2006 Projects

This project focuses on developing a capacitance based biosensor to detect Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) antigen. The capacitor design is simple, inexpensive, produces results quickly, and does not require specialized personnel or expensive labs. Using single chain fragment variables (scFv) creates a more accurate biosensor by increasing sensitivity and reducing noise, making this a better option than other methods being researched. The three students presently working on this project are Richard Mulawa, a student from Oakland University majoring in Computer Science, is working characterizing the biocapacitor and optimizing the detection circuit; Ajeenah Brown, a student from Oakland University majoring in Biology, is producing whole antibodies to compare to scFv’s; and Laura Schultz, a student from Michigan State University majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, is working on producing mutated scFv’s that will form a covalent bond to the gold surface of the sensor.

Helitrons are transposon sequences that are able to jump from location to location along the genome adding to the diversity of the species in which they occur. Helitrons are known to occur, notably in Maize (corn) where they have been discovered. Much is still unknown about helitrons, and the little that is known is hard to share and reuse. In this project, we aim to develop processes and tools to facilitate the discovery, identification, and cataloguing of helitrons. We facilitate the labor intensive discovery and identification of helitrons by proposing processes that combine wet-lab experimentation with efficient search tools on published data. We seek to eliminate work duplication and facilitate sharing by creating a web-based repository of helitrons identified so far.

Research has shown that agitation in Alzheimer patients can be controlled and reduced through multi-sensory stimulation. Currently, nurse intervention is required to assess the state of the patient, determine the need for, and administer the multi-sensory stimulation. The proposed system that we are developing is autonomous in the sense that monitors the patient’s vital signs, detects the onset of agitation, and administers the stimulation. The system also collects data on the effectiveness of the stimuli.

Recent research in cognitive science and aging has shown that 1. Cognitive decline happens much later than previously thought, 2. Cognitive decline can be slowed, and even reversed through appropriate training and mental exercises. These recent findings raise the need for new healthy lifestyle recommendations and for new technological tools in linewiththese findings. More importantly, this research raises many questions relating to cognitive aging. We are working on an ongoing project and are developing a computer-based cognitive trainer called Brain-Aerobics. Brain-Aerobics is being designed with a dual purpose of 1. Taking advantage of the state of the art in cognitive research to train its users and help them maintain or raise their cognitive fitness, 2. Serve as a tool for further research by collecting extensive data about the use and effectiveness of mental exercises. The current project is first version of Brain-Aerobics in which we specifically focus on two of the eight mental skills, namely memory and spatial orientation.

Protein folding is a poorly understood process. More importantly, we know little about when and why proteins misfold. Misfolding in some proteins such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is the cause of human diseases such as the Lou Gehrig's disease. In this project, we attempt to identify causes of misfolding concurrently in the wet lab as well as through simulation. We are developing genetic algorithms that reproduce mis-folding in the wetlab. This will allow us to understand the complex mechanisms by which complex proteins such as SOD fold and mis-fold.