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Explore methods to prevent Alzheimer's disease progression with plaque degraders and promote neuron regeneration. Design a device for accurate preterm labor detection using fetal fibronectin indicators.
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Prevent progression of AD by creating devices that generate plaque degraders (fibril deposits) Amyloid beta-peptides Neurofibrilly tangles Protein that degrades tangles and deposits Device
Salamanders can regenerate limbs, including all motor neurons, muscle and blood vessels. • look for the genes that specifically aim to regenerate motor neurons. • Create a device that contains a part that includes salamander regeneration gene(s) to promote neuron regeneration in the brain http://www.cellscience.com/reviews2/Organ_Regeneration_Immune_Involvement.html
Q: Can we design an accurate indicator for preterm labor? • Screening for preterm labor is the first step in the process of preventing preterm birth • Fetal Fibronectin (fFN) in vaginal secretions can really only accurately say if patient is NOT in labor • Need an accurate method to detect preterm labor and prevent it
Fetal Fibronectin Dilation of Cervix http://www.mydr.com.au/files/images/categories/pregnancy/cervix.jpg http://www.ffntest.com/info/fetal_test/what_fetal.html fFN is a glue-like protein that holds the fetal membrane and maternal membrane together. It is released and found present in vaginal secretions closer to labor. • Dilation of the cervix is another symptom of labor. • Oxytocin is responsible for contractions
INPUT OUTPUT High Levels of fFN Decrease in Progesterone Increase in Oxytocin Cervical Dilation Banana Smell (MIT iGEM 2006) Progesterone (to suppress contractions) Device Goal: To create a device to implant in the vagina that senses four symptoms of labor and expresses an aromatic gene as an indicator of preterm birth.