GMA News

GMA wins VT EPSCoR grant for STREAMS project

A Vermont EPSCoR Streams Project research grant has been awarded to Green Mountain Antibodies, a Burlington area biosciences company.  The company will use the grant award to develop rapid, simple and low-cost tests to detect blue-green algae in streams, ponds, and lakes.

The Vermont EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) is funded by the National Science Foundation and awarded to Dr. Judith Van Houten at the University of Vermont.   As a seed program for small business, research performed with Vermont EPSCoR grants leads directly to opportunities for further Federal research funding, as well as the development of innovative products and services leading to economic growth in Vermont. 

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, occur naturally in the Champlain watershed.  Warm weather and pollution cause rampant algal blooms which can release toxins harmful to wildlife and humans.  The development of a low-cost test which provides instant results will allow for more widespread monitoring of stream health and algal growth, with the hope of better strategies for controlling cyanobacteria.

Antibodies are large protein molecules with important applications in medical diagnostics.  Produced in rabbits and mice as part of the mammalian immune system, antibodies recognize and bind target antigens in complex mixtures such as blood or pond water.  The antibodies to algae will become part of a product line of specialty antibodies and assays produced and sold by Green Mountain Antibodies. 

Two other Vermont bioscience companies, Bia Diagnostics of Burlington and Research Proteins of Essex Junction, along with Dr. Declan McCabe of St. Michael’s College, Dr. Ellen Marsden and Dr. Mary Watzin of the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont are collaborators on the project. 

Students at The Schoolhouse, a K through 6th grade school in South Burlington, will also play an important role in the project.  The EPSCoR grant contains support for establishing a water laboratory at the school allowing a hands-on research experience in watershed ecology by the students.  By involving local businesses, students and educators in the effort to create a more healthy future for Lake Champlain, the entire community is made aware of the role played by each of us in conserving our most precious natural resource.