Meeting Abstract

110.8  Wednesday, Jan. 7 11:45  Citizen science with high school students and adults from around the world participating in analysis of synaptic transmission COOPER, R.L.*; MAJEED, Z.R. ; MALLOY, C; ZEIDLER-WATTERS, K.; KRALL, R.M.; JOHNSON, D.; MAYO, S.; COLGAN, W.; CHUNG, W.-Y.; MEGIGHIAN, A.; DUPONT-VERSTEEGDEN, E.E.; Dept. Biol., Univ. KY; Dept. Biol., Univ. KY; Dept. Biol., Univ. KY; Dept. Ed, Univ. KY; Dept. STEM, Univ. KY; Dept. Ed, Univ. KY; Dept. Ed, Univ. KY; ADInstruments Inc, Co.; Korea Military Acad., Korea; Univ. of Padova, Italy; Rehabil. Sci. & Ctr. for Muscle Biol., Univ. KY RLCOOP1@uky.edu

The goal in this project is to have people of the world participate in data analysis of synaptic transmission and contribute to authentic scientific processes in the interpretation and make meaning of the findings. High school aged students in Kentucky, USA beta tested the protocols and then we engaged world citizens in participation. Ideas for novel methodological approaches in analysis were encouraged in the discussion. The learning objective is to be able observe and measure quantal synaptic vesicular events and examine perturbations in the responses due to various experimental manipulations. One project is to examine if CO2 may cause blocking of glutamate receptors, another is the influence of factors present in the spillage of cytoplasm from injured cells on glutamatergic receptors, modulation of GABAergic transmission and mutational effects of synaptically relevant proteins. The preparations are crayfish and Drosophila larval NMJs. Assessment of learning in the area of synaptic transmission and enthusiasm of engagement in this citizen science project by the participants are underway.