Using data-driven tools to uncover how cells and infections work
Data-driven and science-informed methods for the discovery of biomedical mechanisms and processes
This project builds advanced computer methods to learn the biological rules behind cell behavior and infectious diseases, which could help researchers studying conditions like COVID-19.
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 ID | NIH-11174572 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is creating new computational tools that can learn the underlying equations describing how cells move and respond, even when lab data are noisy or sparse. They are adapting a technique called Weak form SINDy (WSINDy) so the methods can propose many possible explanations and then pick the simplest ones supported by data. The approach is designed to run quickly on ordinary computers and will be applied to cell and disease-related datasets, including work relevant to infections. For patients, this could mean clearer insights into how infections progress and how cells drive disease processes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients or sample donors with infectious diseases (for example COVID-19) who can provide clinical data or biological samples would be the most relevant contributors to this work.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment benefits or who cannot provide data or samples are unlikely to gain direct personal benefit from this methods-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tools could help scientists identify mechanisms behind infections and speed development of better diagnostics or targeted therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Related data-driven discovery approaches have worked well in physics and climate sciences, but adapting them reliably to messy biological and clinical data is relatively new and less proven.
Where this research is happening
Boulder, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado — Boulder, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bortz, David — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Bortz, David
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 below.