While many students think computer science and biology are different research fields, Michal Brylinski, assistant professor of biological sciences and Center for Computation and Technology faculty member, is proving how they are related. Brylinski, also a trained pharmacist, conducts research into the biological structures of prescription drugs.
He hopes to create a successful simulation for the production of a broad spectrum antibiotic, said Brylinski.
The project came to the University during a collaboration with Pfizer, a large pharmaceutical corporation to develop an antibiotic. Pfizer terminated the program after deciding it was not likely to be profitable, said Brylinski. Faculty from various university departments are still collaborating to keep the project alive.
“Universities are looking for cheaper alternatives that speed up the process of uncovering new pharmaceuticals,” said Brylinski.
That’s where computers come in.
“Every supercomputer in the world uses video cards, the same kind that are used for video games,” said Brylinski. “We are trying to use that technology for drug discovery.”
These video cards and graphics processors are different than what is found in the average, individual central processing unit. Such technology allows multiple simulations to be run at the same time, such as running an internet browser and word processor simultaneously, says Brylinski.
“In the past, computers were really slow and expensive,” said Brylinski. “Now they’re fast and cheap and an integral component of modern research.”
Brylinski said he and his colleagues would like to see more students involved in this project and growing industry.
“People get a high quality education in either computer science or biology,” said Brylinski. “Not both … The industry is consistently looking for well rounded people.”
Brylinski will present research entitled “Computational Biology, Drug Discovery, and Xbox 360”, a part of the Computational Biology Seminar Series for Undergraduates in the Life Sciences Annex A101 on Oct. 7 at 5:30 p.m. There will be two more lectures in this series, with dates still to be decided.
“Right now we have enough computer power … but not enough people qualified to do this.”