Abstract:The overall aim of this project is to examine how GABAergic dysfunction affects sensory perception and motor activity using drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. The experiment will look at the effects of bicuculline, a GABA-A receptor antagonist, on behaviors like social clustering, chemosensory responsiveness, and locomotion. The disturbance of GABAergic neurotransmission is expected to result in detectable abnormalities in these behaviors, overall providing information into the neurobiological causes of catatonia
Abstract: Our project looked at doing a cost analysis of intercity transportation focusing on the Northeast Corridor and considering financial, user and environmental costs. The highly polluting plane travel costs significantly less than the environmentally friendlier train travel, leading us to investigate solutions that can promote the use of affordable and clean energy by balancing the three costs associated with intercity travel. We proposed both technology and policy-based solutions to use industry and innovation in infrastructure to work towards more sustainable cities.
Abstract: In the United States, many large-scale farms use some form of external irrigation, whether through drip irrigation or overhead sprinklers. However, these methods can be highly inefficient and result in significant water waste. Because of this, various automated irrigation systems have been developed to minimize freshwater consumption in agriculture. Additionally, farms on hillsides can pose additional challenges, as water will flow downhill, causing the soil at the bottom to become moister compared to the soil at the top, further wasting water. While many systems incorporate some components, such as weather or soil data, they often fail to integrate both data types. This project introduces a new irrigation system that integrates weather and soil data while accounting for topographical variations by utilizing multiple solenoid control valves and capacitive soil moisture sensors. The multiple soil moisture sensors and solenoid control valves will allow us to smartly irrigate the different levels independently. This approach offers a more efficient and sustainable water management solution that shows a nearly 50% reduction in water used compared to traditional irrigation systems. This system could be transferred to large-scale agricultural operations and significantly reduce their water footprint.
Abstract: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease (NDD) that is characterized by the gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons and progressive motor impairment. Recent studies suggest that PD may originate in the gut, highlighting the gut-brain axis (GBA) as a critical area for research. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi) oil on PD-associated symptoms using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model organism. This study will assess various PD symptoms including impaired locomotion, dopaminergic neuron degeneration, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and gut permeability. PD was induced in C. elegans using genetic models, and varying concentrations of T. ammi oil were incorporated into the worms’ food. Behavioral assays (locomotion, thrashing) as well as physiological assays (oxidative stress, alpha-synuclein levels, and gut permeability), were conducted to assess the impact of T. ammi oil on these parameters. Results from these assays suggested a positive effect of T. ammi on Parkinson’s, with the ajwain-treated groups showing improved locomotion, thrashing, improved survival under oxidative stress and even lowered alpha-synuclein levels. The findings support the hypothesis that T. ammi oil mitigates PD-like symptoms in C. elegans. The results of this study could be further applied to develop an efficient, cost-effective, and widely available treatment for mitigating PD symptoms in humans.
