Statement of the Problem
Background
This project aims to aid Professor Bittman’s
lab in the Biology Department at the University of Massachusetts
Amherst in their study of circadian rhythms in
un-tethered rodents. The circadian
rhythm is generated by a biological clock, primarily entrained by sunlight,
which regulates many biological processes in both plants and animals. In conducting experiments on circadian
rhythms, Dr. Bittman would like to monitor the body
temperatures of un-tethered rodents over an extended period of time. The goal of this project is to design and
prototype such a temperature monitoring system.
Design
Following is a functional description of the design:
- Design
and prototype must be delivered in approximately 7 months.
- The
solution is cost effective.
- The
prototype is reusable.
- The
prototype can record temperatures ranging from 36-40 degrees Celsius.
- The
device must be accurate to within a tenth (0.1) of a degree Celsius.
- Prototype
must be housed in sterile casing.
- Prototype
should not interfere with the animals’ biological processes, thus
corrupting the data acquired.
- The
prototype must be capable of sampling and recording temperature every
30-60 minutes. Ideally, 10 min intervals could be used.
- Temperature
readings will be collected and transmitted via communication link (TBD)
to a PC.
- GUI will
be used to interface with the prototype and display temperature data
acquired by prototype.
- GUI
will be used to specify the period of sampling and the rate of sampling
of the prototype.
- The
final prototype will include necessary documentation that will aid the
client in using the prototype correctly.
- The
prototype will have the ability to measure core or epidermal
temperature.
- Prototype
is imbedded (invasive surgery required) in rodent to measure core
temperature.
Deliverables
The Team will deliver a functioning prototype and fulfills
the requirements stated above to the Biology department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to further their
research on circadian rhythms. The
team will deliver software to accompany the prototype. A docking mechanism
and connecting cables will also be provided to interface the prototype with
the software. Necessary documentation and training will be provided on how to
use the prototype and accompanying software.
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