We introduce a structural method used for quantifying the spatial heterogeneity(or clumpiness) of viral syncytial cells in a transfection bioassay. The solution lies in an inter-disciplinary process based on simplicial topology being applied to a biological system. Our method revolves around using topological theories including Delaunay tessellations and Voronoi graphs to signify cell-cell interaction probability. The main emphasis is the subset of Delaunay tessellation called Alpha shapes. By applying a filtration to the overall Delaunay tessellation, we can obtain unique Alpha Shapes that have cell-cell interactions removed. The emphasis of the filtration is to find the correct shape where there were no connection crossing syncytia, only between healthy neighborhoods of cells. The process allows for the associated alpha number to be assigned to the clumpiness. Alpha numbers can then be used to separate different bioassays, or quantify temporal changes found in a single viral transfection due to syncytia.

In virology, mathematical models are often deployed to examine and test various behaviors of viruses. For example, one for the flu it is speculated that lethality is linked to the virus’s ability to propagate down the trachea, specifically in how ciliated cells push virus up through mucous layers in a process known as advection. We propose a model for this process, believing that this model can reveal links and critical points between lethality and advection. To solve this model, we utilize three techniques: Laplacian transform, non-linear analysis, and quasi-state analysis. We discuss the findings of each method.

Our neighboring galaxies, the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), interact with each other as they move through the hot, outer region of the Milky Way. This interaction can pull and sweep away gas from the edges of the galaxies, forming large, stretched-out clouds of gas. The LMC has two gas filaments that resemble arms, which connect to a region where stars are formed, possibly hinting toward their origin or their final destination. In this study, we used radio observations and data from the Hubble Space Telescope to search for signs of these gas arms near the star-forming region. We find a continuous stream of gas that could be the arms located at least partially in front of the LMC. The positioning of these arms raises two competing questions: 1) Is the gas flow fueling new star formation in the LMC, or 2) Is gas from exploded stars in the LMC flowing out into these arms? While the inflow of gas makes sense for these gas flows, we also conducted simulations of outflows from the starburst region. Our results suggest that it is possible for debris from exploded stars to be swept into the arms. Future observations will help us better reconstruct the arms’ evolutionary history.

Star clusters are incredibly useful tools in the pursuit of understanding our Universe better. They can be used to discover how our Galaxy, the Milky Way, formed and evolved over time, delve into the secrets of how stars form and even track how the different chemistry around our Galaxy. However, determining whether a group of stars is truly a star cluster or just a group of stars is a difficult task. In this poster, we will go over what a star cluster is, how we determine membership of the star cluster and the current work we are doing to investigate galactic chemical abundance gradients using star clusters.

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, with over 20 million new cases diagnosed annually. Conventional treatments like chemotherapy, while effective, often require high doses due to non-specific targeting, leading to severe side effects. To overcome these limitations, we developed a targeted drug delivery platform using graphene quantum dots (GQDs), which offer high biocompatibility, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence, and photothermal properties. In this study, hyaluronic acid-conjugated GQDs HA-GQDs and RGQDs, synthesized top down from reduced graphene oxide, are loaded with doxorubicin, paclitaxel, and gemcitabine, were tested in vitro using a custom-built, fully automated system for NIR laser irradiation and real-time spectral monitoring. Drug release was triggered by GQD-mediated photothermal heating and evaluated via MTT assays and fluorescence tracking. This work presents a novel, cost-effective nanocarbon-based drug delivery system integrating targeted therapy and photothermal control for enhanced cancer treatment.