1 Olfactory Conditioning Apparatus for Fruit Flies May 6, 2009 Team: Robert Bjerregaard-Team Leader Graham Bousley- Communicator Scott Carpenter- BWIG Chuck Donaldson- BSAC Client: Jerry Yin, Ph.D. Professor of Genetics and Psychiatry Advisor: Paul Thompson, Ph.D.2 Abstract Current devices that utilize fruit flies for research for the memory genes are largely similar, both in their functionality and restrictions. These devices share the problem that air flow and air pressure are uncontrolled variables in the experiments done on the subjects. While the experiment produces data to interpret, the data retrieved might not necessarily be accurate or reproducible. The client has previously attempted to resolve the problem without much success. This is the first time that the client has employed engineers for anything more than advice. The goal for this semester is to modify the current design or design a completely new apparatus that has control over the environment in which the fruit flies are trained without compromising data integrity.3 Abstract……………………………………….…………………………………………………….………….…………………………………….....2 Problem Statement……………………………………………………………………….…………………………………….……….………...4 Background.................................................................................................................................................4 1. Motivation.....................................................................................................................................4 2. Design Constraints.........................................................................................................................5 Current Apparatus......................................................................................................................................5 Current Procedure………………………………………………………………………………….….……………………………………….…..6 Design Ideas...............................................................................................................................................7 1. Improving current design..............................................................................................................7 2. Solid Lexan Block...........................................................................................................................8 3. Cylindrical Selector…………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………..10 Design Matrix................................................................................................................................12 Final Design……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………….14 1. Fabrication………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………14 2. Actuation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………16 Testing Procedure………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….16 Cost Analysis………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….18 1. Future Work……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..18 2. Delivery to Client..............................................................................................................18 References....................................................................................................................................19 Product Design Specifications......................................................................................................204 Problem Statement Our goal is to create an apparatus that trains and tests fruit flies’ memory and ability to learn by means of electric shock and Pavlovian response. The apparatus must be able to control the air pressure and air flow in the training and testing chambers, deliver a constant voltage across the flies in the training tube and have all elements encase the fruit flies in 5/8 inch diameter tubes. Background Motivation Dr. Jerry Yin conducts research on the memory genes for the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Research on the subject has been going on since the 1970’s, when the memory genes were identified. He and his colleagues came up with a design for an apparatus that would train fruit flies with odors, pairing one of the two with an electric shock and testing their ability to recall what they learned after the training was over. Those who designed this apparatus neglected to take into consideration effects of air pressure, air flow, and the need for an electric grid that would deliver a consistent electric shock to the flies. While general information is known about fruit flies, nothing specific to their responses to changes in pressure and air flow has been formulated. These factors showed up in the experimentation on memory. The researcher did some experiments related to pressure changes and airflow and realized they5 were factors left uncontrolled. Were these problems fixed it could potentially reduce variability of retrieved data and make that data much more significant. Design Constraints The following requirements must be included in the design process: 1. The apparatus must be able to control and monitor air pressure during the experiment. 2. It must be able to deliver a known voltage across an electric grid consistently. 3. It must be able to be cleaned and maintained effectively with low risk of damaging the apparatus to ensure long life span. 4. It must achieve data of similar or better accuracy than the previous device. 5. Diameter of testing and training tubes must be 5/8 inch or less. Current
View Full Document