Determining crystal structures through crowdsourcing and coursework

We show here that computer game players can build high-quality crystal structures. Introduction of a new feature into the computer game Foldit allows players to build and real-space refine structures into electron density maps. To assess the usefulness of this feature, we held a crystallographic model-building competition between trained crystallographers, undergraduate students, Foldit players and automatic model-building algorithms. After removal of disordered residues, a team of Foldit players achieved the most accurate structure. Analysing the target protein of the competition, YPL067C, uncovered a new family of histidine triad proteins apparently involved in the prevention of amyloid toxicity. From this study, we conclude that crystallographers can utilize crowdsourcing to interpret electron density information and to produce structure solutions of the highest quality

BIOSwimmer™: Specifying Requirements and Interfacing Systems for an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

Sponsored by the Advanced Systems Group at Boston Engineering Corporation (BEC), this MQP aims to assist BEC with the Phase II development of the Biomimetic-In-Oil Swimmer (BIOSwimmer). BIOSwimmer is an autonomous underwater vehicle designed to inspect the filled compartments of oil tankers for contraband. The project team verified the Phase I results and performed a detailed evaluation of potential sonar units with the cooperation of vendors. Test plans and flowcharts for software modules were created to help in the next phase of testing different sonar units and running integration tests. The project team explored how to interface between commercial-off-the-shelf object detection software and the inspection sonar system on the vehicle

Women's Environmental Network: Improving an Internet Presence

The research goal of this project was to determine how to achieve the most effective internet presence and to educate the Women's Environmental Network (WEN) on these findings. Through archival and background research, interviews, surveys, and rhetorical analyses the project group developed a prototype. Implementing the prototype and recommendations will increase awareness about the organization and its goals, reach specific target audiences, promote networking among current members, recruit potential members, and provide tools for interaction through all facets of WEN