Bio-Physical Laboratory Supports WSU Researchers
May 21, 2012

The College of Nursing has established a state-of-the-art Bio-physical Laboratory that supports faculty and graduate students interested in incorporating biological measures into their research programs.  The lab has a biochemical area with specialized equipment to do assays on almost any human biological fluid or tissue including hormone levels, markers of stress or immune function, and other neurochemical measurements.  Some of the assays performed are: ELISA, RIA, and HPLC.  There is also a data collection room equipped with supplies for collecting saliva, urine, and blood samples.

A second area of the laboratory is being outfitted for human physiological distance monitoring.   This area will enable researchers to acquire “real-time” physiological data, such as activity, sleep, blood pressure or heart rate, in the participant’s natural environment for analysis with specialized software in the lab. This will expand the researchers’ ability to measure physiological parameters in their studies.   

“We are committed to assisting faculty and graduate students’ efforts in using biological measures in their research,” states Dr. Jean Davis, laboratory director. “There are approximately nine labs like this in colleges of nursing across the country and we believe this is the first one in the State of Michigan,” said Dr. Davis.  In addition to supporting researchers in conducting biological assays, a second goal of the bio-physical lab is education. Seminars are held periodically to familiarize researchers with the theory supporting biological and physiological measures and appropriate measurement methods.

Several College of Nursing faculty and students have used the lab to obtain immunoassays of “stress” hormones in a range of research participants including those living with a left ventricular assist device, those experiencing premature birth, and those participating in yoga classes to reduce the stress of living with cancer.  The lab is now available to all Wayne State researchers for biochemical assays by contacting Dr. Davis at extension 74138 or email at ao9434@wayne.edu. This facility holds promise for faculty and graduate students interested in incorporating biological measures into their research programs.