Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute will use a new round of funding from the National Institutes of Health to study gender disparities in neurological disorders by analyzing a species of small, soil-dwelling worms.
A team led by Jagan Srinivasan, assistant professor of biology and biotechnology at WPI, received the five-year, $1.6 million award. The worms in question are capable of carrying out all processes required for animal survival, making them great research models, according to WPI. Most of them are self-fertilizing hermaphrodites, but a small number are fully male. That gender differentiation will be used to explore the worms’ neural activity, focusing on a cluster of neurons that allow them to “smell” environmental cues. A diminished sense of smell is an early symptom of Alzheimer’s, according to WPI.
“Focusing on understanding the circuit mechanisms that show gender differences in the worm’s olfactory system may give us new information that is relevant for what is seen in human neuropathology,” said Srinivasan.
Dirk Albrecht, assistant professor of biomedical engineering and co-investigator of the grant, has developed imaging technologies and data processing algorithms to allow researchers to see specific neuronal activity in the worms.
“The new project seeks to image multiple neurons, in multiple worms, responding to multiple stimuli in real time. And we know the responses will be different in each animal,” Albrecht said. “That means we need to develop new technologies to push the existing boundaries of imaging throughput and analysis to handle the experimental load. That makes this an exciting and important challenge.”
Stay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Sign upWorcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeWorcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
See Digital EditionStay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Worcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Worcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments