We are engaged
in research in clinical chemistry and electroanalytical
chemistry. We are also developing a model for the role
of the neuroendocrine system in growth, development,
wound healing, and the cause of spontaneous remission
of cancer. One experimental study related to this model
is in progress in collaboration with Dr. Stephen Bergstrom
at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington.
Clinical chemistry research is carried
out at Hartford Hospital in collaboration with Dr. Alan
wu, Director of Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology at
the hospital. One project includes the identification
of thebaine in urine as a marker for poppy seed consumption,
a common legal defense for the presence of opiates in
urine samples collected for mandatory drug testing.
A second project is being developed to examine methanol
and ethanol metabolism by liver alcohol dehydrogenase
and catalase to help understand the resistance of an
infant to a high dose of methanol in an incident of
abuse. Fundamental knowledge in this area may aid in
developing antidotes for methanol poisoning that is
relatively common in adults.
Work continues in our group on electroanalytical
and other analytical projects (instrumental methods
of analysis). We are developing multi-microelectrode
devices with a novel referencing system for use in stand-alone
sensors and HPLC detectors, as well as in conventional
electroanalytical methods such as anodic stripping voltammetry.
We are also examining the proposed electrochemical mechanism
for breakdown of electrical cable insulation used in
underground transmission cables.
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