The document summarizes three research seminars attended by the author. The first seminar presented new techniques for analyzing crystals, including thermo gravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, and mass spectrometry. The second seminar discussed research on how nerve growth factor in rats is modified under conditions of high blood pressure. The third seminar presented new treatment approaches for epilepsy based on studying transcription factors to generate pluripotent cells that can replace damaged cells.

1. Seminars Essay<br />Omar Padilla Vélez ----- RISE Program<br />Throughout the semester we had the opportunity to attend several research seminars. Professional researchers presented and explained some of their ongoing works. They also talked about the advantages of doing research and studying in their respective universities. These seminars are a great tool that will help us decide if we want to pursue a career in research.<br />The first seminar was given by Dr. Andrew McGie from the University of Pennsylvania. The doctor presented us with new techniques for melting and analysis of crystals. The first technique was Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). Its main purpose is to measures the amount of weight change of a material, as a function of increasing temperature or time duration. This method can be used to analyze any kind of material. Another technique that the doctor used was differential thermal analysis (DTA). DTA is used to study transformations and changes in material based on temperature changes. The analyzed material is compared to an inert substance that had the same conditions to see the differences and analyze them. The last technique presented was mass spectrometry (MS) which consists of ionizing chemical compounds and introducing a charge to identify the components by analyzing their mass to charge ratio.<br />The second seminar was about the study of neurotrophic factors in vertebrate animals. Dr. John Spitsbergen from North Michigan University talked about how the nerve growth factor (NGF) in rats is modified. NGF is produced by skeletal muscle and is the one responsible of maintaining nerves alive and helping them to make specific connections. The research was made with the use of hypertensive rats, which develop high blood pressure easily. With the blocking of nitrous oxide and the supply of a high level sodium diet, high blood pressure was inducted into the rats. NGF production increased because the blood vessel suffered more activity and as a result they needed more support from the nerve cells. <br />The third seminar given by Lori Isom was about new treatment for the epilepsy disease. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures from abnormal nerves impulses. This causes involuntary movements and malfunctions of other cells in the patient. The researchers studied the transcription factors to form any type of cell. This would allow the production of pluripotent cells that are able to take any kind of function in the body. This way the damaged cell from epilepsy can be replaced with new and healthy ones. This type of cells could also be engineered to attack a specific type of pathogenic agents or tumors. <br />The works presented in these seminars are important for a better life in the future. Each one contributes a new way of combating diseases or creating new tools for our benefit. The new techniques for analyzing materials presented by Dr. McGie can help in the manufacturing of tools that would not cause damage to the environment. The other studies bring new ways of understanding diseases and conditions to properly treat them and cause less damage to the patients. Dr. Isom’s research could revolutionize the medical world. If the doctor is successful in creating this pluripotent cells, many conditions and diseases could be eradicated because the treatment of replacing damage cells with new ones would be very effective. <br />