About Us
Overview
Managing a large number of reagents used in the University of Auckland's neurodegenerative disease research has been a significant challenge for their lab for decades. They rely on over 400 specific antibodies to label proteins in post-mortem human brain tissue. Until recently, all this information was documented through various combinations of paper records and spreadsheets, with a shift to spreadsheets occurring over the last five years. This method is not only outdated but also inefficient, especially when quick access is needed in the lab. It often becomes a time-consuming task to manually enter, update, and retrieve data, leading to frequent delays in planning and conducting experiments. The cumbersome nature of the spreadsheet creates barriers to lab efficiency and often results in unnecessary purchases of reagents, wasting both time and resources.
They initially explored Microsoft Power Apps as a solution, hoping to streamline their data management process. However, due to access restrictions at the University of Auckland, postgrad students who are key contributors to their research are unable to use the platform. This limitation left them searching for a more practical and customizable option. Furthermore, commercially available software solutions are typically expensive and lack the flexibility needed for their specific inventory and research requirements.
Our Goal
Our primary goal is to revolutionize how they manage their antibody inventory and optimizes lab research processes. We developed a custom web-based application that streamlines data management, enabling researchers to document, update, and access vital reagent information with ease. By moving away from outdated spreadsheets, this solution transforms the efficiency of lab work, allowing users to focus more on scientific discovery rather than administrative tasks. The intuitive design ensures that even those with minimal technical experience can navigate the site seamlessly, and the application is fully responsive, ensuring it works flawlessly across any device; be it a lab computer, tablet, or smartphone. This flexibility allows researchers to access essential data wherever they are, whether in the lab or working remotely.
Beyond improving data entry and retrieval, our application also integrates powerful inventory management features. Lab members can track reagent stock levels in real-time, helping them avoid costly, unnecessary purchases. Additionally, we implemented a backup system that automatically exports data to a secure XLS file, ensuring that critical information is preserved even in the event of server downtime or internet connectivity issues. This combination of usability, accessibility, and security empowers the lab to not only save valuable time but also significantly reduce costs. Our solution is more than just an app; it's a tool designed to enhance research outcomes, allowing our client to conduct experiments with greater precision and efficiency. Through this innovation, we are contributing to the broader success of neurodegenerative disease research, giving the lab a cutting-edge advantage in their field.
Meet Our Team
We are a team of final-year Computer Science students who worked on this project as part of our capstone course. While we did not possess deep expertise in scientific research, we excelled at leveraging technology to address complex challenges. Throughout the project, we applied our skills in web development, database management, and user experience design to craft a tailored solution that met the specific needs of their research lab.
- Team 38 Mr. Beans
© Mr. Beans, 2024 S2 CS Capstone