Modelling the development of muscle tissue.
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Applications are invited for a PhD studentship with the Biomathematics
and Statistics Scotland (BioSS), to be supervised by Graham Horgan
(BioSS), Paul Garthwaite (University of Aberdeen) and Charlotte Maltin
(Rowett Research Institute).
Muscle tissue is composed of long cells, termed fibres, of which there
are a number of types. These cells differ in how they use energy, and in
their ability to endure long periods of use. An understanding of the
anatomy and physiology of muscle tissue has relevance to human health
and to the breeding and management of farm animals. However, it is
difficult to study growing muscles. Samples of muscle tissue can be
examined under a microscope, but it is not possible to observe fibres at
different stages of development. The processes whereby muscle tissue
forms and develops are known: they start as primary fibres around which
secondary fibres form, while both fibre types expand. Many functions and
parameters are involved in these processes but they cannot be observed
directly - we can only measure the geometry of the resulting muscle
tissue. The aim of this project is to use models and simulations of
fibre growth and development to understand how aspects of this process
affect the resulting muscles.
The post will be based at the BioSS unit at the Rowett Research
Institute, Aberdeen, which has an ongoing programme of research on
muscle function and development. Many muscle section images and
summaries are available for model fitting and validation. If necessary,
it will be possible for this project to involve the practical collection
of additional microscope data.
A more detailed description is available at:
http://www.bioss.sari.ac.uk/BioSS/Training/newphdgwh1.html
or contact Graham Horgan at the address below.
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Graham Horgan Tel: +44 (0) 1224 716678
Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland Fax: +44 (0) 1224 716608
Rowett Research Institute [log in to unmask]
Aberdeen AB21 9SB, Scotland
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