A Study of the Dynamics of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) using Various Models for Generating Action Potentials within Neurons
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
18-4-2016 10:00 AM
End Date
18-4-2016 11:30 AM
Student's Major
Mathematics and Statistics
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Namyong Lee
Mentor's Department
Mathematics and Statistics
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. ALS leads to loss of control of one’s body. Starting with difficulty in speaking, swallowing and eventually breathing. ALS has no known cure and the cause of most cases is unknown. With an increasing life expectancy, 68 years in 1960 and 79 years in 2012, the rarity of ALS has seen a decline. As we see the life expectancy of the human race increase, we see an increase in the likelihood of errors and degradation within human bodies. Studying how ALS initiates, operates and progresses uncovers details about ALS, and is applicable in the realm of all neurodegenerative diseases. Through the use of various models such as the Hodgkin-Huxley model (1952), the Morris-Lecar model (1981), and the FitzHugh-Nagumo (1961), it is possible to visualize the dynamics of the inner workings of neurons and the actions potentials they create. These models were used to illuminate how ALS leads to the death of neural propagation through axons when axial blockage is encountered.
A Study of the Dynamics of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) using Various Models for Generating Action Potentials within Neurons
CSU Ballroom
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. ALS leads to loss of control of one’s body. Starting with difficulty in speaking, swallowing and eventually breathing. ALS has no known cure and the cause of most cases is unknown. With an increasing life expectancy, 68 years in 1960 and 79 years in 2012, the rarity of ALS has seen a decline. As we see the life expectancy of the human race increase, we see an increase in the likelihood of errors and degradation within human bodies. Studying how ALS initiates, operates and progresses uncovers details about ALS, and is applicable in the realm of all neurodegenerative diseases. Through the use of various models such as the Hodgkin-Huxley model (1952), the Morris-Lecar model (1981), and the FitzHugh-Nagumo (1961), it is possible to visualize the dynamics of the inner workings of neurons and the actions potentials they create. These models were used to illuminate how ALS leads to the death of neural propagation through axons when axial blockage is encountered.
Recommended Citation
Woyda, Reed. "A Study of the Dynamics of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) using Various Models for Generating Action Potentials within Neurons." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 18, 2016.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2016/poster-session-A/60
