An Accessible, Interactive, Public Educational Engine to Understand the Unique Neurons of a Brain Region Impaired in Alzheimer’s Disease – UROP Spring Symposium 2025

An Accessible, Interactive, Public Educational Engine to Understand the Unique Neurons of a Brain Region Impaired in Alzheimer’s Disease

Isha Singhal

Research Mentor(s): Omar Ahmed
Mentor Department: Psychology
Authors: Isha Singhal, Omar Ahmed
Session: Session 5 (2:00pm – 2:50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 80

Abstract

Neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzeheimer’s, are characterized by abnormal neuronal activity in the brain. Understanding how neurons respond to different stimuli is essential for developing better treatment. However, the vast majority of this data remains inaccessible to the general public, only being formatted in a way a select few neuroscientists can understand, and thus limiting its potential impact. This research project investigates how neurons behave under various stimuli, measuring electric properties such as current and voltage, while also creating an accessible platform for the public to engage with this data. Neurons were exposed to various stimuli in a controlled laboratory setting, and their responses were measured through electrophysiological techniques, recording current, voltage, and general neuronal behavior. The data was then analyzed to identify patterns in the neuronal activity in response to these stimuli. A website was created to present the data in a user-friendly format, allowing both neuroscientists and the general public to explore the findings. The website platform effectively displayed these results in an intuitive format, enhancing accessibility. These findings contribute to our understanding of neuronal response in neuropsychiatric disorders and open pathways for further research. Additionally, by making this data accessible through a website, this project aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and public comprehension, helping foster more awareness overall.

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