48440 research outputs found
Sort by
Gut Feelings: Unraveling the Microbiome’s Influence on Parkinson’s Disease
No full textParkinson’s disease (PD), the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, has recently seen the sharpest rise in global prevalence among neurological conditions. PD is speculated to originate in the gut, where microbial dysbiosis and inflammation may contribute to the progressive degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons that characterizes PD. This project investigates the potential therapeutic impact of gut microbiome supplementation in a C. elegans PD model. As motor deficits are a hallmark of PD, locomotion in wild-type N2 and PD-model NL5901 strains was assessed using thrashing and crawling speed assays. On a standard E. coli OP50 diet, PD-model animals exhibited impaired motor function compared to wild-type. Substituting OP50 with the CeMbio bacterial mix did not significantly improve motor performance. Thus, gut microbiome supplementation had no conclusive therapeutic impact on the PD model
SailBot 2024-25
No full textThis Major Qualifying Project presents the design, development, and testing of an autonomous robotic sailboat for the 2024–2025 International Robotic Sailing Regatta. Building on the foundation laid by previous WPI SailBot teams, the project focused on enhancing performance, reliability, and usability through mechanical, electrical, and software improvements. Key contributions include a redesigned wingsail with improved aerodynamic control and modularity, the addition of a passive rotational damping system, and modified rudders for improved low-speed maneuverability. Electrical upgrades addressed feedback sensing, power management, and the integration of a reliable magnetic power switch. On the software side, enhancements to computer vision, telemetry robustness, and control interfaces improved autonomy and operability. Comprehensive testing validated these systems, and the project demonstrates continued advancement in robotic sailing platforms
Analyses of Kek1 binding to the EGFR
No full textThe Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a receptor tyrosine kinase, whose activation controls cell proliferation, survival, migration, and cell fate determination. As such, activating mutations to EGFR is associated with many cancers, including those of the breast, brain, and lung. Therapeutic approaches typically involve molecules designed to inhibit the receptor (Wieduwilt et al., 2008). Kekkon1 is an inhibitor of Drosophila EGFR (dEGFR) and is one of a family (Kek) of six transmembrane molecules in Drosophila. Interestingly, within the family only Kek1 inhibits the Drosophila receptor and the extracellular and transmembrane regions have been identified as the domains required for inhibition. The extracellular region consists of N-insert, seven LRRs, flanked by cysteine rich domains and an Ig domain. While the importance of the LRRs to Kek1’s ability to bind the receptor have been established, key questions remain. Are the cysteine rich flanking regions involved in binding, what LRR residues within the predicted binding pocket drive specificity of the interaction, and is the N-insert required for inhibition in vivo? To investigate these, I: undertook a combined phylogenetic and biochemical analyses of Kek1 orthologs, generated a Kek1 variant lacking the N-insert, Kek1∆N, for in vivo functional tests, and used in silico modeling to examine the predicted binding pocket. By better defining the key sequence features of the binding pocket, I hope to solve the binding pocket puzzle. This critical insight to the inhibitory mechanism of Kek1 could then provide the basis for future cancer therapeutics
Evaluating Machine Learning Models for Autism Detection: A Structural MRI Study of Male vs. Female Brain Patterns
No full textThis research investigates the use of machine learning in distinguishing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from neurotypical controls based on structural MRI (sMRI) features extracted from FastSurfer. Data from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) were preprocessed and analyzed using Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine models. Sex-stratified were trained and compared to general models, which improved classification accuracy, especially in females. Feature importance analysis revealed differences in neuroanatomical patterns between the sexes. These results emphasize the significance of sex-based modeling for the detection of ASD and advocate for future integration of longitudinal and multimodal imaging data
Signals Associated with RIPK1/Caspase-8-Mediated Cell Death and Inflammation
No full textCaspase-8 is a key initiator caspase in apoptosis and has recently been discovered to have a broader role in regulating inflammation and mediating crosstalk between cell death pathways. This study investigates the signals associated with RIPK1/Caspase-8-mediated cell death and inflammation in both infectious and non-infectious disease models. Using a Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection model, we analyzed histopathological changes in infected mouse tissues to assess inflammation and tissue damage. In a Sharpincpdm mouse model, which exhibits severe inflammation and chronic dermatitis due to dysregulated TNF signaling and RIPK1 activity, we characterized immune cell populations using flow cytometry before and after disease onset. To specifically evaluate Caspase-8-mediated apoptosis, we developed and implemented a cleaved Caspase-3 immunohistochemistry protocol. Since Caspase-8 directly activates Caspase-3 during apoptosis, cleaved Caspase-3 is a critical marker of apoptotic signaling. These results suggest increased cleaved Caspase-3 staining and liver inflammation in Sharpin deficient mice compared to wild-type controls, suggesting that Caspase-8-mediated apoptosis correlates with tissue damage. These findings indicate that Caspase-8-mediated apoptosis is closely linked to inflammatory pathology, providing insight into its broader immunoregulatory role
3D Printing Based Silicone Earmold Mold Fabrication for Pediatric Hearing Aids
No full textAbout 34 million children worldwide rely on properly fitted hearing aids for speech and language development. Traditional earmold fabrication requires offsite manufacturing, leading to 2–4-week delays and multiple audiology visits. These delays can result in poor fit, discomfort, or inadequate hearing quality, which are especially challenging for families with limited access to audiologists. This project developed an onsite 3D printing system for same-day production of custom silicone earmolds, reducing waiting times and improving accessibility for pediatric patients. The system integrates 3D scanning, CAD modeling, and additive manufacturing to produce precisely fitted, biocompatible earmolds in under four hours. A 10-person user study assessed comfort and fit, demonstrating that onsite-fabricated earmolds provide comparable or improved comfort and maintain high acoustic sealing quality. By reducing the need for multiple clinic visits, this system offers a cost-effective, scalable solution that enhances patient care
Design and Optimization of Novel Impact-Resistant Composites with Structural and Functional Properties for Transportation and Defense Applications
No full textAbsorption and dissipation of energy are necessary for various vehicle and military components subjected to impact. Advancements in such applications rely upon the development of impact-resistant materials, which were investigated in this study. The project’s goal was to design and optimize novel composite materials with structural and functional properties that will provide enhanced performance under high-velocity collision forces. The class of composites that were evaluated consisted of a metallic cellular structure infiltrated with various rheological fluids. The infiltrants were developed based on a fundamental understanding of their intrinsic behavior and were further optimized using advanced viscosity, surface tension, and tensile response characterization. Infiltrants that exhibited the best combination of rheological and structural properties were selected for validation through impact testing. Stress-strain data in conjunction with microscopy evaluations of the cellular material’s deformation were used to understand and optimize the composites’ performance that will support impact-related transportation and defense applications
Motion Control Photography
No full textAlthough the filming technique of motion control is no longer new, the mechanical assemblies and software can be improved upon; with modern hardware, electronics, software, and camera equipment, motion control can now be accessible for anyone to make. To demonstrate this, our team designed, assembled, and programmed a motion control system to film a fully articulated spaceship model with a precisely controlled camera on a 9-meter track. To do so we created an electrical system using a Teensy 4.1 microcontroller to control up to 16 stepper motors, and a cnc pendant to operate the system. Utilizing the accuracy and precision of the system, we filmed a series of identical passes of the model, each under different conditions, to create a film-quality shot
Multimodal Neuroimaging (fMRI and fNIRS) at WPI
No full textThe use of fNIRS in neuroimaging is increasing due to its portability, safety, and affordability. However, its vulnerability to interference from hair introduces the risk that fNIRS studies will become biased against populations with thick, curly, or coily/kinky hair. This study evaluated an expanded hair manipulation protocol for improving fNIRS data quality on subjects with diverse hair types under clinical time constraints. The protocol, limited to 20 minutes, alternated calibration with targeted manipulation and significantly improved calibration values across cycles. LED optodes outperformed lasers in both calibration time and connection quality. While effective across most hair types and colors, further validation is needed for coily hair
Teaching Practicum in High School Mathematics @ South High- Sarah Roberge
No full textDuring the 2025 Spring Semester, I completed my student teaching practicum through WPI’s Teacher Preparation Program. Seeking licensure in Mathematics (8-12), I taught Algebra I and II at South High Community School, a public high school located in Worcester, MA. I completed my practicum under the guidance of my supervising practitioner, Daniel Brown, and my practicum supervisor, Michele Fulk. Through this experience, I created a portfolio to highlight my progress and accomplishments