Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi, I was really interested in the whole idea of the kidney project, but for the science fair I am participating in, the posted project "Creating A Kidney: Determining the Best Microenvironment" due next Friday, I must also further my research by creating an experiment. I was wondering if there was any way to create an affordable and short experiment to test the results of my research? Please and thank you for your time!

Hi Nobaed,

What a great project to look into! This topic is really applicable as well, especially with the recent rise of bioengineering and 3D printing.

It's important to understand that an experiment, by definition, doesn't have to be the conventional "hands-on" project--a bioinformatics experiment (i.e. researching databases to test a question) does count as an experiment as well. However, I definitely understand if you want to create something more "experiment-like" to supplement your study's results.

If you look at the "Make It Your Own" section, that could help you find an idea to modify and add to your project: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... eityourown

Personally, I think it would make for an interesting study to repeat the project procedure for different organs and test if the same method could work.
To transform this study into a lab-style project would require antibodies, cell lines, etc. that aren't ordinarily available (especially on short notice) to students... however, if you have the resources (such as access to a university lab), you could definitely look into experimenting biologically as well.

Please post back with which route you'd like to take! I'd be happy to guide you further once I hear what path most interests you.

Hope this helps,
ScibuddyAK

Thank you for the help!! I might try to further the project more with the first variation on differentiating pluripotent stem cells into Bowman's capsule cells..

I started the project and I got to the database part but the Millipore database posted isn't currently working because the website was redesigned, I was wondering whether there was another website I could use instead in order to complete the data table?

Hi Nobaed,

Hmm... that's weird! I will reach out to other Experts right now and let you know if there is an alternative database that you can use to find the same information. Most probably there will be one--I just need to find it!

scibuddyAK

Hi Nobaed,

I just heard back from the other Experts--the Science Buddies team is aware of the problem. New steps for the procedure are currently being written and will be available shortly. Hopefully they'll be able to help you greatly!

Thanks for your patience!
scibuddyAK