Introduction to MDS

For evolution class we have formed a group to do a grid computing project.  The project entails the writing of a blog, signing onto a grid to help participate in grid computing research, and an interview with an expert in the field of our topic.  Our group members are Linda Nwachukwu, Christine Schatz, Courtney Waters, and Emily Hinsley.  Our topic is Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) which is a preleukemia.

Grid computing is a large system of netweorked computers whose processing power is used to solve difficult and time-consuming problems (dictionary.com). Grid computing uses many computers to work on a single project. By using many computers at once multiple processing cycles can be done at once. It allows for access to large amounts of data. In a grid computing community thousands of people can share their computer's processing cycles to work towards finding a solution to a problem. Grid computing uses the computer resources from multiple locations to reach a common goal.

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a blood and bone marrow disorder where stem cells do not mature normally.  The disorder causes an increase of immature cells and abnormally developed cells with a decrease of healthy mature cells. Because of a low level of healthy cells the person is more likely to be anemic and may have neutropenia (abnormally low levels of white blood cells) and thrombocytopenia (abnormal drop in platlets).
http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/myelodysplastic-syndromes-mds

If any step in the process of making of the different blood cells is not done or is done incorrectly the number of a given type of cell can decline and lead to an anemia or blood disorder/disease. The figure below shows the normal process of blood stem cell to red blood cell, platelet, or white blood cell.


http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/myelodysplastic/Patient/page1

We have chosen to use a childhood cancer grid. 

www.worldcommunitygrid.org/research/hfcc/faq.do