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A device to inflict traumatic brain injury in flies

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Project Overview

An estimated 1.7 million people in the United States sustain Traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year, leading to 52,000 deaths and 275,000 hospitalizations. Research on TBI and the secondary injury symptoms are important, utilizing controlled cortical impact on mice by applying a force to the brain through a surgically opened skull which is limited by not being able to directly model injuries produced by collision or bomb blast. Drosophila, or fruit flies, are commonly used in studying neurodegenerative disorders due to molecular and architectural similarities to the human brain. Drosophila can also be used to study the lasting effects of TBI. An existing apparatus for applying TBI to Drosophila simulates the full body collisions for researchers interested in studying TBI in fruit flies. However, the current device is very difficult to model mechanically and has inconsistent force application.

We offer a system designed to consistently deliver brain damage to Drosophila. For convenience, the fruit flies are contained in a standard vial used in laboratories. To generate the necessary velocity, two springs are used to push the vial along a rail system designed to reduce friction to a negligible amount. Along the length of the device are latch points, which lock the vial in position. These positions can be used to accurately calculate impact force values.

Team Picture

Team members from left to right: Scott Mawer, Zac Balsiger, Jon Leudtke, Malachi Willey
Team members from left to right: Scott Mawer, Zac Balsiger, Jon Leudtke, Malachi Willey

Images

SolidWorks model of final design. Features include: (1) Low-friction rail system, (2) Standard lab vial for holding flies, (3) Dual springs to generate force, (4) Spring attachment plate, (5) Back plate to brace against table, (6) Vial adapter (velcro straps for vial not pictured), (7) Locking bar, (8) Multiple notch locations for variable force, (9) Impact plate.
SolidWorks model of final design. Features include: (1) Low-friction rail system, (2) Standard lab vial for holding flies, (3) Dual springs to generate force, (4) Spring attachment plate, (5) Back plate to brace against table, (6) Vial adapter (velcro straps for vial not pictured), (7) Locking bar, (8) Multiple notch locations for variable force, (9) Impact plate.
Snapshot of high-speed video analysis of initial HIT device
Snapshot of high-speed video analysis of initial HIT device

Contact Information

Team Members

  • Zachary Balsiger - Team Leader
  • Scott Mawer - Communicator & BPAG
  • Jonathan Luedtke - BSAC
  • Malachi Willey - BWIG

Advisor and Client

  • Dr. Tom Yen - Advisor
  • Dr. David Wassarman - Client
  • Dr. Barry Ganetzky - Alternate Contact

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