Design Challenge 2

Visualising Stem Cells : posted by Mark d'Inverno

Summary

Stem cells promise much. However, because of the limits of experiments and of current experimental practice, there are very compelling reasons why conceptual models and simulations will be of value to understanding the underlying mechanisms of stem cells in the adult human body. This challenge is about trying to understand how best to instigate and manage interaction between conceptual modelers and computer scientists and with experimental biologists. In this case study we will look at research to date and investigate the following questions from an interdisciplinary perspective.
 
How should we design a model of stem cells in the adult human body?
 
What can we design a model that can be used by mathematicians and stem cell biologists?

Is Cellular Automata or multi-agent systems a more appropriate methodology?

As we are modeling what is often referred to as a complex system we need to simulate the mathematical model to explore its properties? What makes a simulation valuable?

Is a model and simulation valuable only it just if it makes testable predictions or are there other considerations?

Is visualisation the Trojan horse for conceptual modeling and simulation?

How do we design models, simulations and visualizations that will be sufficiently attractive to experimentalists so that they will invest effort in understanding and possibly adopting them?
 
Can we design a methodology for interdisciplinary research, particularly with reference to experimental biology?