Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello All!
Thank you for taking the time to read my question.
I am a high school student looking to enter a science fair for the first time.
My idea is to compare the effects of chemicals in vape liquids vs. cigarettes on human cells and see how they affect physical and mental health (hormones, chemicals, vitamins, etc...) and determine which is worse.
As I am a first time student and my teacher isn't very helpful, I am wondering what cells I could use and how to gain access to such chemicals?
Thank you so much,
Cait.

Hi Cait,

This is certainly an interesting question and one with public health relevance as well.

First, based on your outcome measures, it seems you may want an animal model as extrapolating mental health outcomes from a cell culture isn't possible as it requires behavioral assessments. You could, however, examine impacts on neural culture and see if the chemicals result in differing amounts of neural death.

Additionally, for hormonal or more systemic effects, you again would want an animal model as a homogeneous cell culture is only going to allow you to assess changes in those cells--so, any hormones you assess would have to be produced by that cell. For hormonal outcomes you would want a cell culture of endocrine cells.

As far as accessing the chemicals in such products, you can find literature on the individual chemical ingredients and then purchase those individual chemicals for testing.

If you narrow your focus or re-think your outcomes, I can help you figure out what cell culture would be best. Let me know what you decide and best of luck!

Thanks,

Liz

As you think about your project and options, it is important to make sure you check with your teacher for any restrictions and, if this is for a science fair, be sure that you check all rules and regulations and guidelines for Scientific Review Committee.

You can get started here, but you'll need to follow up on the website for any specific fair you are entering:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... mittee-src

Amy
Science Buddies

Thanks for your reply!
I am not allowed to use animals and I think the neural cell culture is a great idea, but... how do I get some to test on? And where do I purchase chemicals.

Thank you so much,
Cait.

embergman wrote:Hi Cait,

This is certainly an interesting question and one with public health relevance as well.

First, based on your outcome measures, it seems you may want an animal model as extrapolating mental health outcomes from a cell culture isn't possible as it requires behavioral assessments. You could, however, examine impacts on neural culture and see if the chemicals result in differing amounts of neural death.

Additionally, for hormonal or more systemic effects, you again would want an animal model as a homogeneous cell culture is only going to allow you to assess changes in those cells--so, any hormones you assess would have to be produced by that cell. For hormonal outcomes you would want a cell culture of endocrine cells.

As far as accessing the chemicals in such products, you can find literature on the individual chemical ingredients and then purchase those individual chemicals for testing.

If you narrow your focus or re-think your outcomes, I can help you figure out what cell culture would be best. Let me know what you decide and best of luck!

Thanks,

Liz

Here is one site that sells human DA induced neurons. (They induce human cells from adult skin to become stem cells, then grow them in an environment that encourages them to become neural.)
https://www.stemcell.com/products/produ ... 01279.html
Keeping neurons alive in culture is no easy task. It requires special incubators designed to keep cells at a perfect temperature, CO2 concentration, and free from infection. Just the kit is likely quite expensive as well. If you are dead set on doing a project involving cultured neurons, I would try to find a university lab near you and see if any scientists are willing to help you with testing your chemicals on some neurons. Start ASAP, as there is usually a lot of paperwork associated with letting high schoolers under 18 be allowed in labs, and finding someone that will go through all that, train you, and let you use their resources will take some time. As Amy said, don't waste a bunch of time on this before you are sure the materials you want to use are even allowed.

Hi Cait,

You can purchase nicotine and other chemical components of cigarettes from companies such as Sigma Aldrich. Always note the hazard and safety materials for chemicals and ensure you have the proper protective equipment before you purchase or handle them. Many of the chemical components of cigarettes are known to be harmful and you should follow all safety precautions as you work with them.

As others have mentioned, make sure you have access to the right tools and that the experiment is feasible before you make purchases. If you don't have access to a culture hood and incubator, cell culture will not be possible.

Good luck!