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Agent-based modelling of bone regeneration in ageing populations
Are you a motivated Bachelor's or Master's student willing to learn and develop a micro-Mulitphysics Agent-Based (micro-MPA) model to predict adaptation and regeneration of aged bone? This project offers an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in computational modelling within a highly interdisciplinary Lab.
Keywords: agent-based, machine learning, artificial intelligence, modelling, bone mechanobiology, ageing, personalized medicine, medical research, biomechanics
**Background:**
Mechanical loading during bone regeneration greatly determines the outcome of healing. Previous work has shown that the remodelling phase of fracture healing is highly sensitive to mechanical stimulation leading to a higher degree of mineralisation. Understanding the underlying mechanosensitive mechanisms during the later stages of bone regeneration is essential for devising specific mechanical intervention therapies in cases where the patient is at risk of re-fracture due to inadequate bone formation and/or age. By complementing experimental research, computational models have the capacity to investigate crucial pathways sensitve to mechanics and leverage them for therapeutical applications. Therefore, the aim of this project is to develop a micro-Mulitphysics Agent-Based (micro-MPA) model to predict the bone adaptation to mechanotherapy during regeneration to elderly individuals. The novel appraoch of _in silico_ mechanotherapy will showcase the power and application of the micro-MPA model in reducing, refining, or even replacing animal models.
**About:**
Since this project is in support of a PhD thesis, mentorship is guaranteed and there will be opportunities for this work to be presented at conferences etc. Since this project is computational, work from home (WFH) is possible, however, presence on campus (GLC) is preferred.
**Your Profile:**
The scope of the project is tailored to the student and their learning goals. That means applicants from any study with an interest in biomechanics, computational modelling, image processing and data analysis are welcome.
**Background:** Mechanical loading during bone regeneration greatly determines the outcome of healing. Previous work has shown that the remodelling phase of fracture healing is highly sensitive to mechanical stimulation leading to a higher degree of mineralisation. Understanding the underlying mechanosensitive mechanisms during the later stages of bone regeneration is essential for devising specific mechanical intervention therapies in cases where the patient is at risk of re-fracture due to inadequate bone formation and/or age. By complementing experimental research, computational models have the capacity to investigate crucial pathways sensitve to mechanics and leverage them for therapeutical applications. Therefore, the aim of this project is to develop a micro-Mulitphysics Agent-Based (micro-MPA) model to predict the bone adaptation to mechanotherapy during regeneration to elderly individuals. The novel appraoch of _in silico_ mechanotherapy will showcase the power and application of the micro-MPA model in reducing, refining, or even replacing animal models.
**About:** Since this project is in support of a PhD thesis, mentorship is guaranteed and there will be opportunities for this work to be presented at conferences etc. Since this project is computational, work from home (WFH) is possible, however, presence on campus (GLC) is preferred.
**Your Profile:** The scope of the project is tailored to the student and their learning goals. That means applicants from any study with an interest in biomechanics, computational modelling, image processing and data analysis are welcome.
- Develop a micro-Mulitphysics Agent-Based (micro-MPA) model for aged bone regeneration to gain insight into the python and C++ implementation
- Assist in image analysis and processing for the input data of the model
- Perform micro-MPA simulations with input sets
- Present the work performed to the Lab for Bone Biomechanics (20-minute presentation)
- Submit a final project report
- Develop a micro-Mulitphysics Agent-Based (micro-MPA) model for aged bone regeneration to gain insight into the python and C++ implementation - Assist in image analysis and processing for the input data of the model - Perform micro-MPA simulations with input sets - Present the work performed to the Lab for Bone Biomechanics (20-minute presentation) - Submit a final project report
Jack Kendall | PhD Candidate
Institute for Biomechanics (IfB), Prof. Ralph Müller
GLC H 29 | Gloriastrasse 37 | CH-8006 Zürich
Jack Kendall | PhD Candidate Institute for Biomechanics (IfB), Prof. Ralph Müller GLC H 29 | Gloriastrasse 37 | CH-8006 Zürich