Kratsios Lab Enhances Mind and Brain

Upper School Science students explored neurobiology in a pair of labs facilitated by University of Chicago doctoral students. 

In her Mind and Brain class, Science teacher Bridget Lesinski leads students on a semester-long study of the brain and human behavior. Lesinski looks for opportunities to bring the outside world into the classroom and expose students to the world of scientific research. She was introduced to a lab at the University of Chicago conducting amazing basic neuroscience research, and, seeking to understand ALS better, she was excited to partner with them.

In the weeks prior to and following April Recess, Lesinski invited scientists from the University of Chicago’s Kratsios Lab to her class to share more about their work in the lab and orchestrate some activities related to motor neuron disease.

In their first gathering, students learned more about motor neurons, ALS and the importance of cells in helping genes develop unique identities. Students learned how scientists determined which genes were important for human development and how the genetic simplicity of the model organism C elegans, a type of roundworm—with only 302 neurons—allowed scientists to identify exactly which cells within it were motor neurons.

Students encountered different C elegans specimens under a microscope and had to ascertain whether they presented normal or abnormal movement. Normal or “wildtype” C elegans presents as fluid “S”-shaped motion. The same species with mutations displays erratic, non-fluid behavior in comparison. After comparing notes, students were able to determine which worms inherited a mutation in a motor neuron gene based on observation alone.

Kratsios Lab scientists returned to Parker following April Recess to teach students more about motor neuron function. The researchers reviewed facts related to ALS—the most common motor neuron disease—before detailing its pathology and ultimate effect on the neuromuscular junction: diminished physical ability. Students learned that doctors recognize and diagnose ALS by measuring the electrical signals in nerve conduction studies and electromyography. They then had the opportunity to conduct electromyography on each other in a hands-on lab experience. A highlight was being able to connect two different students' muscles through electrodes, which allowed one student’s bicep to control the other student’s hands and fingers without their voluntary control.

In May, these students will take a field trip to the Kratsios Lab at the University of Chicago, where they will get a chance to learn more about the molecular mechanisms of motor neuron development and disease.

Check out photos from these experiences here.