Upload
willa-marsh
View
213
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Testing Memory and Learning in Fruit Flies Design Requirements Previous Apparatus Potential Improvements Alternative Designs Design Matrix Testing and Future Work
Testing learning and memory in fruit flies Training
◦ Two odors are presented to flies One coupled with electric shock
Testing◦ Flies choose between two odors
Multiple training sessions
Create olfactory device that accurately tests the learning ability of fruit flies
Specifications◦ Data of similar or better accuracy
◦ Monitored air pressure
◦ Consistent electric shocking mechanism
◦ Diameter of testing/training tubes are 5/8 inch
How it works Pros:
◦ Quantitative results that support hypotheses Cons:
◦ Varying air pressure◦ Complex operations◦ Inconsistent electric shock
Improving Current Design◦ Modify existing apparatus
Pros:◦ Pushing odor through eliminates resistance
problem◦ Simplify tubes with valves◦ Etched electric grid
Cons:◦ Procedure remains complex
Solid Lexan Block◦ Sliding doors return flies to choice point
Pros:◦ Training location is also
testing area◦ Very durable
Cons:◦ No feasible way to incorporate shocking
mechanism
Cylindrical Selector◦ Two-level system with multiple valves to dispense
air and odor
Pros◦ Provides real time monitoring of the
flies’ decision making◦ Achieves different and possibly
more meaningful data Cons
◦ Feasibility
Criteria Possible Designs
Considerations Weight Improve Current Device
Solid Lexan Block
Cylindrical Selector
Safety 5 5 5 5
Ease of Use/Ergonomics
20 10 12 15
Feasibility 35 32 20 12
Cost 5 5 4 2
Accuracy 25 22 22 25
Durability 10 8 10 6
Total 100 82 73 65
Testing odor diffusion and mixing◦ Use of smoke
Modification of diffusion holes
Simplifying testing and training tubes
Incorporating valves and multiple pumps
Final testing and data analysis
Jerry Yin, Ph.D. Professor of genetics and psychiatry
Paul Thompson, Ph.D. Advisor
Jason Gerstner, Postdoctoral Researcher
Michael Fasano Jr., 4M Instrument & Tool LLC President