Week 9: Final Touches
Shriya S -
Hello everybody, welcome back to my blog! In this post, I will just be giving some updates.
Paper
I’m almost done with my paper! We are just waiting for some data, which we will get this coming week, and then we’ll be done. This data is the AQP4 batch. We think there was a mistake in the original IHC protocol because there was not a lot of staining (on a batch we did alongside for another project, there was more staining, hence why we suspect this). Once we get this data, I will add the images with the respective data tables and graphs to my paper, which will complete it.
Here is an example of the graph I am talking about. This is one is for the GFAP data.
This is an example of a data table, with the given scores to GFAP tissue samples with various antibody concentrations.
Limitations
Here are a few limitations of my research, which I have included in my paper:
- Scoring Subjectivity
- Variability in the IHC protocols (inevitable extraneous variables)
- Limited Antigen Selection
- IHC Staining Technique (DAB vs. fluorescence)
- Lack of Secondary Antibody Literature (gap)
- Primary Antibody Range
- Tissue Consistency (due to resource constraints, the same DPI (days post-injury) tissue could not be used across all antigens)
Future research
Here are the suggested future directions, as I highlight in my paper.
- Incorporating quantitative analysis methods to improve objectivity.
- Refining antibody concentrations for fluorescence IHC and other staining techniques (e.g., H & E and western blotting).
- Expanding research applications to TBI pathology studies, including but not limited to cross-analysis with immunocytochemistry, MRI, and Western blotting.
- Optimizing additional aspects of IHC beyond antibody concentrations, such as antigen retrieval and blocking.
- Modifying the scoring guide to prioritize different factors of an image and target a broader research audience.
This research has important implications for facilitating TBI research, reducing animal loss, and enhancing data quality. Especially because TBI impacts so many people in sports and the military, this study aims to ultimately contribute to the larger cause of improving debilitating and ostracizing symptoms associated with brain injury.
Presentation
I’ve finished creating my physical presentation. Right now, I am just rehearsing and trying to condense the information in an accessible manner. Something my mentor encouraged me to do is “tell a story” through my presentation. In other words, do not disconnect immunohistochemistry (IHC) from traumatic brain injury’s societal implications and the whole pathology analysis process involved in TBI research.
Reflection
With regards to my research, I’ve realized I’ve learned so much throughout the year, ranging from practical lab skills to commitment to a goal. Research has given me a new perspective on what goes on behind the scenes and the pervasive presence of ethics and morality amidst a place what some believe to be a “sterile,” “apathetic” environment.
I’m so grateful for this opportunity, as I’ve mentioned. Thank you Ms. Pressman and Dr. Goodwin for guiding me throughout this process! Please let me know if there are any questions.
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