Project Description
Ammonia, or NH3, is a toxin that can result in detrimental effects to the environment. Among these include eutrophication and acidification of soil. In the atmosphere, ammonia readily reacts with strong acidic species to produce ammonium salts. These extremely small particles (less than 2.5 microns in diameter) are then able to travel to the ground surface, where they can cause smog, soil acidification, eutrophication, and overfertilization of weed species.
But ammonia does not only harm the environment; it has deleterious effects on human health as well. Cirrhosis of the liver can have several causes, the primary ones being Hepatitis B or C (57%) or alcoholism (20%) (Armstrong et. al., 2006). As the disease progresses, hepatic encephalopathy renders the liver unable to remove nitrogenous substances, primarily ammonia, from the bloodstream. The blood with high levels of ammonia is transferred to the astrocytes of the cerebral cortex and causes unresponsiveness, forgetfulness, loss of control of some motor functions, and eventually a hepatic coma.
Therefore, we hoped to develop a method to detect ammonia levels. The goal is to apply the results to developing a non-invasive urine test that could help diagnose liver cirrhosis. Existing diagnoses such as blood and imaging tests may be considered invasive or unpleasant or carry unnecessary risks.
Sources:
Armstrong, G. L., Bell, B. P., Farrington, L. A., Hutin, Y. J. F., & Perez, J. F. (2006). The contributions of hepatitis b virus and hepatitis c virus infections to cirrhosis and primary liver cancer worldwide. Journal of Hepatology, 45(4), 529-538. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2006.05.013
http://gamapserver.who.int/gho/interactive_charts/gisah/death_rates_cirrhosis/atlas.html
But ammonia does not only harm the environment; it has deleterious effects on human health as well. Cirrhosis of the liver can have several causes, the primary ones being Hepatitis B or C (57%) or alcoholism (20%) (Armstrong et. al., 2006). As the disease progresses, hepatic encephalopathy renders the liver unable to remove nitrogenous substances, primarily ammonia, from the bloodstream. The blood with high levels of ammonia is transferred to the astrocytes of the cerebral cortex and causes unresponsiveness, forgetfulness, loss of control of some motor functions, and eventually a hepatic coma.
Therefore, we hoped to develop a method to detect ammonia levels. The goal is to apply the results to developing a non-invasive urine test that could help diagnose liver cirrhosis. Existing diagnoses such as blood and imaging tests may be considered invasive or unpleasant or carry unnecessary risks.
Sources:
Armstrong, G. L., Bell, B. P., Farrington, L. A., Hutin, Y. J. F., & Perez, J. F. (2006). The contributions of hepatitis b virus and hepatitis c virus infections to cirrhosis and primary liver cancer worldwide. Journal of Hepatology, 45(4), 529-538. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2006.05.013
http://gamapserver.who.int/gho/interactive_charts/gisah/death_rates_cirrhosis/atlas.html
Biotechnology High School is a life-science founded magnet school based in Freehold, NJ. In 2013, BTHS was ranked the #1 school in New Jersey and #8 in the United States by US News and World Report. At Biotechnology High School, we believe:
- The field of biotechnology affords a tremendous number of career opportunities.
- The goal of biotechnology is a sustainable future for all members of the global community.
- Experience and expertise in various technical laboratory skills is essential for success in life science careers.
- Development of teamwork and problem solving skills is essential for success in the evolving workplace.
- Emphasis on careful consideration of a student’s own choices and actions, and their evaluation of the effects of those choices, is critical to building successful relationships.
- Development of an individual code of moral values through debate and self-reflection will benefit students personally and professionally.
- Project-based learning encourages students to put high level, analytical thinking into practice.
- Integration of technology in academic courses and co-curricular activities prepares students for educational opportunities that are constantly changing.
- Exploration of scholarly research promotes informational literacy and inspires students to design original investigations.
- Independent research enables students to think critically, ask original questions, and propose creative solutions.
- Partnerships with industry, higher education, and community-based organizations provide relevant applications of the curriculum and opportunities to develop workplace readiness and professional networking skills.
- Participation in a shared leadership model promotes citizenship and teamwork.
- Students who achieve cultural competency through studying and appreciating other cultures will be able to make a difference in their community and the world by promoting peace and friendly relations among members of all ethnic groups.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential for personal growth.
- A safe and inviting environment encourages excellence and develops confidence.
- Faculty accessibility promotes student success.
- The inclusion of data review is necessary to improve student learning outcomes