The Systems Biology of COVID-19 and the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The class will build a foundation that includes the emergence of complexity, simple biological subsystems, their reductionist and equivalent toy and organ-chip models, and the measurements required to specify model architecture and parameters. Applications to biology, physiology, medicine, chemical and biological defense, pharmacology, drug discovery, and toxicology. UGrad: PHYS 240 01 and BME 290B; Grad: PHYS 326 and BME 395C.
I am interested in studying the liver in greater depth because of its importance in metabolism and its many other roles in the body.
ReplyDeleteLike Will, I'm interested in the liver because of its role in toxicology screening and will be a key organ in drug discovery.
ReplyDeleteI am interest in the study of the brain and neurological diseases that plague the elderly as well as other neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease). The United States has an ever-increasing aging population that will continue to put stress upon the healthcare systems offered by the government. Therefore, much research is needed in these areas to quickly and cost-effectively pinpoint possible treatments and even cures.
ReplyDeleteVasculature. It is the most essential and most difficult model. Cardiovascular disease kills more people than anything else, period. I'm not too interested in motivating the research because of fear of biological/chemical attack or to speed up drug development so that pharmaceutical companies can make more money (or are they actually interested in faster drug development?).
ReplyDeleteMusculoskeletal. Arthritis has huge implications on quality of life and improvements in understanding of skeletal tissue response to drugs has significant effects on patient outcomes.
ReplyDeleteReproductive Organs. I'd be curious if any drugs can damage reproductive organs. It'd be devastating if a miracle drug was discovered to cause serious birth defects years after its release.
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