

This iPhD project uses a Gaussian Bayesian Networks framework through Machine learning methods to predict which genes are involved in the development of different diseases.

Mathematical tools for analysis of genome function, linkage disequilibrium structure and disease gene prediction

Andrew Collins, Mahesan Niranjan, Reuben Pengelly (Investigators), Alejandra Vergara Lope

This iPhD project uses a Gaussian Bayesian Networks approaches framework through machine learning approach to predict which genes are involved in the development of different diseases.

Microstructural modeling of skin mechanics

Georges Limbert (Investigator), Emanuele Zappia

Microstructural modeling of skin mechanics to gain a mechanistic insight into the biomechanics of the skin.

Modelling Macro-Nutrient Release & Fate Resulting from Sediment Resuspension in Shelf Seas

Chris Wood

This study involves adapting a previously-published model to take into account the effect resuspension events (both natural and anthropogenic) may have on nutrient dynamics at the sediment-water interface, and hence produce better estimates for the total nutrient budgets for shelf seas.

Multiscale Modelling of Cellular Calcium Signalling

Hans Fangohr, Jonathan Essex (Investigators), Dan Mason

Calcium ions play a vitally important role in signal transduction and are key to many cellular processes including muscle contraction and cell apoptosis (cell death). This importance has made calcium an active area in biomedical science and mathematical modelling.

Multiscale Modelling of Electrochemical Processes in Neurons

John Chad (Investigator), Stuart George

Using asymptotic expansions to determine how the signalling behaviour of neurons is related to their microstructure.

Simulation of biological systems at long length and distance scales

Jonathan Essex (Investigator), Kieran Selvon

This project aims to shed light on cell membrane mechanisms which are difficult to probe experimentally, in particular drug permiation across the cell membrane. If one had a full understanding of the mechanism, drugs could be designed to target particular embedded proteins to improve their efficacy, the viability of nano based medicines and materials could also be assessed, testing for toxicity etc.

The response of the Bergmann glial cell to synaptic activity

Giles Richardson (Investigator), Stuart George

We model the potential changes induced in the Bergmann glial cell by synaptic activity in neighbouring neurons.

The tarsal intersegmental reflex control system in the locust hind leg

David Simpson, Philip Newland (Investigators), Alicia Costalago Meruelo

Locomotion is vital for vertebrates and invertebrates to survive. Despite that feet are responsible for stability and agility in most animals, research on feet movements and their reflexes is scarce.
In this thesis, the tarsal reflex responses of locust will be studied and modelled with ANNs to achieve a deeper comprehension of how stability and agility is accomplished.
The choice of ANNs is linked to the applicability of the method into other fields, such as technological designs or medical treatment.

Tissue Engineering

Tiina Roose (Investigator)

This project deals with applying mathematical and computational modelling techniques to answer questions that are useful for tissue engineering applications.