Laura Masson
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Name |
Laura Masson - [ Pubs ] |
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Adviser |
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Areas of Research |
Raman Spectroscopy Assessment of Preterm Birth Risk Women's Health |
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Project Summary |
Collaborators: Jeffery Resse, Vanderbilt University Medical Center J. Newton, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Kelly Bennett, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Jennifer Thompson, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Emad Elsamadicy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Mack Goldberg, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
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My work focuses on using combined fingerprint and high wavenumber Raman spectroscopy to better understand the process of cervical remodeling in human pregnancy. By identifying biochemical changes in the in vivo cervix, we hope to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying preterm labor, and eventually provide clinicians with a tool for early assessment of preterm birth risk. Raman spectroscopy allows me to track changes in cervical components such as collagen, actin, elastin, blood, lipids, and water over the course of pregnancy in patients who deliver at term compared to preterm. Complimentary optical methods such as nonlinear Raman imaging and second harmonic generation are used to study ex vivo cervical specimens and gain additional insight into cervical structure and biochemistry.