Pilot Research Program > 2004 Programs
In Vivo Monitoring of Tauopathy In Fruit Flies
Investigator: Barry Condron, Dept. of Biology, University of Virginia
Project Summary: The protein tau is associated with a number of age-related neurodegenerative disorders in humans as well as various experimental animals. While current therapeutic strategies seek to remove the accumulated tau that is thought to be toxic, it is unclear what level of recovery is possible at the cellular level. Our experiments are designed to induce tau toxicity in an experimental organism and then remove the protein and test what level of cellular recovery is possible.
The Effects of Age on Monitoring and Regulating Memory Accuracy
Investigator: Chad Dodson, Dept. of Psychology, University of Virginia
Project Summary: This project will examine the effects of aging on the accuracy of monitoring and reporting memories through 4 experiments. More specifically, the experiments will test older adults' vulnerability to experiencing false recollections, the effects of providing feedback to older adults' recollections in hopes of improving future recollection abilities, and the ability of older adults to regulate memory accuracy and submit responses according to the cost of submitting a false recollection.
Wearable Sensor System for Portable, Non-Invasive Collection of Ambient, Biological, Physiological, and Functional Data
Investigator: John Lach, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia
Project Summary: The aim of this project is to develop a wearable sensor system that non-invasively monitors the physiological and environmental conditions of the system wearer and his/her ambient environment. The portability of the system will enable data collection in the wearer's natural environment over an extended period of time. This will make possible a variety of new medical and psychological studies, diagnosis techniques, and courses of treatment that do not require patients or study participants to stay in a medical facility.
Modulation of Mammalian Life Span by a Short Isoform Of p53 and Its Inhibition by Designed Small Molecule Antagonists
Investigator: Bernhard Maier, Dept. of Neuroscience, University of Virginia Health System
Project Summary: This project will investigate the interactions of longevity genes with each other and a cellular growth suppressor. Ultimately, the investigators hope to develop chemical compounds to interact with these biological entities to reverse cellular and organism aging.
Changes in Brain Biochemical Activity and Cognition in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Investigator: Carol Manning, Dept. of Neurology, University of Virginia Health System
Project Summary: The goal of this project is to examine differences in biochemical activity in relevant areas of the brains of healthy elderly people, people with Mild Cognitive Impairment, and people with Alzheimer's disease using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Additionally, the relationship between these brain chemical levels and performance on cognitive tasks will be studied. A long-term goal of the project is to use the combined information from magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the cognitive measures to help identify healthy individuals and individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment who are at increased risk to develop Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias.
Subjective Cognitive Complaints as a Predictor of Anxiety and Obsessional Thinking in Older Populations
Investigator: Bethany Teachman, Dept. of Psychology, University of Virginia
Project Title:
Project Summary: This project will look at aging, perceived cognitive decline, and the development of anxiety. Additionally, this investigator hopes to establish norms for OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) in older populations to ensure proper diagnosis as well as more deeply examine the cognitive model of OCD in older populations.