Devin Nelson (2024-2025) Research: Optogenetic advancements for seizure control in Drosophila melanogaster - ASR Laboratory, Odessa High School, Odessa, WA (2025) Globally, epilepsy affects 50 million people, and is considered the most common neurological disease. The peak incidence of epilepsy occurs in children, and adults over the age of 60 years old. With the expectations of rising numbers, presently the number of cases for diagnosed epilepsy per year is 5 million. People who suffer from epilepsy have a 3 times higher chance of premature death than those without it. Many people face stigmatization and prejudice due to the misconceptions surrounding epilepsy. In a few cases, children with epilepsy were not allowed to attend school, and adults were not allowed to work in certain places. This study, if successful, would allow people suffering with epilepsy to possibly avoid seizures in public and reduce the stigma around epilepsy. Oregon-R Drosophila melanogaster, during seizures, will be strobed with an LED causing the termination of the seizure 75% of the time due to the activation of inhibitory cells within the eyes of the fly. Recognition: 2025 - COMING SOON! |
