艾琳娜卡瑞瓦: 數學能幫忙揭開癌症的秘密

數學能幫忙揭開癌症的秘密

艾琳娜卡瑞瓦把生物學的語言翻譯成數學的語言，也把數學的翻譯回生物學的。她撰寫描述癌症動態的數學模型，為了要針對腫瘤來開發新的藥物。她認為建立數學模型的力與美，在於它能嚴謹地形式化我們的認知，也能引導我們應該持續探索的方向，和指出哪裡可能是死路。這涉及到要：問對問題，把問題譯成對的方程式，和再翻譯回來。

Mathematics offers a powerful lens to decipher cancer by modeling it as an ecosystem, where cells compete, cooperate, and evolve. Using predator-prey equations, scientists can compare immune cells and cancer cells to foxes and rabbits, revealing new ways to target tumors. By adjusting variables like nutrient access, models predict how interventions can tip the balance in favor of the immune system. This rigorous approach exposes hidden dynamics, helps test therapies safely, and ultimately guides life-saving innovation.