Genes and Mutations: Using GEO2R and STRING to Understand Human Disease
This tutorial introduces students to how gene expression changes and genetic variants contribute to human disease. Students will analyze gene expression datasets from NCBI GEO using GEO2R to identify genes that are differentially expressed in disease. They will then use STRING to visualize interactions among these genes and identify key KEGG pathways involved. To connect gene expression changes to genetic causes, students will explore online variant databases to examine mutations and predict their potential impact on a disease. By the end of the tutorial, students will understand how scientists integrate gene expression data and genetic variants to study disease and inform diagnosis and targeted treatment strategies.
Lead Organizer: Sanvi Challa
Bioprinting: How we print Living Tissue
Bioprinting is an emerging technology that allows scientists to actually "print" living cells to create tissues and organs. In this workshop, students can learn why bioprinting was created and needed, how bioprinters work, what bioink is, and how digital designs become living structures. We would walk through real examples of bioprinted tissues and models and could discuss the biological, engineering, and ethical challenges behind printing life.
Lead Organizer: Jia Modi