I've been reading more and more about immunology. I want to understand the terminology, and to have a better grasp of what occurs at the cellular level. Why? Because it's interesting, that's why.

I saw some nifty animated graphics today, describing the interactions between lymphocytes, antibodies and antigens. I wish I could copy these animations, but they're copyrighted, I'm sure.

I've also been reading about Jan Smithers. Sigh. The very image of wholesome good looks.

I like robots. Robots are so cool.

I got to play around with an ELISPOT reader today. Also read about the differences between humoral and cellular immunity. Laypeople naturally think of antibodies when the subject of developing immunity comes up, but there's a lot more to it than just that (think: lymphocytes, cytokines).

There's a book on immunology that I borrowed from the library last month. I think I'll check it out again.

I also want to point anyone reading this to a list of clean jokes here.

Last night, I was reading about the hardware and software involved in ELISPOT analyzers. The applications for machine intelligence in these vision routines are interesting. Doing this properly also requires a pretty good understanding of camera design and machine vision techniques.

I'd say more, but I've got a whole bunch of other writing to do.

Okay, so I've just done some intensive reading on immunology -- cytokines, assays, interferon, lymphocytes, B cells and T cells, humoral immunology and the like. Very interesting, and very nice. I almost wish I could reinvent myself as a biologist.

Not really, though. I like the work that I do.

Earlier, I mentioned that I had an opportunity to learn about some ELISPOT analyzers. I've also been reading about immunology. Speaking as a techie, I'd say that the adaptive mechanisms behind immune systems are far more complex than any man-made system I've ever encountered -- indeed, against any ever built. Some info on immunology and ELISPOT can be found here and here.

The humble beginnings of immune therapy are something to behold.

Valentine's Day sucks.