The Path Forward Has Been Lit by Shiven Patel

The first few weeks in the program have flown by swiftly. However, reflecting on the past few weeks has shown me how much I have learned. We are only halfway through, and I have grown much as a scientist and person! The program has taught me how to analyze data, work with fruit flies, and, most importantly…work through new and challenging situations through problem-solving! Critically thinking about a problem can offer a unique solution that may not be as obvious at first sight! Additionally, throughout the first few weeks, I have connected with the other TRIP professors and members, making meaningful friendships.   

    In the first couple of weeks, we worked on our own introductory experiments to familiarize ourselves with the techniques, the flies, and the assays required in the lab. Specifically, my introductory experiment analyzed how Holy Basil, a drug known to have protective digestive effects, coupled with Intestinal Inflammation, affects Fruit Fly Motility. Throughout the experiment, I learned to use micropipettes, knock out the flies, and effectively collect and present data. Now it is time to develop my own Independent Project!

    Just like many other teens and adults , I am a student who spends most of my time in and out of school looking at computer screens. With the recent pandemic and growing technological age, students and adults worldwide spend increasing amounts of time on phone and computer screens emitting large quantities of blue light. The amount of time spent on phones, computers, and television will continue to grow! One of the known effects of large amounts of exposure is a decrease in eyesight, but what other harmful effects can blue light have? 

  My interest in blue light prompted me to analyze the effect of long-term exposure to blue light on adult memory

My interest in blue light prompted me to analyze the effect of long-term exposure to blue light on adult memory. I plan to expose fruit flies to increasing amounts of blue light and quantify their memory through the Adult Memory Assay! The Adult Memory Assay consists of negative reinforcement tasks where the flies are exposed to one scent, which they associate with a negative action, and another scent, which they associate with a positive action. I am hopeful this experiment will be successful in the coming weeks and reveal something about the long-term effects of blue light. In the coming weeks, I will record data and perform my experiment! I will keep everyone updated! See you in a little.