Utilizing Planarian and Starfish Neural Networks as Cures for Central Nervous System Disorders

Overview

One-billion individuals, one-in-six, suffer from neurological-disorders. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune- mediated disease of the central nervous system (CNS) where auto -aggressive T-cells cross the blood - brain-barrier (BBB), causing disability. Parkin son's Disease (PD) is a progressive CNS -disorder causing loss of nerve-endings that produce dopamine, leading to movement delays. Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a CNS disorder with irreversible worsening of memory, destroying neural -pathways. Planarians conta in Neoblast Stem -Cells, regenerating when cut; Neoblasts have regenerated a trachea, proving safety/applicability within humans. Starfish contain a protein/gene known as sox2 (allows for regeneration) that is compatible with humans. This study investigates if Neoblasts/Starfish combination can be a cost - effective cure/preventative -measure for neurodegenerative diseases, involving the CNS, compared to current human stem-cell treatments. It was hypothesized that if the combination were given to Earthworms (increasingly similar NS to humans/common CNS model organisms) as cures/preventative-measures, then healthy cells would regenerate while unhealthy cells undergo apoptosis. Experimental groups included negative/positive controls and cure/preventative -measure trials: four-stages MS, five -stages PD, seven - stages AD, respectively. Cell -viability data, calculated using MTT -assay, had all non -control trial groups above 90%; daily activities resumed normally, following combination administration, and cell images indicated reversal of demyelination/degenerated cells. Data indicates that the combination is a potential, affordable cure and preventative measure for CNS conditions (~ $5 -$10 for 50 people versus $200,000+ annually of current treatments) due to reparative/specialization (for individual needs) properties that human stem-cells cannot achieve. Current studies examine how to specialize in longevity for different pathogeneses non-CNS disorders. Virginia Arachnids as Necrobots and Optimizing Biological Hydraulic Systems Malak Abdalla Academies of Loudon, Aldie, VA The robotics industry has long been evolving and innovating, making way for automation and AI to take over a wide variety of tasks. In doing so, countries such as the US with a focus on technological innovation have been able to quickly develop new ideas with little regard to least developed countries (LDCs) without access to those resources. When higher developed countries automate their industries, from architecture to household items, they widen the gap of inequality-driven environmental damage: LDCs are more affected by pollution and climate change. Since the robotics industry uses a very large amount of energy — around 21,000 KWh annually — the gap between the highest developed countries (HDCs) and LDCs widens. In order to close this gap without harming the current robotics industries that benefit the economy and our daily lives, “green” robotics need to be developed and researched further. While this field has been intensively studied in areas of raw energy, as seen by the developments of solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources, it has not been considered in the manufacture of raw materials such as steel, copper, aluminum, and other metals very commonly used in building robots. The simple solution to this issue is biotic materials, or materials sourced from living organisms. This study explores arachnid cadavers as biotic replacements for hydraulic and pneumatic systems as functioning claw robots. The Effect of Phytotherapies on the Overall Health of Hyperglycemic Induced C. Elegans Maryam Bilal, Aisha Baccouche, and Soukayna Lahbabi Governor’s School at Innovation Park, Manassas, VA

Competition history

• JSHS 2024 Category not listed

Resources

• National JSHS abstract book ↗

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