According to IEEE Spectrum Online, the researchers have re-created the lives of 100 million Americans based on census data. Within six months, they hope to simulate the day-to-day lives of the country’s 300 million residents. Each fake person is given an age, education level, and job, which reflect the demographics of the communities they populate.

Using Navteg, a digital-mapping company, information is pulled from directories and databases to determine where each person may work, shop, or attend school.

The simulation may help to answer a few nagging questions. How do fads and trends grow? How does traffic flow? One major component of the project so far is determining how contagious diseases, like flu, spread, IEEE Spectrum reports.