Advisor: Paul Thompson Client: Jerry Yin
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
CriteriaPossible Designs ConsiderationsWeightImprove Current Device Solid Lexan Block Cylindrical Selector Safety5555 Ease of Use/Ergonomics Feasibility Cost5542 Accuracy Durability108 6 Total
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
Questions?