Are brain fluids behaving in a fractional manner?

Recent research has established a close link between multi-compartment models and fractional models. Brain fluid dynamics are multi-compartment by nature. Does it result in fractional behaviour?

The discovery of the glymphatic system in 2012 is a paradigme shift in neuroscience implying that the need for sleep is deeply rooted in the fluid dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid and its interaction with the extra-cellular fluid. A main feature of the new system that it introduces several additional and essential compartments to the brain, namely the peri-arterial, peri-venous and perhaps even the peri-capillary compartments. Multi-compartment diffusion like systems may result in overal fractional diffusion behaviour.

Goal

Simulate the multi-physics process of multi-compartment brain fluid dynamics.

Learning outcome

• Deep knowledge of modern numerical methods and simulation tools
• Experience with contemporary neuroscience challenges and models
• Team work in an active research group

Qualifications

• A background in applied mathematics and/or computer science
• Knowledge of partial differential equations and numerical methods
• Experience with Python programming

Supervisors

• Kent-Andre Mardal and co-workers

Collaborations

The master thesis is associated with the K. G. Jebsen Centre for Brain Fluids and the ERC project aCleanBrain