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Lung surfactant is a complex mixture of lipids and proteins which lines the air-water interface in the alveoli in the lungs (site for gas exchange). Lung surfactant is repsonsible for modulating surface tension and reducing the work of breathing. During RET I in Summer 2005, we used the Langmuir-Wilhelmy balance to investigate the inactivation of lung surfactant by serum albumin, which is found to be elevated in the alveolar fluid of patients affected by lung disorders like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and asthma. The ultimate goal of this project is to design a next-generation lung surfactant replacement that delivers a consistent viscosity to the alveoli.
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| Attachment | Size |
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 Download 2005 Research Presentation as a PDF file | 595.42 KB |
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The goal of this cumulative collaborative research project is for high school chemistry students to have real-life context for learning chemistry. Chemistry is all around us but often it is too obscure to relate to. By focusing on everyday products such as shampoos and toothpaste, the fundamentals of chemistry can be learned. The tripartite study, which will cover the California State Standards for chemistry by combining hands-on activities, directed reading thinking activities, and a collaborative research project on selected cleaning products, will result in three products: a board game, a website with on-line trivia, and a scientific documentary.
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| Download Curriculum Project | 136.3 KB |