Grid Computing and Parkinson's Disease Introduction

Grid Computing is basically a network of regular computers, not in the same physical location, but connected still with the goal to solve some kind of "Great Problem". These problems are basically a set of fundamental problems with broad applications that can be solved with high-speed computing. A few of examples of these problems would be climate predictions, protein folding, or business algorithms. When someone uses the equipment the user is allowed to browse and check out their possible interest to help. Once the person has chosen their computer will be assigned some kind of task, like the rest of the computers in the same area. The computer will send data to some mass virtual file until the job is complete then the computer's program will stop running. Grid computing is supposed to be the next big technological break-through in varying parts of science, economics, and medicine.

We have chosen to do our group project over Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's is a progressive disorder in the nervous system that affects movement. It's classic first identifier is a slight tremor in one's hand. As it progresses speech is often weakened or slurred and it will seriously limit a person's movement. Often times people lose automatic movements like smiling or swinging their arms when they walk. Unfortunately, there are eventual problems with thinking, swallowing and even sleeping. There is currently not a cure for Parkinson's but with proper diagnosis symptoms can be noticeably reduced. Someone is vulnerable to developing Parkinson's is when their dopamine levels become too low and abnormal brain activity begins. The exact cause is hard to say, it may be an environmental factor, a genetic mutation, or the presence of lewy bodies. In general, men, especially ones on the more elderly side, are the most prone to Parkinson's Disease. The Parkinson's Disease Foundation estimates there are probably 7-10 million people living with Parkinson's right now. In America, about 60,000 new people are diagnosed with Parkinson's, keep in mind, many go unreported. We are hoping our grid-computing project will help identify a causative agent for Parkinson's so that further advancements in treatment will we possible.