Science is All Around Us

Dr. Petra Papež, a researcher at the Chemical Institute's Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and project manager for the EuroHPC JU MultiXscale center of excellence, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated world of computational science. Her work, deeply reliant on high-performance computing, utilizes supercomputers to unravel the intricate dynamics of proteins. This isn't just abstract research; it's about developing tools that could revolutionize drug delivery and biomedical applications.

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I cannot do my work without computers. I use several, but the main difference lies in their computing power.

Papež explains her use of open molecular dynamics, a method that allows for the observation of molecular movements over time, and virtual rheometers to study how shear stress affects biological macromolecules. She is particularly focused on developing a virtual ultrasound device capable of simulating ultrasound interactions with microbubbles and gas vesicles in biological fluids. This research holds the potential to significantly advance ultrasound-guided drug delivery, making it safer, more controlled, and faster.

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Science seeks and offers answers and is key to development. Science does not only happen in laboratories but is all around us. Its achievements help shape and facilitate our daily lives.

From a Slovenian perspective, Dr. Papež's work exemplifies the nation's growing strength in advanced scientific research and technological innovation. While international coverage might highlight the technical aspects of molecular dynamics or supercomputing, here in Slovenia, we see it as a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of science for the betterment of humanity. Her passion for science, rooted in curiosity and a drive to find answers, resonates deeply, reminding us that groundbreaking discoveries often emerge from the intersection of fundamental research and practical application, right here in our own scientific community.

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The development of a virtual ultrasound device is an important step forward towards simulating ultrasound on microscopic and macroscopic scales. The achievement of these is crucial for research into the interaction of ultrasound with microbubbles and sub-micron gas vesicles in biological fluids.