Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
07:27
Quantitative Analysis of Random Migration of Cells Using Time-lapse Video Microscopy
Published on: May 13, 2012
The dynamics of mass migration
1Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6298, USA. dmassey@lexis.pop.upenn.edu
Summary
This study models international migration dynamics using Mexican data. Dynamic migration schedules significantly alter population projections, revealing flaws in standard methods.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Demography
- Economics
Background:
- International migration is a complex phenomenon with self-feeding characteristics.
- Social capital theory posits mechanisms of cumulative causation in migration.
- Standard population projection methods may not capture dynamic migration patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and estimate a dynamic model of international migration.
- To project population changes under varying migration assumptions.
- To quantify the impact of cumulative causation on migration.
Main Methods:
- Specified a dynamic model of international migration with equations.
- Estimated model parameters using specially collected Mexican data.
- Projected a hypothetical Mexican community population over 50 years under three migration scenarios.
Main Results:
- Dynamic migration schedules, unlike constant probabilities, were modeled.
- The model quantified cumulative causation mechanisms.
- Standard projection methodologies showed significant shortcomings.
Conclusions:
- Failure to dynamically model migration schedules overestimates population size.
- Inaccurate projections result for U.S. migrants and migratory experience prevalence.
- Dynamic modeling is crucial for accurate international migration and population studies.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Cell Migration
Cell migration, the process by which cells move from one location to another, is essential for the proper development and viability of organisms throughout their life. When cells are not able to migrate properly to their ordained locations, various disorders may occur. For example, disruption in cell migration causes chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
00:53Migration
Migration is long-range, seasonal movement from one region or habitat to another. This common strategy, carried out by many different organisms around the world, is an adaptive response that typically corresponds to changes in an organism’s environment, like resource availability or climate. Migrations can involve huge groups of thousands of animals as well as single individuals traveling alone and can range from thousands of kilometers to just a few hundred meters.
02:39Gene Flow
Gene flow is the transfer of genes among populations, resulting from either the dispersal of gametes or from the migration of individuals.
01:19Cell Migration
Cell migration is a process by which the cells move from one location to another, playing an essential role in embryological development, repair and regeneration, immune response, and metastasis. Cells migrate in response to chemical or mechanical signals generated by specific organs or tissues. The overall mechanism includes three steps - polarization, protrusion, and release. Polarization involves the formation of a distinct cell front and rear, which determines the direction of movement.
01:21Chemotaxis and Direction of Cell Migration
Cells can detect chemical cues in their environment and reorganize the cytoskeleton to migrate toward them or away from them. This directional migration, called chemotaxis, is essential during embryogenesis and development, immune response, tissue repair and regeneration, and reproduction. These chemical cues can either attract or repel the cell's movement. For example, axon development is determined by a combination of chemoattractants and chemorepellents that direct the growing axon towards...
01:32Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration
A migrating cell changes its shape during the cyclic events of attachment and detachment from the substratum and repositions the cell organelles correspondingly. These complex events are orchestrated by the dynamic cytoskeletal network comprising actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Cytoskeletal crosstalk — the direct and indirect communication between the different components — is crucial for this coordination. Direct communication involves various linker proteins that...