Analytical Chemistry
To analyze tiny amounts of liquids, scientists often use devices called microfluidic chips, which are small pieces of plastic that are etched or molded with miniscule channels. Although these single-use chips are small, their widespread use in labs, hospitals and point-of-care situations adds up to a lot of plastic pollution. Therefore, researchers reporting in ACS’ journal Analytical Chemistry have developed versatile microfluidic chips made of a renewable, biodegradable and inexpensive resource –– wood.
Microfluidic chips are useful for analyzing small samples, like a single drop of blood, at low cost because only miniscule amounts of expensive reagents are needed. When a fluid flows through the microchannels, it is mixed with certain substances and then analyzed, for example, for the presence of microbes or disease-related proteins. Recently, scientists have tried making microfluidic chips from inexpensive, environmentally friendly resources such as cloth or paper, but these devices are typically limited to relatively simple applications. Govind Rao and colleagues wanted to make a microfluidic device out of low-cost wood that could be used for a variety of purposes.
To make their device, the researchers used a laser printer to engrave tiny channels into birch plywood chips. Then, to prevent liquids from seeping into the porous wood, they coated the channels with a thin layer of Teflon™. When they introduced blue and red food dyes to the tips of Y- and T-shaped patterns of channels, the liquids mixed as efficiently in the wood chips as in conventional plastic devices. The researchers also used the wood chips, in conjunction with a fluorescence technique, to measure the amounts of two proteins and live bacteria, all of which were similar to the amounts determined by a plastic chip. The wood devices were 10–100 times less expensive than comparable plastic ones and more environmentally friendly. Now, the researchers are working on finding a renewable replacement, such as beeswax or natural oils, for the Teflon™ coating.
The authors acknowledge funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the UMBC Technology Catalyst Fund.
Note: ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies.
Image: Wood microfluidic devices could analyze small amounts of liquids in a more environmentally friendly way. Credit: Adapted from Analytical Chemistry2019, DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b01232
Name: Zane Poffenberger
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Maryland General Assembly
Position Title: Legislative Intern
Major(s)/Minor(s): Political Science and History
Work Term: Spring 2019
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.
I interned with Delegate Dana Stein who represents District 11 in Baltimore County and who serves as the Vice Chair of the Environment and Transportation Committee. Most of my time was spent responding to constituent emails and calls, assisting in filing and evaluating scholarship applications for the Delegate's Scholarship awards, researching for/editing testimony for the Delegate's bills, meeting with advocacy groups to hear their concerns if the Delegate was unavailable, and providing any other assistance to the Delegate or my supervisor.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I found the position through the Career Center who subsequently connected me with Dr. Hussey who is the advisor for internships in the public policy area. I heard about the position in early October and submitted my application at the end of October. I then had an interview with Delegate Stein's Legislative Director in mid- November and was offered the position.
Which resources did you use to find your current experience?
UMBCworks, Faculty Connections
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?
The most enjoyable part of my position was being able to see government and public policy operating in real time. The Maryland General Assembly introduces over 3,000 bills per year, so it was really interesting to see what bills and topics were given priority in being debated and signed into law. It was also interesting to see all the moving parts within state government such as the legislature, the Governor's office, outside interest groups, and constituents. I really enjoyed being able to engage in the process of policy through helping Delegate Stein with his legislative goals.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I think I made an impact by making sure that citizens in District 11 received a response on the topic they emailed or called about. I also think meeting with interest groups that were made up of District 11 citizens was impactful as it was great to talk about issues and the passion they had for the subject at hand.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Go for it. Apply for a position or to an organization that shares your interests and passions. Do not be afraid to ask for help from resources such as the Career Center as they are great in helping you get the assistance you need. The Career Center is a great resource that provides resume building help, mock interviews, and internship search guidance. Their services are helpful, supportive, and most importantly free of charge!
Connect with Zane:
Twitter - zaner23
Instagram - zaner12345
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Want to be the next Intern of the Week? Make sure to fill out this form and stay tuned. New interns are announced every Friday!
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There is something deliciously sweet about Jakob Ogawa’s voice, and from the moment he and his band stepped onto Songbyrd’s stage on August 10, the music began to flow. All the way from Norway, Ogawa is touring in the U.S. for the first time.
The combination of his sultry voice and inexplicably catchy synthesizer along with a hook-based bassline creates his atmospheric sound. Some bedroom pop artists do not necessarily hold up post-production, but the instrumentals created by guitarist Georg Minos, bassist Axel Øksby, drummer Lauritz Kaasa and keyboardist Oscar Valland Lund are catchy and blissful. Not to mention Ogawa’s perfect tonality.
And though he has only released a few EPs, Ogawa’s fans keep going back for more. The most recent single, “All I Wanna Do,” leans into a bouncing bassline and features his obviously provocative lyrics while still maintaining a boyish innocence. One of the best parts about Ogawa’s emotive lyrics is that though they do not make the listener think deeply, they absolutely yank at their heartstrings.
On stage, he towered over his (also tall) bandmates, swinging his arms back and forth in a contagiously goofy dance. There were a few streaks of light glitter under his eyes, and as someone from the audience complimented it, he broke into a smile. “Oscar has some too!” he said gleefully, pointing to the keyboardist who beamed, stood up and waved. Ogawa has the most infectious stage presence. He is a prime example of how easy it is to interact with a crowd when you really love your music.
“You Might Be Sleeping,” one of his most popular songs, features Clairo on the vocals. While performing, he turned the microphone around on the audience, who gladly sang along to the higher lyrics. “And in the morning you might be here / You might be sleeping without a care / And in the morning I’ll be here / You might be dreaming, play with your hair,” he sang, eyes shut until the last lyric when he turned to an audience member and winked.
Though their set was short, as they have not released many songs, they threw in a cover of “Hey Ya” by Outkast. There was not one moment during the whole set that Ogawa and the rest of the band did not seem endlessly grateful.
Photo credit: Jakob Ogawa on Songbyrd’s stage. Photo by Anjali DasSarma.
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