Current statistics indicate over 900 mobile apps are created daily. Aashish Priye, a Ph.D. student studying chemical engineering at Texas A&M University, and Nan Shi, who earned his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Texas A&M, have created apps that are more than just statistics.
Priye's app, PCR To Go, uses fluorescence analysis to photocopy DNA using the existing technology of a smartphone’s camera and optics. Shi's app, Brownian Dynamics, offers a behind-the-scenes approach to learning in an interactive physics engine that can be used by teachers, researchers and science-minded youth.
“PCR To Go” is a free, portable solution that optimizes the tracking of data during convective flow polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the cycles of heating and cooling required in duplicating DNA—an important and common process in molecular biology.
Traditionally, large equipment and patience is often needed for photocopying DNA, but Priye asked, “Why not do this with something we have with us in our daily life?”
Since these cameras often have a CMOS sensor, light can be detected as it enters the camera’s lens.
“Normally, we don’t care about this, we just take pictures," said Priye. "It’s a point-and-shoot kind of camera. But we can transform this handheld device into lab equipment."
Using inexpensive, clip-on microscopic lenses, the camera is outfitted to take images on a timer; the algorithms embedded in the app translate the data.
Over a period of six to seven months, Priye devoted his focus to preparing and publishing “PCR To Go,” which is currently available in the iPhone market with plans for an Android app in the future.
Shi's app, Brownian Dynamics, uses technology similar to the highly popular app, “Angry Birds.” A video demonstration can be seen here.
“This is for education," Shi said. "The major point I want to convey through this app, especially for the undergrads [is to discover] that math is cool and programming is cool because they can use this app to do cool things.
“Research should not be isolated to collegiate academia but can also have educational functions to high school kids and even younger kids.”
The app is newly released, having previously been in production for close to one year. The second edition of the app is also underway, utilizing newer iPad hardware.
Priye and Shi have performed research for Dr. Victor Ugaz, holder of the Charles D. Holland ’53 Professorship in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering and director of the undergraduate program.