A Comparative Analysis of Aspartame Concentrations in Influencing Axonal Growth Utilizing Ordinary Differential Equations as a Model of Differentiation-Based Growth
School Name
Spring Valley High School
Grade Level
11th Grade
Presentation Topic
Physiology and Health
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
There have been growing concerns among the scientific community and the general public about the potential neurological effects of artificial sweeteners. There are many types of artificial sweeteners and many of them have been studied extensively on their neurological and physical effects on the consumer. However, more research is still needed to determine the impact of the artificial sweetener, aspartame. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener 200 times sweeter than granular sugar with a fraction of the calories. This study aims to address these concerns by investigating the impact of aspartame on axonal growth using mathematical models based on ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Axons are crucial for establishing neural connectivity and facilitating communication between neurons, making them essential for healthy brain function. This study incorporated experimental data into mathematical models to simulate axonal growth patterns and assess the neurotoxic potential of aspartame at concentrations of 100 mg/L, 200 mg/L, and 300 mg/L. It was hypothesized that axonal growth rate would not be significantly effected by aspartame concentrations up to 200mg/L. Results indicated that these concentrations did not significantly affect axonal growth rates. However, the need for further research with higher aspartame concentrations and more sophisticated modeling techniques was highlighted to fully understand its effects on neural development. By focusing on these aspects, the study aimed to bridge gaps in existing knowledge and provide a rigorous, data-driven evaluation of aspartame's neurological impact. The findings contributed to a better understanding of aspartame's potential neurodevelopmental risks, with implications for public health recommendations and regulatory decisions.
Recommended Citation
Vu, Milan, "A Comparative Analysis of Aspartame Concentrations in Influencing Axonal Growth Utilizing Ordinary Differential Equations as a Model of Differentiation-Based Growth" (2025). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 115.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2025/all/115
Location
PENNY 210
Start Date
4-5-2025 11:30 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Group Project
No
A Comparative Analysis of Aspartame Concentrations in Influencing Axonal Growth Utilizing Ordinary Differential Equations as a Model of Differentiation-Based Growth
PENNY 210
There have been growing concerns among the scientific community and the general public about the potential neurological effects of artificial sweeteners. There are many types of artificial sweeteners and many of them have been studied extensively on their neurological and physical effects on the consumer. However, more research is still needed to determine the impact of the artificial sweetener, aspartame. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener 200 times sweeter than granular sugar with a fraction of the calories. This study aims to address these concerns by investigating the impact of aspartame on axonal growth using mathematical models based on ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Axons are crucial for establishing neural connectivity and facilitating communication between neurons, making them essential for healthy brain function. This study incorporated experimental data into mathematical models to simulate axonal growth patterns and assess the neurotoxic potential of aspartame at concentrations of 100 mg/L, 200 mg/L, and 300 mg/L. It was hypothesized that axonal growth rate would not be significantly effected by aspartame concentrations up to 200mg/L. Results indicated that these concentrations did not significantly affect axonal growth rates. However, the need for further research with higher aspartame concentrations and more sophisticated modeling techniques was highlighted to fully understand its effects on neural development. By focusing on these aspects, the study aimed to bridge gaps in existing knowledge and provide a rigorous, data-driven evaluation of aspartame's neurological impact. The findings contributed to a better understanding of aspartame's potential neurodevelopmental risks, with implications for public health recommendations and regulatory decisions.
