Computer graphics and numerical techniques in the measurement of movements within cells.

In biology it is often necessary to assess changes over a period of time. In this study assessments of the movements of small particles (lysosomes) in macrophage cells over different time periods were made using two methods. The first was a qualitative assessment using computer graphics, where the positions of the lysosomes were compared over a time period using colour to highlight whether a change had occurred. The second was a quantitative assessment of movement using a statistical nearest-neighbour method. Both techniques were used in a study of the effects of certain drugs on macrophage cells.