Therapeutic genes are used to treat a variety of conditions and are commonly introduced to the body using altered versions of common viruses. Often, human bodies produce antibodies in response to these viruses and reduce their effectiveness. One way to combat this effect is using polymer modification of the virus to prevent antibodies from reaching the virus. This technique is relatively new, and models are needed to test the effects and effectiveness of different polymer modifications such as chemisorption.
Models are an important part of the effort to understand and treat cancer. Because so many bodily systems are involved in the development and spread of cancer, projects in this area can be extremely diverse. Models focusing on blood flow can help scientists understand tumor cell growth. Other modeling projects for cancer research involve cell population dynamics and pharmacodynamics, which Carl Panetta of the St. Jude Children's Hospital defines as the study of "how much of the drug is getting into the patient's cells and how fast it is getting cleared."
In physiology, pattern formation deals with the chemical and mechanical differentiation of cells into specific shapes or patterns, much of which occurs in embryos. An interesting project in this area is modeling skin patterning, or the development of scales, feathers and hair follicles. Understanding this process in vertebrate and invertebrate life leads to understanding of embryonic development and genetics. Another potential project is to examine the patterning involved in the brain's cortical folds.
Treatments for lung surface conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma are based on what scientists understand about the flow within and between cilia in the lungs. Gaps in knowledge still exist, however, and can be filled by mathematical models of ciliary flow and transport on the lung's surface. Projects in this area will aid in the development of more effective treatments for these conditions.