Biometry Branch: Summary Statement

The primary mission of the Biometry Branch is to conduct applied research in the areas of biomathematics, epidemiology, and risk assessment. The Branch also provides statistical, mathematical, data processing and computer engineering support to the Institute. Biomathematics, which is essentially a collaborative effort involving a variety of scientific disciplines, focuses on mathematical modelling of biological processes. At the present time the major areas of interest are mathematical population genetics and pharmacokinetic modelling. The Branch's epidemiological research is concerned with the evaluation of the impact on human health of exposure to environmental levels of various potentially hazardous compounds. Hazard assessments are made directly through actual field studies as well as indirectly by the analysis of pre-established data bases. In addition, methodological research directed toward improved planning and evaluation of epidemiological studies is conducted. Risk assessment activities have emphasized the improvement of the use of data generated from animal screening studies to estimate long-term human risk from exposure to ambient levels of chemical carcinogens. Research efforts range from the development of sophisticated mathematical models for extrapolation to the investigation on an applied, semiquantitative basis of species differences in response to carcinogenic agents. Statistical support given to Institute intramural scientists spans the spectrum of consulting activities from design of pilot studies to analysis of data generated at the conclusion of large-scale, long-term experiments. Computer support covers suLch diverse activities as the development of information retrieval and inventory maintenance systems, the simulation of complex biological models designed to clarify mechanistic processes, and the provision of computer engineering support for real time and minicomputer data acquisition and controls systems. Biomathematics