Health
The Fulton Schools’ efforts in health innovation range from understanding the causes behind Alzheimer’s disease and improving methods for predicting epileptic seizures to developing advanced biosensors, bioassays and lab-on-a-chip devices for clinical diagnostics. Additional areas of research exist in novel biological materials, neural engineering, biomedical informatics, drug-delivery systems, health care systems analysis and modeling, health monitoring devices and human rehabilitation technologies.
Effect of Vibration on Localized Tissue Oxygenation
This study aims investigate the impact of vibration on localized tissue oxygenation using NIRS biosensors. Participants were exposed to mechanical vibration, and oxygenation levels were monitored across baseline, post-vibration, and recovery phases. Results showed a significant increase in both oxygenated hemoglobin and total hemoglobin, with sustained elevated levels during recovery, suggesting a lasting physiological effect…
Effects of Object Fragility on Digit Force Coordination for Manipulation
Current techniques involving the assessment and rehabilitation of peripheral neuropathies, neurological disorders, and traumatic injuries for motor control of hand digit forces fail to properly capture the complexities involved in multi-digit force coordination. By creating a protocol that is able to decompose multi-digit force coordination by extracting manipulation and grasping properties using principles in robotics,…
Effects of Immersive Visual Distortion Perturbations on Step Length Symmetry Using Augmented Reality
This study investigates how augmented reality (AR)-based visual feedback distortion (VD) influences step length symmetry during treadmill walking. By comparing AR-based feedback with traditional monitor-based feedback, this research aims to determine whether AR can enhance gait symmetry adaptation and prolong retention of aftereffects. The findings of this study have the potential to inform more effective…
The Role of Lattice Geometry in Optimizing Necrotic Cell Washout in 3D Printed Femoral Head Models
The Role of Lattice Geometry in Optimizing Necrotic Cell Washout in 3D-Printed Femoral Head Models” applied project explores how internal lattice bone structure affects the efficiency of the necrotic washout in femoral heads affected by avascular necrosis (A VN). Each 3D printed model was constructed out of resin and polylactic acid (PLA) materials with varying…
Characterization of Microcarrier Based Hipsc Derived Neurons for Alzheimer’s Disease Studies
This study created a scalable microcarrier-based technology for converting hiPSCs into fully developed neurons for Alzheimer’s disease research. Neural progenitor cells were grown and differentiated for 40 days before being enzymatically separated into healthy single-cell suspensions. Immunofluorescence and calcium imaging validated neuronal identity and function, allowing for use in disease models and medication testing. Video…
Smart Insoles for Detecting Fatigue and Injury through Weight Distribution and Gait Analysis
This project explores whether pressure sensor data from the heel-to-toe transition can be used to classify fatigue. Six participants wore LAAF smart insoles, and walking data was collected before and after a fatiguing exercise. Machine learning models were trained on extracted features to distinguish between fatigued and non-fatigued walking. Video Research poster View the poster…
Development and Characterization of Methacrylated Silk Fibroin (Sil-MA) for Biomedical Applications
Silk fibroin (SF) from Bombyx mori cocoons shows strong potential for biomedical use, especially in bone tissue engineering, due to its biocompatibility and mechanical properties. This study focused on synthesizing SF and modifying it with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) to create methacrylated SF (Sil-MA), which improves printability for 3D bioprinting. Adjusting the pH to basic conditions…
Automating Processes for Reagent Storage in Microfluidic Chips
This project aimed to automate part of the lyophilization process for point-of-care diagnostic devices using a customizable 3D-printed device. The rig effectively reduces reagent handling time while maintaining structural integrity comparable to traditional manual methods. By improving efficiency and reproducibility of reagent production, fabrication of diagnostic devices can become scalable and more accessible. Video Research…
Effects of Physiological Glucose and Oxygen Conditions on Human Neural Organoid Development
Standard culture conditions use non-physiological glucose (20-25mM) and oxygen (20%) levels that may alter neural development. This project investigated how aligning culture conditions with physiological levels (5mM glucose, 8% oxygen) affects neural organoid development. We found that physiological conditions promote human specific features of cortical development, including outer radial glia expansion and upper-layer neuron production,…
Delivery of Alpha-Ketoglutarate from Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels for Bone Repair Applications
Immunomodulatory alpha-ketoglutarate (aKG) has been shown to enhance the bone repair process and can be used to supplement the 2.2 million bone grafts implanted globally every year. To control its release, aKG is converted into degradable polyester of aKG microparticles (paKG), allowing for sustained delivery over time. These microparticles are incorporated into a modified hyaluronic…