Collaborative Research: ABI Innovation: PlantSimLab: A Simulation Laboratory for Plant Biology

人们越来越认识到，在分子水平上，非均质分子的非线性网络控制着许多植物过程，因此系统生物学在实验生物学与数学建模相结合的基础上，为这一领域提供了一种有价值的方法。使这种整合成为现实的最大挑战之一是，大多数植物生物学家不具备足够好地建立和操纵数学模型所需的数学背景，无法将它们用作假设生成的工具。该项目的目标是开发一个网络建模工具PlantSimLab，使植物生物学家能够通过不需要数学或建模专业知识的用户界面来构建、验证和使用直观的计算机模型。目前还没有这样的工具。PlantSimLab旨在扮演虚拟实验室的角色，植物生物学家可以在其中以类似于实验室操作的方式询问计算模型。该软件将通过驱动软件功能和界面功能的用例，与植物生物学社区密切合作开发。最后，将进行广泛的传播努力，将该工具介绍给植物生物学家。该项目还将利用一个正在进行的外展项目，该项目涉及弗吉尼亚州各地9-12岁的儿童。该项目名为儿童科技大学(KTU)，每年4次将450名儿童带到弗吉尼亚理工大学校园，在那里他们与科学家互动，参与动手实验室，并在校园活动间隙探索与校园讨论主题相关的虚拟空间。该项目将产生与植物生物学有关的实践活动和虚拟活动，特别是拟议项目的重点。

It is increasingly recognized that at the molecular level nonlinear networks of heterogeneous molecules control many plant processes, so that systems biology provides a valuable approach in this field, building on the integration of experimental biology with mathematical modeling. One of the biggest challenges to making this integration a reality is that most plant biologists do not possess the mathematical background needed to build and manipulate mathematical models well enough to use them as tools for hypothesis generation. The goal of the project is to develop a network modeling tool, PlantSimLab, that enables plant biologists to build, validate, and use intuitive computer models, with a user interface that does not require mathematical or modeling expertise. No such tool is currently available. PlantSimLab is intended to play the role of a virtual laboratory, in which plant biologists can interrogate a computational model in ways similar to how it is done in the laboratory. The software will be developed in close collaboration with the plant biology community, through use cases that drive software capabilities and interface features. Finally, an extensive dissemination effort will be made to introduce the tool to plant biologists. The project will also leverage an ongoing outreach project that engages 9-12 year-old children across Virginia. The program, Kids' Tech University (KTU), brings 450 children to the Virginia Tech campus 4 times each year, where they interact with scientists, participate in hands-on laboratories, and, between campus events, explore a virtual space related to topics discussed on campus. The project will result in hands-on as well as virtual activities related to plant biology in general and the focus of the proposed project in particular.