Researchers are studying the effect of alcohol on neural activity by using fruit flies

Researchers are studying the effect of alcohol on neural activity by using fruit flies -

The search for possible solutions to problems ranging from alcoholism, cancer and Alzheimer's to find better ways to clean contact lenses and use Lego models to build bridges, University of Houston (UH) students spent the summer in some serious scholarship.

Delving into a number of complex projects over the 10 weeks, 61 students in a variety of disciplines each received $ 3,500 grants for full-time intensive research experience in the first Summer Program Student research fellowships (SURF) under the supervision of members of the UH faculty.

"Cancer is something I've known through many family members and we have seen in the helpless children in the pediatric ward of the hospital I proposed," said biomedical sciences sophomore Radhini Abeysekera. "When I saw the opportunity to work in a laboratory doing research on osteosarcoma, a cancer that usually target children and adolescents, I am very interested to get a look in behind the scenes."

Work under the supervision of professor Preethi Gunaratne in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Abeysekera studying a specific type of RNA that may be able to control what a cell matures into, perhaps able to convert cancer cells to fat cells, which are easier to remove than cancer.

In another project of the Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Khadeeja Tarique studied under Professor Gregg Roman as the beneficiary of an additional grant from the Biology Institute behavior.

"In Roman lab, we try to understand how alcohol alters the activity of neurons in the brain to cause tolerance and other behavioral changes that can lead to alcohol abuse and addiction, "said Tarique." We are studying the effect of alcohol on neural activity by using fruit flies. once we understand how alcohol interacts with proteins to make these changes, we can then use these proteins to develop drugs to interfere with this interaction, which can inhibit the formation of tolerance and help stop people from becoming addicted to alcohol. "

another senior biology, Sina Rezaei, working with the College of Pharmacy professor Jason Eriksen, research on one aspect less studied Alzheimer's disease. He works with Eriksen to analyze 3-D images of brain tissue using a computer program that will give them a better understanding of changes in the blood vessels of the brain, these changes are and how they relate to d other effects of Alzheimer's disease.

"SURF allowed me to spend a lot more time in the lab, which made me more confident in my work," said Rezaei. "Hopefully this technology will pave the way for future studies to give us a more complete picture of how the brain is affected by Alzheimer's disease, with the ultimate goal of creating new treatments. "

echoing the sentiments of Rezaei on the value of the laboratory experiment, the senior biology and biotechnology double major Elchehabi Sara said, "working in the lab gave me the opportunity to exercise my skills in problem solving and developing a conceptual understanding of what I am student in my classes. "

Embarking on what can be more immediately applicable research, working under Elchehabi College of Optometry Professor Alison McDermott on what can be an effective alternative for the cleaning of contact lenses. It is to analyze whether the addition of a particular antimicrobial agent for contact lens solution can inhibit the growth of common bacteria known to develop on the contacts.

"contact lens wearers are particularly susceptible to infections caused by bacteria," said Elchehabi. "While solutions containing hydrogen peroxide are best to protect the wearer against infection, they require a minimum soak time and complicated preparation process. A solution that resists bacterial growth effectively, could offer the holders of greater protection lenses they want without the constraints of traditional maintenance contact lenses. "

on a lighter note, the major computer science Anson Jablinski uses his knowledge in the design of software to create an iPad application that Lego model building guide. While his summer project is more for entertainment value, it plans future versions of it and being able to scan 3-D object and design of a Lego model for her.

"I imagine building protein biology students or students in physical modeling bridges. Custom templates for any educational application could be created and sent automatically to classrooms everywhere," he said. "Eventually, we may even be able to scan a Lego model to create life-size plans for the actual buildings."

Work under the supervision of Professor Ioannis Kakadiaris in Biomedicine Lab computational, Jablinski said his experience SURF has helped him decide what to do after completing his undergraduate studies at UH in him providing insight into the mindset and dedication necessary to pursue graduate studies at the master's and doctoral levels.