We propose to design, implement, and test an intelligent, interactive, electronic assistant for crystallographers that will facilitate the trial-and-error process of growing crystals of biological macromolecules. The Assistant collects and analyzes laboratory data as well as historical data at the laboratory bench itself. The tasks performed by the Assistant include (a) unobtrusive recording of experimental context and maintaining an archive of crystallization experiments, (b) answering questions about experimental protocols, retrieving and analyzing experiments relevant to new crystallization attempts, (c) performing chemical calculations and simulations to assist in choice of experimental parameters, as well as (d) exploratory data analysis and the induction of causal theories that capture regularities in the sizable experimental data on crystal growth.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01RR010447-04
Application #
2546604
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG7-SSS-6 (15))
Project Start
1994-09-30
Project End
1999-09-29
Budget Start
1997-09-30
Budget End
1999-09-29
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
053785812
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
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