Growing Fond Of The Fruit Flies... by Anoosha Shukla

Hi everybody! Sitting in the lab right now. Counting up some pupae. Loving this developmental data collection. I truly savor every moment in the lab: soaking up knowledge from the instructors, TAs, my labmates, and of course, the fruit flies.

What have the flies taught me? They have taught me patience and persistence. No matter how many times I go over the female fertility assay steps in my head, flies manage to escape from every single vial. But, I feel myself getting better at working with flies. Now, I can sort flies faster and differentiate embryos from poop using a dissection microscope!

In all honesty, I did not think I would love fruit flies this much. I especially enjoyed the kick-off experiment and presentation. I looked at how black cohosh (a plant native to North America) and a high sugar diet affect female fertility. Just from four weeks of a kick-off experiment, I already feel more confident in my lab skills and communication skills. I found that black cohosh increased female fertility while a high-sugar diet decreased female fertility. Presenting my findings to the class was a rewarding and insightful experience. The TRIP environment is supportive, yet always challenges me to improve. ​

After everyone’s amazing kick-off presentation, we got started on independent project brainstorming. To give some context for my decisions, note that I have hyperhidrosis in my hands, meaning that my palms are always sweaty. Smudged pen and damp papers have always been victims. Handshakes are my worst enemy. When consulting a doctor about my condition, I was prescribed an antiperspirant with aluminum compounds. The doctor was hesitant about this option, given the recent controversy of aluminum as a carcinogen. However, there are no non-aluminum antiperspirant solutions to palm hyperhidrosis, other than a botox injection! Aluminum compounds in deodorant and antiperspirants have spiked controversy due to the concern about it causing breast-cancer by increasing levels of estrogen.It is not just found in MY prescribed hand antiperspirant though. Although non-aluminum deodorants exist, many of the popular brands and aerosols used by people daily have high amounts of aluminum. Given this controversy, I want to research the long-term effects of aluminum compounds found in antiperspirants on female and male fertility. ​

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 I want to research the long-term effects of aluminum compounds found in antiperspirants on female and male fertility. 

After discussing my project with Dr. Purdy, I grew even fonder of my research idea. We had to adjust many things but landed on a solid and feasible topic. According to our planning calculations, due to the flies' fast reproduction rate, I will be able to conduct an assay on two grandchildren! How cool is that?! This means I will have to be extremely organized in my processes so I do not accidentally mix up generations. I am most excited to see the results of this study as it directly impacts my health and many others. I am also excited to see my labmates' projects. I enjoy spending my Saturdays with them and look forward to hearing about their interesting independent research projects!