Thursday 10 April 2025
The intricate dance of cells and chemicals in our bodies is a complex process that scientists have been trying to understand for decades. Recently, researchers have made a significant breakthrough in simulating this process using computer models.
PolyMorph, a new program developed by scientists at ETH Zurich, can simulate the behavior of cells and chemical signals in two dimensions with unprecedented accuracy. The program uses a combination of mechanical and chemical processes to model how cells move, grow, and interact with each other.
The program is an extension of its predecessor, PolyHoop, which focused primarily on simulating cell mechanics. PolyMorph builds upon this foundation by adding the ability to simulate the transport and reaction of multiple chemical species. This allows researchers to study a wide range of biological processes, from the development of tissues in embryos to the behavior of cancer cells.
One of the key features of PolyMorph is its ability to simulate bidirectional coupling between cell mechanics and chemical signaling. This means that cells can respond to changes in their chemical environment by changing their shape or movement, which in turn affects the distribution of chemicals in the tissue. This feedback loop is essential for understanding many biological processes, but it’s also extremely challenging to model.
To achieve this level of complexity, PolyMorph uses a combination of numerical methods and algorithms. The program solves a set of partial differential equations that describe the behavior of cells and chemical species over time. It also uses a technique called finite difference method to discretize space and time, allowing it to handle large amounts of data.
PolyMorph is not just a tool for simulating biological processes; it’s also a valuable research platform. Scientists can use the program to test hypotheses, explore new ideas, and gain insights into complex biological systems. The program’s ability to simulate multiple chemical species and cell-cell interactions makes it an ideal tool for studying diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.
The potential applications of PolyMorph are vast and varied. Researchers could use the program to study the development of tissues in embryos, the behavior of cancer cells, or even the spread of infectious diseases. The program could also be used to design new treatments for diseases by simulating the effects of different therapies on biological systems.
In the future, scientists plan to continue developing PolyMorph and expanding its capabilities. They hope to add new features, such as the ability to simulate three-dimensional tissue development and the behavior of multiple cell types.
Cite this article: “Cracking the Code of Cellular Morphogenesis: A New Computational Tool Unlocks the Secrets of Tissue Development and Disease”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Cells, Chemical Signals, Simulation, Computer Models, Biological Processes, Polymorph, Polyhoop, Cell Mechanics, Chemical Signaling, Disease Research
