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Articles 1 - 23 of 23
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Exposing Lettuce Plants To Cyanobacteria In A Closed Hydroponics System To Reduce Cyanobacterial Growth And Production, Emily Eberly
Exposing Lettuce Plants To Cyanobacteria In A Closed Hydroponics System To Reduce Cyanobacterial Growth And Production, Emily Eberly
Honors Projects
Sandusky Bay is largely populated by cyanobacterial algal blooms, mainly formed by Planktothrix. Fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus run from agricultural lands into the bay, building up excess nutrients forming eutrophic waters. The Planktothrix feed off these nutrients and grow into algal blooms. To determine a potential solution to the growth of these blooms, I implemented a hydroponics system involving Lactuca Sativa for analysis of Planktothrix growth and productivity. Four different nutrient conditions were added to a Planktothrix-only solution and a solution growing Planktothrix with the lettuce in the hydroponics system. The four conditions consisted of no nutrient …
Impact Of Endangered Animal Protection Rights, Policies, And Practices On Zoonotic Disease Spread, Daniella Fedak-Lengel
Impact Of Endangered Animal Protection Rights, Policies, And Practices On Zoonotic Disease Spread, Daniella Fedak-Lengel
Honors Projects
Building on field research in Costa Rica and Belize, this honors project analyzes environmental and endangered animal protection policies, rights, and practices in Central America and the Caribbean, and assesses the impact of veterinary science and biological research and practice, particularly conservation biology, on animal welfare concerns. Informed by the recent surge in awareness regarding zoonoses and zoonotic disease transmission, prevention and control, resulting from the current global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, the project assesses the need for new and innovative types of collaboration, particularly involving conservation biologists, environmental scientists, public health experts, law and policy makers, and global trade and …
Genomics Education Partnership F Element Annotation Report, Amanda Moy
Genomics Education Partnership F Element Annotation Report, Amanda Moy
Honors Projects
The Genomics Education Partnership (GEP), headquartered at the University of Alabama, is a collection of over 100 universities that provide training and resources in order to provide students experiential learning in bioinformatics and genomics. The GEP hosts numerous research projects, including the F element project. The F element project has the main focus of annotating the F element genes of the fruit fly species D. ananassae, D. bipectinata, D. kikkawai, and D. takahashii. The Muller F element is the smallest chromosome in Drosophila species. However, the four species listed above have a notably larger F element than other …
Review: Influence Of Meteorological Conditions And Algal Community Composition On Hypolimnetic Hypoxia, Ian P. Stone
Review: Influence Of Meteorological Conditions And Algal Community Composition On Hypolimnetic Hypoxia, Ian P. Stone
Honors Projects
Hypoxia has been a central focus of research regarding water quality impairments throughout the world in the past century. The fresh and coastal marine waters affected by hypoxia are of great importance due to the ecosystem services and species habitat they provide, and because of the regional economic activity spurned by these waters in return. As such, a great deal of research effort has been devoted to elucidating the causes and ecological effects of hypoxia with the hopes of remediating the issue. The bulk of this effort has been directed at the role of anthropogenic allochthonous nutrient loading and algal …
The Process And Effects Of Ultrarunning, Ellis Ulery
The Process And Effects Of Ultrarunning, Ellis Ulery
Honors Projects
This project uses an in-depth research study and personal account to determine what it takes to run a 12-hour running event, the appeal of ultrarunning, and what can be learned through the experience. The project explains the efforts behind the specific preparation for this ultramarathon, the final distance of 47.3 miles ran in 12 hours, the evaluation of the enhanced mental state achieved while running, an explanation of the final results through the Central Governor Theory, and the dissection of the study Pursuing pleasure or virtue: The differential and overlapping well-being benefits of hedonic and eudaimonic motives that suggests why …
From Aristotle To Wunderkammer: The Development Of Entomology And Insect Collections, Erica Fischer
From Aristotle To Wunderkammer: The Development Of Entomology And Insect Collections, Erica Fischer
Honors Projects
This project aimed to analyze the development of insect classification and the shift from the realm of the amateur naturalist to professional science. It looked to address questions regarding entomology as a developing science and how effectively it reflects larger changes in the field of biology and the development of natural history collections. This work was for a synthesis of time periods from the beginnings of classification in the ancient world through the 20th century, a more general timeline than is typically approached. The research needed for the completion of this paper was based on secondary source research in the …
The Kinetic Signatures Of Antibody Binding To M. Genitalium Adhesin Protein Fragments, Margaret C. Lunn
The Kinetic Signatures Of Antibody Binding To M. Genitalium Adhesin Protein Fragments, Margaret C. Lunn
Honors Projects
Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually-transmitted bacterial pathogen that persists in patients by adherence to cells through matrix glycoproteins and evasion of host antibodies. The MgpB and MgpC adherence proteins consist of variable and conserved regions. Variable regions undergo antigenic variation to avoid specific antibodies. However, the C-terminus (MgpB-4a) does not vary, is highly immunogenic, and antibodies to this region inhibit attachment and promote bacterial killing in vitro. To better understand how M. genitalium avoids clearance by antibodies to MgpB-4a in vivo we used surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to measure kinetic values of binding events. Binding of polyclonal rabbit antibodies (3935 …
Determining The Genetic Control Of Neural Tube Malformation Through Genetic Interactions With Idgf3, Elli N. Fox
Determining The Genetic Control Of Neural Tube Malformation Through Genetic Interactions With Idgf3, Elli N. Fox
Honors Projects
Genetic mutations disrupting human neural tube formation can lead to birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Defects can result in lack of neural tube closure in either the caudal (spina bifida) or cranial (anencephaly) regions. Little is known about the genes that cause these malformations. Researchers have been using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster in an attempt to determine genes responsible for neural tube malformations. Recently, an ortholog of human chitin-like protein, imaginal disc growth factor 3 (Idgf3), has been identified as important in the proper formation of Drosophila egg dorsal appendages. However, the molecular mechanism responsible for …
Effects Of Flower Color On Pollination And Seed Production In Lupinus Perennis, Amanda Morris
Effects Of Flower Color On Pollination And Seed Production In Lupinus Perennis, Amanda Morris
Honors Projects
We examined how flower color morphs (blue vs white) in Lupinus perennis affect the probability of a flower setting fruit, average mass of a seed produced, and average number of seeds per pod.
Lysogeny And Use Of Mycobacteriophage Pita2, Eleanor Behling, Neocles B. Leontis, Jill Zeilstra-Ryalls
Lysogeny And Use Of Mycobacteriophage Pita2, Eleanor Behling, Neocles B. Leontis, Jill Zeilstra-Ryalls
Honors Projects
The CDC has classified antibiotic resistance as the biggest health challenge of our era; every year 2 million lives are impacted and even lost due to resistant bacteria. Bacteriophages provide an alternative route to fighting infections that does not further the development of antibiotic resistance among bacterial species. A bacteriophage replicates inside a bacterial cell and then causes that cell to lyse, an event that kills the bacterial host. However, some phage can integrate their genomes into the host chromosome without causing lysis. The HHMI SEA-PHAGES program has generated a collection of bacteriophage that infect Actinobacteria species. Over 13,000 phages …
Possible Role Of N-Acetylglucosamine For Induction Of Polyhydroxybutyrate Depolymerase In Streptomyces Sp. Sfb5a, Morgan Todd
Possible Role Of N-Acetylglucosamine For Induction Of Polyhydroxybutyrate Depolymerase In Streptomyces Sp. Sfb5a, Morgan Todd
Honors Projects
Streptomyces sp. SFB5A is a filamentous, Gram-positive bacterium that makes a polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) depolymerase to degrade PHB for energy usage. Its life cycle begins as spores germinate to form vegetative mycelia. Starvation prompts formation of aerial mycelia and ultimately spores after 5-7 days. During starvation, Streptomyces may use peptidoglycan hydrolases to degrade its own cell walls, releasing N-Acetylglucosamine (NAG). PHA depolymerase activity is detected during growth of strain SFB5A on NAG as the sole carbon source, suggesting that NAG induces PHA depolymerase synthesis. To test this hypothesis, strain SFB5A was grown for 4 days on PHB, and a colorimetric assay …
Glycogen Accumulation By Wild Type And Bald Mutant Strains Of Streptomyces Sp. Sfb5a During Growth On 3-Hydroxybutyrate, Mackenzie Francis
Glycogen Accumulation By Wild Type And Bald Mutant Strains Of Streptomyces Sp. Sfb5a During Growth On 3-Hydroxybutyrate, Mackenzie Francis
Honors Projects
Previous research has shown that Streptomyces sp. SFB5A produces PHA depolymerase and forms aerial hyphae, while the bld4 mutant of this species forms aerial hyphae very poorly and does not produce PHA depolymerase. This effect may be due to the mutant’s inability to sense starvation. Therefore, we hypothesized that the bld4 may also be deficient in formation of glycogen and spores, which are both associated with starvation. To test this hypothesis, we grew the wild type (WT) Streptomyces sp. SFB5A and bld4 in broth cultures containing 3HB. We compared 3HB consumption, glycogen accumulation, PHA depolymerase synthesis, protein accumulation, and spore …
Determining Ideal Swab Type For Collection Of The Microbiome For Forensic Identification Purposes, Natalie M. Wise
Determining Ideal Swab Type For Collection Of The Microbiome For Forensic Identification Purposes, Natalie M. Wise
Honors Projects
In recent years, forensic scientists have begun looking at the microbiome as a new possible human identification method. The microbiome is made up of all the microorganisms living on or in the human body.1 It is believed that it may be possible to use the microbiome as a unique identifier, to link cohabitating individuals, or even to connect a person with a specific location. In order to study the microbiome, we must first be able to successfully collect it, and then, release it from that collection tool for examination. This may sound simple, but this area of research is …
Detecting Aggregated Superoxide-Dismutase Protein Using Aggregate Specific Antibodies, Helen Magana
Detecting Aggregated Superoxide-Dismutase Protein Using Aggregate Specific Antibodies, Helen Magana
Honors Projects
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is neurodegenerative disease characterized by late-onset, loss of motor neurons, paralysis, and eventual death. SOD1 is a free radical scavenger that normally resides in the cytoplasm, nucleus, and intermembrane space of the mitochondria. Mutations in SOD1, a ubiquitously expressed free-radical scavenger, are one cause of ALS. Degeneration of motor neurons is thought to be triggered by aggregation of mutant SOD1 followed by propagation to adjacent cells though cell-cell contacts. Here, we present immunohistochemical findings on tissues of a Drosophila melanogaster expressing mutant dsod1 alleles at the endogenous locus. Aggregate-specific antibodies were used to assess the presence of …
Senior Project: An Investigative Study Into The Bacterial Contamination Of Little Black Creek, Margaret I. Brenneman
Senior Project: An Investigative Study Into The Bacterial Contamination Of Little Black Creek, Margaret I. Brenneman
Honors Projects
An investigation of Escherichia coli concentrations in a west Michigan stream was conducted to determine sources of fecal contamination that impact water quality. Little Black Creek (LBC) is located in Muskegon County and discharges into Lake Michigan at the P.J. Hoffmaster Campground Beach. Often referred to as an “indicator bacteria,” water contaminated with E. coli has a high probability to contain other enteric pathogens as well. Beach water testing in 2020 using Colilert-18 methods revealed E. coli levels of 579 cfu/100mL in the creek discharge area that exceeded total body contact criteria of 300 cfu/100mL. A follow-up study of the …
The Mangroves Of Costa Rica, Kylie Stewart
The Mangroves Of Costa Rica, Kylie Stewart
Honors Projects
Mangroves are a type of coastal vegetation present in the intertidal zone of tropical and subtropical climates. This paper explores the mangroves of Costa Rica, their significance, and various strategies the country utilizes in order to protect mangrove forests. Several books and articles about mangroves and conservationism are examined to explain why mangrove forests are vital to a coastline’s health and growth. The scholarly topic pertains to mangroves located in the United States and Costa Rica along with methods used to maintain the wildlife that live within them. The concept of ecotourism will be explored and how mangrove forests are …
Interaction Of Stretch Feedback And Beat Regularity In Response To Amgseflamide In The Heart Of Homarus Americanus, William Allen
Interaction Of Stretch Feedback And Beat Regularity In Response To Amgseflamide In The Heart Of Homarus Americanus, William Allen
Honors Projects
Central pattern generators (CPGs) are neural circuits whose component neurons possess intrinsic properties and synaptic connections that allow them to generate rhythmic motor outputs in the absence of descending inputs. The cardiac ganglion (CG) is a nine-cell CPG located in the American lobster, Homarus americanus. Stretch of the myocardium feeds back to the CG through mechano-sensitive dendrites and is thought to play a role in maintaining regularity in the beating pattern of the heart. The novel peptide AMGSEFLamide has been observed to induce irregular beating patterns when applied at high concentrations. This study investigated the interaction between stretch-related feedback …
The Role Of Behavioral Diversity In Determining The Extent To Which The Cardiac Ganglion Is Modulated In Three Species Of Crab, Grace Bukowski-Thall
The Role Of Behavioral Diversity In Determining The Extent To Which The Cardiac Ganglion Is Modulated In Three Species Of Crab, Grace Bukowski-Thall
Honors Projects
Central pattern generators (CPGs) are neural networks that generate the rhythmic outputs that control behaviors such as locomotion, respiration, and chewing. The stomatogastric nervous system (STNS), which contains the CPGs that control foregut movement, and the cardiac ganglion (CG), which is a CPG that controls heartbeat, are two commonly studied systems in decapod crustaceans. Neuromodulators are locally or hormonally released neuropeptides and amines that change the output patterns of CPGs like the STNS and CG to allow behavioral flexibility. We have hypothesized that neuromodulation provides a substrate for the evolution of behavioral flexibility, and as a result, systems exhibiting more …
Living Upstream: Kennebec River Influence On Nutrient Regimes And Phytoplankton Communities In Harpswell Sound, Siena Brook Ballance
Living Upstream: Kennebec River Influence On Nutrient Regimes And Phytoplankton Communities In Harpswell Sound, Siena Brook Ballance
Honors Projects
Phytoplankton underpin marine trophic systems and biogeochemical cycles. Estuarine and coastal phytoplankton account for 40-50% of global ocean primary productivity and carbon flux making it critical to identify sources of variability. This project focuses on the Kennebec River and Harpswell Sound, a downstream, but hydrologically connected coastal estuary, as a case study of temperate river influence on estuarine nutrient regimes and phytoplankton communities. Phytoplankton pigments and nutrients were analyzed from water samples collected monthly at 8 main-stem rivers stations (2011-2013) and weekly in Harpswell Sound (2008-2017) during ice-free months. Spatial bedrock and land use impacts on river nutrients were investigated …
Responses Of Central Pattern Generators In The American Lobster Stns To Multiple Members Of A Novel Neuropeptide Family, Benjamin Harley Wong
Responses Of Central Pattern Generators In The American Lobster Stns To Multiple Members Of A Novel Neuropeptide Family, Benjamin Harley Wong
Honors Projects
Neuropeptides are important modulators of neural activity, allowing neural networks, such as the central pattern generators (CPGs) that control rhythmic movements, to alter their output and thus generate behavioral flexibility. Isoforms of a neuropeptide family vary in physical structure, allowing potentially distinct functional neuromodulatory effects on CPG systems. While some familial neuropeptide isoforms can differentially affect a system, others in the same family may elicit indistinguishable effects. Here, we examined the effects elicited by members of a novel family of six peptide hormone isoforms (GSEFLamides: I-, M-, AL-, AM-, AV-, and VM-GSEFLamide) on the pyloric filter and gastric mill CPGs …
Life In A Rural Emergency Department: Patients Speak To Underlying, Fundamental Disparities In Physician And Resource Allocation, Jessica Gustad
Life In A Rural Emergency Department: Patients Speak To Underlying, Fundamental Disparities In Physician And Resource Allocation, Jessica Gustad
Honors Projects
In the Journal of Health Services Research and Policy, access to health care was defined as, “The availability of an adequate supply of health care services and the individual’s opportunity to obtain health care when it is wanted or needed” (MacKinney, 2014). Current trends in rural emergency departments are trying to communicate a critical message about the fundamental problems with the distribution of health care services in America today and the inability to properly meet the definition above. In rural communities, patient complaints and behaviors demonstrate the pressing concerns of inadequate access to primary care, limited specialty care, insufficient mental …
The Purification And Characterization Of N-Terminally Acetylated Ssal From Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Alijah A. Griffith
The Purification And Characterization Of N-Terminally Acetylated Ssal From Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Alijah A. Griffith
Honors Projects
Molecular chaperones are highly conserved, ubiquitous enzymes that maintain proteostasis by mediating protein structure in vivo. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) can act as a functional switch between chaperone pathways, allowing for cells to enact a coordinated response to cellular perturbations. Several PTMs are well characterized in the context of chaperone function, though the role of N-terminal acetylation is commonly overlooked, leading to an overwhelming lack of scientific understanding in this area of study. Ssa1, a Hsp70 class chaperone endogenous to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is likely N-terminally acetylated, though in vitro studies of Ssa1 are limited by current purification methods which are resource-intensive. …
Mechanisms Underlying Variable Responses To The Neuropeptide C-Type Allatostatin (Ast-C) Across Isoforms And Among Individuals In The American Lobster, Homarus Americanus, Audrey J. Muscato
Mechanisms Underlying Variable Responses To The Neuropeptide C-Type Allatostatin (Ast-C) Across Isoforms And Among Individuals In The American Lobster, Homarus Americanus, Audrey J. Muscato
Honors Projects
Central pattern generators (CPGs) produce patterned outputs independent of sensory input. The cardiac neuromuscular system of the American lobster (Homarus americanus) is driven by a CPG called the cardiac ganglion (CG), which is composed of nine neurons, making it a model system of study. Modulation of CPGs allows for functional flexibility. One neuropeptide family that modulates the CG is C-type allatostatin (AST-C I-III). Previous research has shown variation in the responses of the CG across the three isoforms and among individuals. First, we investigated why AST-C I and III elicit responses that are more similar to each other than they …