The Ask Academy (134)

The The Ask Academy team (#134) is from Rio Rancho. This year they've submitted a project titled PAIN.

Team Members

 * Austin Aguinaldo
 * Austin Eifert
 * David Rodrigues

Sponsoring Teacher

 * Ashley Ivins

Proposal
http://mode.lanl.k12.nm.us/get_proposal1112.php?team_id=134

In my project, I am using Net Logo to simulate how two different long-term therapeutic procedures control glial cell activation. This is important because glial cells have been known to play a significant role in pain expression in neuropathic pain conditions. By figuring out which of these procedures is more effective we can hopefully reduce or negate chronic pain conditions. The two procedures I will be comparing are IL-10 (interleukin-10) anti-flammatory cytokine delivery and micro particle-encapsulated DNA injections. First, I will research about each of these and find out what they entail. I will then display these procedures using Net Logo to show which one is more effective. I hope that I can figure out which one works.

Interim Report
http://mode.lanl.k12.nm.us/get_interim1112.php?team_id=134

Project Problem
In our project, we are using Net Logo to simulate how two different long-term therapeutic procedures control glial cell activation. This is important because glial cells have been known to play a significant role in pain expression in neuropathic pain conditions. By figuring out which of these procedures is more effective we can hopefully reduce or negate chronic pain conditions. The two procedures I will be comparing are IL-10 (interleukin-10) anti-flammatory cytokine delivery and micro particle-encapsulated DNA injections. First, we will research about each of these and find out what they entail. We will then display these procedures using Net Logo and show which one is more effective. In conclusion, we will find out which procedure is most effective.

Our problem solution
We will research and look up different therapeutic solutions. Then whichever procedure controls chronic pain the best we will simulate with Net Logo. We will be responsible for presenting to our audience our scientific results.

Our progress to date
We have been working and testing out Netlogo to become more familiar with the system. We have also been researching glial cells and how they work out with neurons. We have been making brochures, banners, and business cards promoting our project. In addition to all of this we have been researching IL-10 to see how they affect pain reception.

Expected Results
We plan for our project to help lead a path to help reduce pain after surgery, accidents, old age, and many other subjects. It is exciting to know we are helping people and their problems. Our project can be used in massage parlors, therapists, doctor offices, and even schools! It will benefit generations upon generations; it will help injured sports players regain their health faster. Many people will be educated more about glial cells, and pave a way for more research on glial cells and they help our bodies. My team and I are very proud to have worked on this project.

Interim Comments
How, exactly, do you plan to use NetLogo to "simulate how two different long-term therapeutic procedures control glial cell activation"? What data are you including in your model? At this interim juncture, there should be specific data items that you plan to include and specific ways that you plan to use those data items.

Will this be an agent based or mathematical model?

There will be a face-to-face evaluation on Sat. the 18th at UNM. Will you be ready? What do you plan to show?

You say you have been researching the topics. Certainly, there is a vast amount of literature on these topics and you could spend years reading about it. You should continue to read the literature throughout your project, but at some point, in the very near future, you need to start writing code. Before you start writing code, you need a structure showing what data will interact with what and how. Do you need some help laying this out?

Do you yet have a mentor? If not would you like help finding one?

Joel Castellanos, UNM