MathWorks sponsors biology contest at MIT

The MathWorks, a Natick-based developer of technical computing and Model-Based Design software, today announced its lead sponsorship of the International Genetically Engineered Machine 2008 student competition, held annually by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

MathWorks said in a press release, "This year the competition brought together 84 undergraduate teams representing more than 1,000 students from 21 countries across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States to design and assemble synthetic biological systems using advanced genetic components and technologies."

As a lead sponsor, the MathWorks said it is equipping teams with its software tools, including MATLAB and SimBiology, which provide advanced capabilities for modeling, simulating, analyzing, and visualizing complex biological networks.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)