"Historically, the epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) has been based on individual attributes and behavior. However, STD constitute a good example of diseases that depend on personal contacts for dissemination. Social network analysis is a relatively new technique that studies the interactions among people. Since 1985 when it was first used for STD, some studies have been done using the technique, especially in the last 10 years. The two network-based designs, sociocentric or complete networks and egocentric or personal networks, are currently recognized as important tools for a better understanding of STD's dynamic" (Périssé et al., 2007).
Périssé, André Reynaldo Santos, and José Augusto da Costa Nery. "The relevance of social network analysis on the epidemiology and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases." Cadernos de Saúde Pública 23 (2007): S361-S369.
Why is this research important?
Social networks
and diseases
House mouse
My research is not only important for general knowledge in terms of sciences, it also has some applications for the understanding of the transmission of human diseases and for human entertainment.
The house mouse is a very charismatic species, which has been used in TV series (i.e. "The house mouse") and several movies (http://www.listal.com/list/mice-movies). Understanding more about this species can bring more opportunities for movie directors to make movies about this species.
and entertainment
