Transgenic Animals

This IQP examines the methods for creating transgenic animals, their medical benefits, and the result of this technology on society. Different categories of transgenic animals are described, along with the bioethics that surround their creation. Next we discussed the legal guidelines and patent laws for transgenesis, including examples of groundbreaking Supreme Court cases. We conclude that with the exception of mammalian growth factor experiments, most other transgenic experiments should be continued, with strong oversight

Preparing Cell Seeded Microthreads for the Clinic

The goal of this project will be to design an efficient and safe system to get cell seeded microthreads to the patient. The research being done at WPI uses fibrin microthreads as a delivery vehicle for hMSCs. The current delivery device and bioreactor for these microthreads, a small piece of medical tubing with plastic clamps, is rudimentary in design. There is currently no optimal way to prepare, ship, and store cells to be used in these types of procedures. Sterility, viability and safety are among a few of the major problems that must be addressed. The development of a device and system that could account for these issues would allow for the progression of many cell therapies and other techniques that are currently being studied

WAVETREND TECHNOLOGIES: MARKETING ANALYSIS

Our project team performed a market analysis for Wavetrend Technologies, Inc. Wavetrend is a world leader in the deployment of comprehensive track-and-trace solutions providing real-time visibility of assets, people and modes of transportation. This project recommended implementation of RFID technology in the aviation and healthcare industries because of profit potential and the technology's advantages. These recommendations were supported by a great deal of market research gathered from a variety of primary and secondary sources. Our key primary source was a survey distributed to a number of Wavetrend's customers while our secondary sources consisted of various RFID technology periodicals, several academic publications in the WPI database, Yahoo! Finance, and ABI Research

Preparing Cell Seeded Microthreads for the Clinic

Cell therapy is a technology that is pivotal to many new medical procedures that are incredibly beneficial. Many researchers have had great results using cell therapies to heal patients suffering in a number of ways. More specifically, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have the potential to be turned into living tissue that can replace dead or damaged cells. These engineered cells are advantageous because they do not run the risk of being rejected by the patient. Research is currently being conducted, at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, on hMSCs to repair dead heart tissue that results from a heart attack