Research Project: Information and examples

A investigation project It is a methodological document in which the procedures to be undertaken are described and explained in detail, hypothesis that pursues and bibliographic support available to a future exploration (research) in a specific area of ​​knowledge, such as sciences, social Sciences, the humanities, etc.

Research projects are frequent in the academic field and in the Technological scientist, in which a specialized jury must evaluate a researcher or group of them and confer a university degree or a financing fee (or both). In fact, degree theses are usually preceded by research projects in which it is made clear what it is that you intend to do and how.

Types of research

Since there are various ways to investigate, the research projects will be adapted to the requirements of their respective research, which may be of the following types, according to the nature of their objectives:

Parts of a research project

A standard research project should have most of the following inputs:

Research project example

Tentative title:

Experimental verification of the enzymatic effects of rattlesnake venom

Problem Statement

Hundreds of people worldwide, especially in jungle or desert countries, perish each year from rattlesnake bites (Crotalus sp.), one of the most poisonous on the American continent. It is estimated that within a few hours after the bite, the neurotoxic effect of the snake ends the life of an adult male. Many local laboratories undertake the manufacture of antidotes, but it is expensive and time-consuming to produce. A more intensive study of the nature of these poisons would be the key to be able to undertake more effective short-term solutions to the bite of these snakes.

Background

Various studies in the area of ​​toxicology point to this problem, but from the perspectives strictly social, leaving out the biochemical issue that we propose to delve into this investigation. Teachers as Stidworthy et. to the. have carried out extensive work to recognize these animals and his observations on the rapidity of the effect of these poisons is a good starting point for our investigation.

Justification

Poisons in nature are nothing but enzymes modified for a defensive or predatory function. Snake venom, in that sense, is a digestive enzyme that makes its bite lethal, and that is why it can be studied as if it were any protein, and therefore respond to hot and to pH as these compounds do. A biochemical analysis of this nature would allow to find exploitable weaknesses in the venom in the development of an antidote or alternative treatments for the bitten.

Theoretical framework

Apart from Stidworthy's descriptive considerations, we will use Lennman's biochemistry as a reference in the decomposition of protein due to the effect of heat and pH, in order to check if the poison responds in the same way to these stimuli. We will also rely on the work on proteins by González and Martínez, whose observations will be useful in recognizing the results.

goals

Methodological framework

There will be a complete laboratory equipment, as well as the necessary reagents (bases and acids, rattlesnake poison in its pure form), plus pH meters, thermometers, a lighter and ice dry. In addition, laboratory mice (12 approx) will be used for this.

The experiment will consist of injecting the venom into a first mouse (control) and measuring the time it takes to take effect. Then subjecting the poison to the action of an agent (temperature or pH) in different degrees and injecting it into others mice and measure the time of effectiveness of the venom to take note of the variations (slowness or ineffectiveness).

This experiment will require an investment of USD 100,000 in total, broken down in the attached table (see Annex 1), and It will take a total time of two days, during which time it will proceed as indicated by the available schedule (see Annex 2).

Bibliographic references

González S. and Rodríguez P. 1980. Protein. Caracas: Monte Ávila Editores.
Lennman, R. 1999. All about biochemistry. Madrid: Saen editores.
Stidworthy J. 1974. Snakes of the world. Chicago: Dunlap Inc.
American Institute of Toxicology. 2004. Report on rattlesnake bite in America in 2003. VVAA. Panama: Gedisa.

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