Grid Computing

Grid computing is a computer system where interconnected machines take advantage of each other’s resources, such as processing power, memory, and data storage. In a grid, the computers are controlled separately and can perform tasks unrelated to the grid. The grids themselves vary in size. It could be as small as a group of computer workstations in a business, or, as large as many companies networking together. [1] The higher computing provided by grids allows for a common goal, often a complex mathematical or scientific calculation, to be accomplished more efficiently and quickly. Just like a manager of a store distributes work among employees, grid computing shares the workload across multiple computers. This way, there is a bigger pool of resources and less work has to be done by each machine. Grid computing allows one computer to access the collected power of all the networked computers, essentially creating one supercomputer. [2]

For example, neugrid is a new grid-based research e-Infrastructure that gives neuroscientists support in tackling degenerative brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Commenting on the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Dr Frisoni, the Vice Scientific Director of the San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli institute in Brescia, Italy, and head of the Neuroimaging Laboratory, said: 'There is still no biomarker showing whether a drug works or not. Grid-computing can aim at developing markers which are based on images, such as the progressive cortical shrinking during ageing. This will allow people to monitor the progression of the disease and thus the effectiveness of a drug, significantly reducing the number of patients to be followed, on a shorter period of time.' [3] In order to participate in the grid, one can download and install secure, free software on a computer, smartphone or tablet by clicking on the following link: http://www.neugrid.eu/pagine/home.php [4]

Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information. It is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. The greatest risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. 

Similar to miniature factories, brain cells receive supplies, generate energy, construct equipment and get rid of waste. They also process and store information and communicate with each other.  Scientists believe Alzheimer's disease prevents parts of the brain cell from working correctly. As damage spreads, cells lose their ability to do their jobs and, eventually die, causing irreversible changes in the brain. [5]

Plaques are deposits of a protein fragment called beta-amyloid that build up in the spaces between nerve cells. Tangles are twisted fibers of another protein called tau that build up inside cells. Plaques and tangles tend to spread through the cortex as Alzheimer's progresses.  [5]

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[1] http://computer.howstuffworks.com/grid-computing.htm

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grid_computing

[3] http://cordis.europa.eu/news/rcn/32366_en.html

[4] http://www.neugrid.eu/pagine/home.php

[5] http://www.alz.org/