Montana State University assistant professor Eric Sproles, left, and graduate student Briana Whitehead, are pictured Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Bozeman, Montana. They have begun testing new methods of measuring snowpack levels with a grant from the Bureau of Reclamation. MSU photo by Colter Peterson

BOZEMAN – With a nearly $1 million grant from the federal Bureau of Reclamation, snow and water scientists at Montana State University have begun testing new methods of measuring snowpack levels with the goal of improving water forecasting for drought, flood and irrigation management in the U.S.

Eric Sproles, assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Earth Sciences in the College of Letters and Science, said the MSU-led project is one of 15 similar proposals funded by the bureau’s Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program to evaluate advanced snow-monitoring technologies for water supply forecasting and it’s the only one with fieldwork based in Montana’s Upper Missouri Headwaters basin, from which water for irrigation and other uses flows downstream to significantly populated areas.

That work will be conducted over three years by Sproles and Briana Whitehead, an earth sciences doctoral student who holds a master’s degree from MSU’s Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences. Scientists at Syracuse University and the University of Texas, who are partners on the grant, will assist with collecting and analyzing the data.

“We’re testing a lot of new approaches to measure snowpack to see if and how much we improve streamflow predictions,” Sproles said. “We’re looking at new ways to better measure snowpack across the western U.S.”

For decades, he explained, snowpack has been measured by antifreeze-filled bladders known as “snow pillows,” which are placed on the ground at elevations where the average annual snowpack accumulates. The pressure of the snow on the pillows is recorded and transmitted via telemetry to the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which operates the SNOTEL monitoring and reporting system. While snow pillows continue to operate and provide meaningful water resource data, this project looks to identify and test newer technologies to augment the existing SNOTEL network, Sproles said.

MSU’s project will evaluate emerging sensor technologies that measure snow water using gamma and cosmic rays, which are naturally occurring energy sources that become muffled or attenuated by snowpack. The sensors will measure the degree of attenuation, and scientists will run a series of calculations on those data to determine snow water measurements.

The testing is taking place at the Tenderfoot Creek Experimental Forest in central Montana, where stream gauges are already in place to measure snowmelt runoff. The team recently placed a permanently mounted cosmic ray sensor in the forest, which will continuously transmit real-time data.

“And while the snow pillow measures only several square feet, the cosmic ray sensor will measure approximately 22 acres – it will give us a much better representation at hourly intervals,” Sproles said.

By contrast, tests also will be performed with a drone-mounted gamma ray sensor capable of measuring hundreds of acres at a time, but only while the drone is in the air.

The team will test another drone-borne sensor with light detection and ranging, or lidar, technology. Sproles explained it will measure snow depths at a very high resolution – every 4 square inches – and be able to differentiate snow depth in proximity to various landscape features like trees and meadows.

“We will compare the snow-pillow method with these new approaches to see if and how much we improve streamflow predictions,” Sproles said. “We’ll see which is better, and how much water is coming out at the end.”

He noted that average snowpack elevations are rising under current climate trends, and that some of the technologies being tested by the MSU team will be able to access those higher elevations more easily than is possible with current methods.

A Bureau of Reclamation fact sheet on the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program states that the agency seeks to develop a portfolio of complementary technologies to enhance snow monitoring and water supply forecasts.

“We’re trying to improve SNOTEL, not replace it,” explained Whitehead, who has worked for USDA/NRCS as a geographic information specialist and soil conservationist in the Bozeman region since 2019 and plans to conduct her doctoral research on the project.

She said her longtime interest in water resources was strengthened when she served with the Peace Corps in Ghana from 2014 to 2016.

“I saw first-hand how water resources can impact subsistence farming, soil health and agroforestry,” she said.

In the Upper Missouri Headwaters, Sproles added, it’s equally important that people recognize the importance of snow.

“Snow is a resource – snow is water,” he said. “What’s really important about these projects is we’re hoping to advise and better inform water resource management.”

Bozeman – The Gallatin County Fairgrounds is excited to announce the next step in the ‘Fairgrounds Future’ Master Planning process with the opening of the online public sentiment survey. This is the second part of the initial public engagement for this large-scale project that began with focus groups and an open house at the fairgrounds in late February/early March of this year.

The fairgrounds asks that people limit survey responses to one per person, but to please share the link widely to anyone who would like to offer feedback and be a part of this exciting process. The survey will be online at GallatinCountyFairgrounds.com or using this link between March 21 and April 29.

The purpose of the ‘Fairgrounds Future’ Master Planning Project is to update the fairgrounds facility so that it can better serve the community of Gallatin County year-round. “There are so many wonderful memories that have been made on these grounds,” said Caitlin Quisenberry, Fairgrounds Director, “but many of the buildings on site are in a state of disrepair or too small to be able to fully serve the population of user groups anymore.”

The feedback from this survey will be used to guide the vision for future improvements and development on the fairgrounds property, located in northeast Bozeman. “At the end of this project, we’ll see some new and improved spaces that honor our current users and community while also welcoming some new ones. This survey will be helpful in understanding how best to do that,” said Quisenberry.

The Gallatin County Fairgrounds is a department of the Gallatin County Government and hosts the annual Big Sky Country State Fair in July. This project is not related to the annual fair or its programming, but rather the year-round facilities and their users. The fair will continue to be hosted at the fairgrounds every year, but it might see some impacts from this project during the different phases on construction.

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment related to the environmental impacts of the proposed list of funding awards for the 2024 Trail Stewardship Program (TSP) grant cycle. This year the program is recommending $2,000,000 in grant funds to 36 projects around the state.

In total, FWP received 40 applications requesting $2.33 million in funding. Applications were submitted by federal and state agencies, towns, cities, counties, recreational clubs and nonprofit organizations. Eligible projects include development and rehabilitation work on urban, rural, and backcountry trails; construction of new trails and facilities; and snowmobile and cross-country ski trail maintenance and grooming operations.

The 2024 application process was highly competitive with many strong projects proposed. FWP staff conducted an internal review and scoring of applications. In addition, State Trails Advisory Committee (STAC) members reviewed applications and met March 5 and 6 in Great Falls to provide feedback on projects and make recommendations to FWP for distribution of the funds.  

A list of the proposed grant recipients is available at: fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/trail-stewardship/public-comment. Some projects are proposed to receive full funding, while others are proposed to receive partial awards.

Comments will be accepted in writing to P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701, and by email to: TSPGrants@mt.gov.

Comments will be accepted until April 3, at 5 p.m.

As you age, your bodies naturally produce less of certain hormones. This decline can lead to symptoms that greatly impact your quality of life. Fortunately, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers a solution for many people. But with various HRT options available, how do you know which is right for you? This article explores hormone pellet therapy, a unique and increasingly popular method for HRT, to help you decide if it might be the key to regaining your balance.

Understanding Hormone Decline and Its Effects:
The hormones play a vital role in regulating numerous bodily functions. Estrogen and testosterone, for example, influence energy levels, mood, metabolism, and sexual health. As you age, the production of these hormones naturally declines. In women, this decline is most pronounced during menopause, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. Men, on the other hand, experience a more gradual decrease in testosterone levels throughout their lifespan, often referred to as andropause.
 
The symptoms of hormone decline can vary depending on the individual and the specific hormones affected. However, some common issues include:
 

 
These symptoms can impact your daily life, leaving you feeling drained, frustrated, and disconnected from yourself.

Traditional HRT Options and Their Limitations:
Traditional HRT comes in various forms, including pills, creams, gels, and patches. These methods deliver synthetic hormones, aiming to replace the declining levels in the body. While they can be effective in mitigating symptoms, there are some limitations to consider:
 
Fluctuations in Hormone Levels: Oral medications can lead to spikes and dips in hormone levels throughout the day, potentially causing side effects.
 
Delivery Methods: Creams, gels, and patches may have inconsistent absorption rates, impacting effectiveness.
 
Bypassing the Digestive System: Oral medications can strain the liver as the digestive system processes them.

Understanding This Therapy:
It offers a unique approach to HRT. Here's a breakdown of this method:
 
The Pellets: Tiny pellets, typically made from bioidentical hormones (hormones with a similar molecular structure to those produced by the body), are used in this therapy.
 
The Procedure: A healthcare professional inserts these pellets during a simple in-office procedure. The insertion site is usually the buttocks or hip area. The method is minimally invasive and typically involves local anesthesia.
 
The Release: Once inserted, the pellets slowly release hormones into the bloodstream over several months, providing a steady and consistent dose.

Potential Benefits of This Therapy:
Compared to traditional HRT options, hormone pellet therapy offers several potential advantages:
 
Consistent Hormone Levels: The continuous release from the pellets helps maintain stable hormone levels throughout the day, potentially reducing side effects associated with fluctuations.
 
Reduced Dosing Frequency: With pellets lasting for several months, the need for frequent medication administration is eliminated.
 
Bypassing the First-Pass Effect: Unlike oral medications, pellets release hormones directly into the bloodstream, avoiding processing by the liver.
 
Potential for Improved Sexual Function: Studies suggest it may improve sexual function in both men and women experiencing a decline due to hormonal changes.

Exploring if it is Right for You
While it offers promising benefits, it's important to remember that it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if it's right for you:
 
Your Health: Discuss your medical history and current health status with your doctor. Certain medical conditions may make hormone therapy unsuitable.
 
Your Symptoms: Be aware of the specific symptoms you want to address through HRT.
 
Your Expectations: Hormone therapy is not a magic bullet. Discuss realistic expectations with your doctor regarding symptom improvement and potential side effects.
 
It's crucial to find a qualified healthcare professional experienced in this therapy. They can assess your needs, determine if you're a good candidate for this therapy, and monitor your progress throughout treatment.

Summing it Up:
In conclusion, hormone pellet therapy presents a unique option for individuals seeking relief from symptoms associated with hormonal decline. Offering potentially more stable hormone levels and a convenient dosing method can improve the quality of life for many people.
 
However, the decision to pursue this therapy or any form of HRT should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. They can guide you through the process, address your needs and concerns, and ensure the chosen HRT approach is safe and effective.
 
Remember, taking charge of your health includes asking questions, understanding your options, and advocating for yourself. With open communication and a collaborative approach with your doctor, you can explore if it can help you regain balance and live a more fulfilling life.
 
 

BOZEMAN — A Montana State University researcher was recently awarded a $2.76 million, five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health to help find pre-symptom evidence of the onset of osteoarthritis, a disease that affects one in seven Americans.   

Osteoarthritis, or OA, is an often-painful disease resulting from the breakdown of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, according to Ron June, professor of mechanical engineering in the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering. A degenerative disease, OA is the fourth most common cause of disability globally and can often require joint-replacement surgery.   

“This project has the potential to lead to earlier diagnosis of osteoarthritis, which might allow patients to improve their joint pain before the disease becomes irreversible.” said Dilpreet Bajwa, head of MSU’s Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. 

June said the fluid that surrounds joints, known as synovial fluid, may hold the key to early diagnosis of OA.   

“The first symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness in the affected joints. But we think there could be molecular changes at least 10 years before the onset of symptoms,” June said. “There are a lot of signals of the disease inside a joint’s synovial fluid.”  

Also on the project are Mark Greenwood, MSU professor of mathematical sciences; Brian Bothner, director of MSU’s Mass Spectrometry Core Facility; and Don Smith, manager of the core facility. June said his lab and MSU’s Mass Spectrometry Facility have teamed up in the search for pre-symptomatic signs of the disease, which would enable affected patients to take potentially beneficial steps to reduce the severity of symptoms.   

“My lab has developed the ability to measure thousands of small molecules called metabolites in human synovial fluid, which is a thick, viscous fluid that surrounds joints,” June said. “Mark Greenwood has developed a particular method for statistical learning based on these metabolites, which helps us to identify microscopic abnormalities in the metabolites that would indicate the onset of OA.”   

June is also working with researchers at Oxford University.   

“Oxford has the largest set of clinical synovial fluid from osteoarthritic patients in the world,” he said. “They have samples of people from before they had symptoms all the way through the end stages. We have access to their samples.”  

June, who won a prestigious CAREER award from the National Science Foundation in 2016, expects those samples to help him develop metrics to identify arthritic joints as early as possible. The first stage, he said, is to profile the metabolites from more than 1,000 patients with and without OA. From that data, he will develop predictive algorithms to detect early-stage OA. 

“We will then profile the blood of a subset of those patients and hope to also develop a predictive algorithm using a simple blood sample, as opposed to needing synovial fluid, which is more invasive to the patient to obtain,” June said.   

He said he chose to focus his research interest exclusively on OA because it was an opportunity for his work to make a meaningful impact on society.   

“When I was finishing my Ph.D., I asked myself what problem is worth spending my career on,” said June, who came to MSU in 2011. “I thought with the demographic of having an aging population, and osteoarthritis being one of the world’s most widespread diseases, if I could figure out how to detect its onset earlier or to help improve care, it would be an important contribution.”  

Early detection, June said, would allow pre-symptomatic OA patients to take preventative measures to limit potential negative outcomes.   

“It has become clear that for as many as 50% of OA patients, appropriate intervention, including physical therapy and activities that promote movement such as yoga, can help prevent the need for joint replacement surgery,” he said.

BOZEMAN -- The Bozeman Symphony’s fifth classical concert of the 2023/24 season, Elgar’s Enigma Variations, in April will also include Principal Oboist Sandy Stimson’s performance of Nigel Westlake’s Spirit of the Wild.

This concert opens with Hailstork’s An American Port of Call, unleashing the energy of a busy North American port city. Sandy Stimson, the Bozeman Symphony’s beloved principal oboist will then take center stage to perform Westlake’s Spirit of the Wild. This work utilizes the oboe to depict the diverse majesty of Western Tasmania’s wilderness. Rounding out the program is a classic masterpiece, Elgar’s Enigma Variations. The concert will conclude with Variations for Orchestra on an Original Theme, Op. 26 “Enigma,” an orchestral work comprising 14 variations on an original theme.

Guest conductor Chelsea Gallo will guide the audience on an extraordinary musical journey introducing a colorful cast of musical characters. Labeled a “rising star,” Gallo has been praised for her ability to lead the orchestra with grace and fiery command. She has served as Assistant Conductor to The Florida Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and a Cover Conductor for the New York Philharmonic. She will be a regular Guest Conductor with the Virginia Symphony and Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

In addition to the Bozeman Symphony, Stimson performs on English horn with the Billings Symphony. She also performs locally with the Montana Ballet Company, and Intermountain Opera Company, and performs chamber music with the Rosewood Duo and the Bridger Winds woodwind quintet. She holds a Master of Music degree from Yale University and a Bachelor of Music degree from Ithaca College.

Performances are Saturday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 14, at 2:30 p.m., at the WillsonAuditorium, 404 West Main Street in downtown Bozeman. These concerts would not be possible without the support of sponsors Cal and Tricia DeSouza, Rick Sanders and Janice Hand, Robyn Erlenbush-ERA Landmark Real Estate, and Renee and Stuart Westlake.

Individual tickets are available at https://www.bozemansymphony.org/enigmavariations.html or by calling the office at 406-585-9774. Adult tickets start at $29 and discounted student tickets (K-12 and college) are available.

On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, just before 1:00 PM, a pair of backcountry skiers were ascending the northern ridge of Mt. Blackmore near Hyalite Reservoir when they triggered a substantial avalanche. One individual was able to escape the slide by sprinting across the slope out of the path, but the other skier was engulfed and carried more than 250 ft downhill and suffered a significant leg injury.

The uninjured skier immediately initiated a beacon search and was able to find his partner at the surface near the bottom of the avalanche path. He was then able to call Gallatin County 911 dispatch and began first aid. Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue responded alongside Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, an American Medical Response ambulance, and representatives from Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.

Due to the location of the injured person and the severity of the injury, the decision was made to use the GCSSAR heli team to short-haul the patient from the avalanche site to an ambulance waiting at Hyalite Reservoir. The helicopter from Central Copters Inc was able to find a safe place to insert three rescuers on the ground nearby. The patient was packaged for transport and the team made use of a long line to transport him to the waiting ambulance, which provided follow-on medical care and transported the patient to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center. The helicopter then returned to retrieve the uninjured skier and the remaining rescue team.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the uninjured skier for his quick action and the pair for having the proper beacons and gear while recreating in terrain where avalanche is possible. He thanks Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center for allowing representatives to go to the incident to evaluate conditions and ensure the safety of rescuers. Finally, Sheriff Springer would like to remind backcountry recreationists that cell service in this incident was a matter of luck, and it is advisable to have a means to communicate with emergency services like a satellite phone or GPS texting service.

Random Acts of Silliness invites the public to visit the Cabinets of Curiosity. This immersive art experience welcomes visitors into the world of the mysterious Raven’s Eye Society, a fictional club of individuals who collected fantastical and magical objects and displayed them in ornate cabinets. Guests can explore the Story Mansion, interacting with the cabinets, reading about the origins of the collections, and solving a riddle. They may even be inspired to create a collection of their own! 

“Rather than being told to keep their hands to themselves, visitors (we're anticipating over 10,000)  are encouraged to interact with the collections. They are also invited to pretend together that we live in a world where magic exists. That combination of active engagement and shared storytelling is, to me, as close as it gets to true magic.” said Anna Visscher, Chief Shenanigans officer at Random Acts of Silliness.

Cabinets of Curiosity are sometimes referred to as the world’s first museums. They were a real fad starting in the 16th century, when well traveled people would create ornate displays of unusual objects collected on their adventures. In trademark fashion, Random Acts of Silliness has taken this real historical artifact and given it a fantastical, whimsical twist. Rather than real collections, the objects in these cabinets of curiosity were created by talented Montana artists: Amy Ho, Christine Martin, Deva Gallagher, Marla Goodman & David DiGiacomo, Kelly Hartman, Sarah Washko, Kirsten Kainz, and Steve & Cedar Allison-Bunnell.

Artist Marla Goodman loves the opportunity for visitors to engage with art in a new way. “My dream in creating a piece of an immersive community experience like this is to provide a spark of imagination that visitors can play with. If we can induce a smile or a giggle I’m happy. And with a little luck we can surprise, delight, even amaze.” 

The collections will be on display from March 23rd - April 14th at the Story Mansion. Visitor hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1pm - 5pm, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am - 5pm, open until 7 on Saturdays. No reservations are required for the general public but group reservations are available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings via the RAS website. This installation is best suited for ages 5 - 105. Admission is free.

This installation is presented in partnership with Bozeman Parks and Recreation and the Friends of the Story Mansion. It is free for our community to enjoy thanks to generous support from sponsors Peace Design and an anonymous donor. For more information please visit our website.

HELENA – Hunters have until April 1 to apply for deer and elk permits and nonresident combination licenses. Hunters can buy licenses and apply for permits on the FWP website; click on “Buy and Apply.”  

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers several tools to help hunters navigate the application process. Click here to watch a video tutorial for Montana residents; click here to watch a video tutorial for nonresidents. To see a playlist of all FWP’s hunting license video tutorials, click here.

For help with understanding how bonus points are used, you can visit fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/hunting-licenses/bonus-points

A new online feature this year is the option for applicants to reapply for the same offerings as last year with just a simple click, eliminating the need to search through previous applications.

Most FWP offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The licensing call center will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through April 1; after April 1, the hours will return to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The call center can be reached at 406-444-2950. 

Regulations changes

Before you purchase your licenses and permits, be sure to check the 2024 regulations. Several changes take effect this year.

In Regions 6 and 7, regulations are in place that restrict antlerless mule deer harvest to occur only on private land in FWP Regions 6 and 7, including private lands enrolled in the Block Management Program. That means all mule deer B licenses in Regions 6 and 7 will be valid only on private land. This restriction also applies to those hunting districts (HDs) in Regions 6 and 7 that allow antlerless mule deer harvest on a general license.

Also in Region 7, the commission voted to split the region into north and south segments for antelope hunting. The dividing line will be the Yellowstone River. North of the river, licenses will be 007-21 (either-sex) and 007-31 (doe/fawn). South of the river, licenses will be 007-20 (either-sex) and 007-30 (doe/fawn). Archery only licenses will remain the same, 900-20.

In Region 4 HDs 410, 411, 412, 417, 419 and 426, the general deer license changed to antlered buck only. As a result, the only antlerless mule deer hunting available in these HDs is via B licenses through the draw. In addition, these B-licenses will be valid only on private land.

Also, HDs 410 and 417 the general deer license structure changed to limited-entry permit only, meaning hunters with a general license can no longer hunt and harvest mule deer bucks in these HDs.

HD 426 will remain a general license for antlered mule deer bucks during the archery season and the first three weeks of the general season, but the last two weeks of the general season will only be open to hunters with a limited-entry permit.

HDs 411, 412 and 419 will remain general license for antlered bucks during both the archery and general mule deer seasons.

Get your 2024 Conservation License

If you’re heading out this year to recreate on state land, you need to make sure you have your 2024 Conservation License.

This license is required to recreate on fishing access sites, wildlife management areas, wildlife habitat protection areas and most Montana Department of Natural Resources Lands. State parks do not require a Conservation License. Anyone 12 and older needs to have a current Conservation License.

Recreationists who arrange a trip through a guide or outfitter, including tubing trips and horseback riding trips, need to make sure they follow Conservation License requirements.

These licenses can be purchased online at ols.fwp.mt.gov/, at any FWP office or any of FWP’s 290 license providers located throughout the state. They cost $8 for residents, $4 for resident youth ages 12 to 17 and seniors 62 and older, and $10 for nonresidents.

If you’re a hunter, trapper or angler, the Conservation License is purchased when you purchase your other licenses.

Tips and reminders 

• Don’t wait until the last day to apply. 

• A valid driver's license or valid photo ID is required to purchase a license.

• If you’re applying for a special license or permit, you will need to have a valid email address.

• The Online Licensing System is available from 5 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. 

• A separate and rotating moose, bighorn sheep or mountain goat SuperTag lottery for resident hunters will be conducted annually. Montana residents will receive one free chance in the lottery for every General Elk or General Deer License purchased. 

 Application deadlines  

• Smith River Super Permit – March 22 

• Paddlefish (white tag) – March 22  

• Deer and Elk

  • Special Permits – April 1

  • Special Licenses – June 1  

• Nonresident combination licenses – April 1

• Bighorn Sheep – May 1  

• Bison – May 1  

• Moose – May 1  

• Mountain Goat – May 1  

• Antelope – June 1  

• SuperTags

  • Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Bison, Deer, Elk, Moose, Mountain Goat, and Mountain Lion –July 1  

• Mountain Lion Special Licenses – July 22  

For more information on Montana hunting licenses and permits, go to fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/hunting-licenses.

A neuron grown in a micro gel infected with HSV-1 that expresses a yellow fluorescent protein. Image courtesy of Matthew Taylor.

BOZEMAN – A team of scientists from Montana State University recently published unique research examining how individual cells respond to viral infection. The work used state-of-the-art technology to culture cells and track infection in real time; it is the first known project to use microfluidic technology to culture, infect and track infection on a single-cell level. 

Scientists from MSU’s College of Agriculture and Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering collaborated on the interdisciplinary work, which also involved MSU’s Center for Biofilm Engineering. The results of the project were published last week in Science Advances, one of the nation’s leading scientific journals, in a paper titled “Single-cell herpes simplex virus type 1 infection of neurons using drop-based microfluidics reveals heterogeneous replication kinetics.”

The faculty leaders on the project were Matthew Taylor, associate professor in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, and Connie Chang, who spent nearly a decade in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering before taking a faculty position at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Other members of the team included graduate students Jake Fredrikson, Luke Domanico and Shawna Pratt, as well as Emma Loveday, who finished her postdoctoral work while involved in the project and is now an assistant research professor in the MSU Center for Biofilm Engineering.

“It was truly a collaborative effort,” said Taylor. “The engineering principles and the technology behind it was all from Connie’s lab. Jake was just brilliant and had figured out how to grow neurons inside these little gels, basically on a micron scale. Each little bead grew a single cell." 

Those gel beads were created using drop-based microfluidics, a process by which scientific experiments can be carried out on a microscopic scale more quickly and with less expense than through standard means. Chang likened the beads to tiny spheres of gelatin, made of a matrix that allows cells to grow just how they might in a petri dish, but with each individual cell in its own environment.

Fredrikson, who completed his Ph.D. in chemical and biochemical engineering in the spring of 2023, worked extensively on growing neurons – individual nerve cells – inside the tiny beads created through microfluidics. Once that process had been streamlined, the team introduced the cells to herpes simplex virus-1, a common virus that causes cold sores.

“It was basically a tiny tissue made in the lab, where we could infect it and watch virus infection happen in 3D and in real time,” said Chang. “Working with the Taylor lab was like the perfect blend; an engineer and a biologist working together to discover and do something totally new. This is the first time anyone has ever grown neurons at the single-cell level on this type of droplet." 

The specific virus the team used had a uniquely engineered quality: It would fluoresce in different colors under a microscope, giving the team a visual trigger as infection progressed in the individual cells. When the virus infected the cell, it would appear yellow, and when it started replicating – the goal of viruses inside their host to perpetuate infection – it turned red. The cells were exposed to varying amounts of the virus to examine how they responded.

But not every cell responded the same way, Taylor said, which was unexpected. While most of the cells turned yellow, not all of them went on to turn red, meaning that some cells were effectively stopping the virus from replicating itself.

“The kind of remarkable thing is that every cell was exposed to an amount of virus that should produce infection,” said Taylor. “We know that the cells are infected because they’re yellow. Now we’re decoupling the process of infection from productive replication. We’re kicking the roots of virology, challenging these assumptions of what people think infection means and finding gaps between what we think is happening and what really is." 

But how and why were some cells able to interrupt the viral replication process? That question will guide extensive future research, Taylor said.

“If cells can naturally shut down herpes viruses, and neurons can control it well, is there something that we can use to further limit productive replication? People have been trying to block herpes infection for eons, unsuccessfully,” he said. “But is there a way that we could shut down the virus and keep it from replicating?”

Further, said Chang, the implementation of microfluidics technology and the team’s first-of-its-kind examination at a single-cell level could create avenues for studying other types of cells, such as brain or lung cells, and examining the cellular response to other infections in search of treatments and cures. 

Because drop-based microfluidics enables experimentation on such a small scale, it decreases the cost of research, widening access for scientists to conduct more cutting-edge research at less cost. The potential applications are endless, Taylor said.

“Microfluidics is very adaptable, and if you work with a very talented engineer like we did, they can design all sorts of architecture that can do different manipulations to the process,” he said. “What it really changes is that now you’re using much smaller quantities of everything. You can find rarer cell types, use less primary material and analyze larger quantities with less input.”

It took a collaboration across disciplines to precipitate such a novel accomplishment.

“These are always the best projects, the ones that bridge disciplines, where you’re merging your expertise with somebody else’s expertise,” said Chang. “Those are always the most high-impact, interesting and fun projects, and that’s why I’ve always loved this intersection of biology and engineering, bridging different disciplines.”

Taylor agreed, adding that the project wouldn’t have seen the success that it did without the blend of outstanding graduate students, inquisitive faculty and labs like the Center for Biofilm Engineering that coalesced at MSU. 

“I’m most proud of the paper because it really demonstrates the heart of collaboration,” he said. “We just got the right match at the right time for it to be magic, and it really was magic. It was an amazingly productive collaboration.”