Purdue University Calumet, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics, Hammond, IN 46324
Stopping the spread of cancer cells is a well-known goal in biology today. Tumors need blood vessels to provide them with a steady source of nutrients for growth or metastasis. Cancer tumors can generate large amounts of angiogenic growth factor. It causes endothelial cells in nearby blood vessels to grow branches toward the growth factor through replication and locomotion. Studying endothelial cells' movement is crucial in understanding angiogenesis, and in turn, tumor growth. Our computer simulation of the biological and mathematical models of cell locomotion produces visualizations to provide an understanding of angiogenesis. The project consists of a three-dimensional model represented in Python and OpenGL. Using numerical differential methods, we are able to describe the cell interaction. Common challenges of scientific computing must be addressed such as speed, flexibility and development time. Our project is an exciting opportunity to work in a hybrid of academic areas and aims to provide academia and the research community a greater understanding about the mysterious process of angiogenesis.
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