New methods to discover how biological systems work using data
Official title: Data-driven and science-informed methods for the discovery of biomedical mechanisms and processes
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11100840 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new computer methods to better understand how our bodies work by learning from biological data, which can be messy and unpredictable, and it aims to make it easier to discover important insights about health and disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,376 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM149335-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11100840 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve complex biological processes, where traditional modeling approaches have been insufficient.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with straightforward or well-understood conditions may not benefit from this research, as it focuses on complex systems that require advanced modeling techniques.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative computational methods to analyze complex biological systems by learning from data. It aims to improve the understanding of biomedical processes by adapting existing data-driven techniques to handle the unique challenges posed by biological data, such as noise and variability. The approach involves generating and testing a vast number of hypotheses simultaneously, which could lead to significant advancements in how we model and predict biological behaviors. By utilizing advanced algorithms, the research seeks to make these discoveries more efficient and interpretable.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating various biomedical conditions by providing deeper insights into biological mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with similar data-driven approaches in fields like climate and robotics, but applying these methods to biomedical data is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bortz, David — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Bortz, David
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Empowering youth to prevent violence in Denver communities
A community-led program in Denver is testing new ways to reduce youth violence by engaging youth, families, and local partners, and by measuring how well these strategies work.
-
Center that enables faster, better population science research at CU Boulder
A PI-led center at the University of Colorado aims to sustain and expand population science research by supporting researchers and infrastructure for five more years.
-
AI-powered system to improve teamwork in cardiac surgery
A research project is testing an AI-driven system that listens to team conversations during heart surgeries to spot teamwork patterns and give real-time feedback to improve patient safety.
-
Hemp-derived CBD for reducing cannabis use in high-THC concentrate users
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial tests whether hemp-derived CBD can help adults who mainly use high-potency cannabis concentrates reduce their cannabis use.
-
Gene-environment factors shaping Alzheimer's risk across life (twin study)
This project studies how modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors, viewed through twin data, influence the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias across different stages of life.
-
CU Boulder Cryo-ET Center: making advanced cellular imaging accessible
A new satellite center at the University of Colorado Boulder will provide cryo-electron tomography services and training to researchers studying cells, organelles, and large molecular machines.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.