Janis Weeks, Ph.D. InVivo Biosystems

Microfluidic EPG Recordings From Diverse Nematode Species

View from the Bench / By Janis Weeks, Ph.D. / November 20, 2020 November 30, 2020

The InVivo Biosystem ScreenChip platform was developed for C. elegans, which is a free-living (non-parasitic) species that feeds on bacteria and has both hermaphroditic and male sexes. However, C. elegans represents only one of the estimated 1 million members of the highly diverse phylum Nematoda, of which only ~25,000 species have been described. In addition to free-living species, other nematodes parasitize humans, animals or plants, with significant medical, veterinary and economic consequences. To demonstrate the utility of microfluidic EPG recordings from species beyond C. elegans, we adapted the platform to record from human and animal parasites, male and female members of a dioecious species, and a carnivorous nematode.

Bacteria, protozoa and nematodes, oh my!: seeking new drugs against COVID-19

Disease Modeling, Drug Discovery / By Janis Weeks, Ph.D. / April 29, 2020 November 10, 2020

Our co-founder discusses how looking outside the box of conventional antiviral drugs has been a fruitful approach to seeking new drugs against SARS-CoV-2.

Flint water crisis. Man holding young girl.

Where the Lead Leads: Seeking Mechanisms of Action in C. elegans for Neurotoxic Effects of Lead

Disease Modeling, View from the Bench / By Janis Weeks, Ph.D. / October 30, 2019 November 10, 2020

Neurotoxin exposure is implicated in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Traditionally, vertebrate animals such as rodents and fish have been used for experimental work in neurotoxicology. However, researchers are increasingly turning to invertebrates such as the nematode, C. elegans, for a variety of compelling reasons

Dog being handed between rescuers after Hurricane Katrina

Bayer and NemaMetrix present C. elegans results at Parasitic Helminths conference in Greece

Disease Modeling, News & Announcements / By Janis Weeks, Ph.D. / October 11, 2019 November 10, 2020

How are extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Katrina, spreading heartworms and other parasitic nematodes and what are the implications of their spread?

Hurricanes and Heartworms; Extreme Weather Events Spread Worms

Disease Modeling / By Janis Weeks, Ph.D. / October 7, 2019 November 10, 2020

How are extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Katrina, spreading heartworms and other parasitic nematodes and what are the implications of their spread?

The Evolution of Drug Resistance; an Issue of “When, not if”

Disease Modeling, Drug Toxicity, View from the Bench / By Janis Weeks, Ph.D. / September 25, 2019 November 10, 2020

Drug resistance in many pathogens — viruses, bacteria, protozoa, parasitic worms and more — presents a growing and potentially catastrophic challenge to human and animal health. Resistance is manifested by a decreased ability, or complete failure, of previously-effective drugs to successfully prevent or clear infections. Well-known human examples include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA); multi-drug resistant …

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