Completed Projects

An Examination of Microbial Flora of Tea Plants to Establish Therapeutic Benefit and Plant Vitality

The project and Final Report were completed in March of 2019. Accolades were bestowed to the entire Therapeutic Research Team on the successful completion of our research.  Moreover, the sponsor emphasized that a new milestone has been established and the information we provided has the potential for broader application.

Results demonstrated varying soil microbiome content at the beginning of the tea season (early spring) compared to late tea season (end of summer). Organisms involved in reduction of nitrate to ammonia were highly active in the soil in summer. In particular, Bradyrhizobium was found to be highly active in summer as opposed to spring season.  Some antioxidant activity was noted in the leaf as was anti-bacterial activity. Recommendations for specific microbiome use were provided based on biochemical pathways and microbiome analysis to facilitate plant growth while minimizing weeds.

An Exploratory Controlled Study to Assess Effects of Group Drumming on College Students with Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other Cognitive Presentations.” The study commenced on September 18 and HAS COMPLETED after 10 one hour sessions.

The purpose of this study was to test positive effects of group drumming with individuals diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and/ or other cognitive presentations.  After assessing effectiveness through post-testing, positive results were observed in a small study population based on DSMV survey prior to and after all sessions were completed. Further study is needed.

TRF Comprehensive Visual Navigation System: A Solution to Unmet Needs for Blind and Low Vision

According to the World Health Organization, there are 285 million people who are visually impaired worldwide. Of those, 39 million people are blind, and 246 million have low or impaired vision.  Given the large number of individuals worldwide who suffer from blindness and visual impairment, there is a continued need for improved tools to assist the blind to navigate life and to mitigate some of the inherent difficulties that are associated with blindness and visual impairment.

The TRF is currently seeking an improvement to the traditional walking cane which has been relatively unchanged for years.  While TRF has conceptualized a few possible enhancements to the cane, conversations with leading experts have further emphasized that developing technologies outside of the cane may be the most appropriate solution. This was further confirmed via a comprehensive survey conducted by TRF.