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Articles 1 - 30 of 51
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Molecular Characterization Of Penstemon Scariosus (Plantaginaceae), Mikel R. Stevens
Molecular Characterization Of Penstemon Scariosus (Plantaginaceae), Mikel R. Stevens
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The objectives of this project: Our objective was “to develop an understanding of the genetic structure of the varieties within P. scariosus. With a specific intent to test the hypothesis that P. scariosus var. albifluvis is distinct within P. scariosus” while mentoring no less than four undergraduate students. We have meet and exceeded the academic objectives proposed and then funded by this MEG as attested to in the following paragraphs and attachments to this report. As a result of our most excellent success in this project we have four additional students who are volunteering on the project. It is our …
Evolution Of The Photopigments In The Largest And Most Complex Terrestrial Animal Eyes, Seth M. Bybee
Evolution Of The Photopigments In The Largest And Most Complex Terrestrial Animal Eyes, Seth M. Bybee
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Evaluation of how well the academic objectives of the proposal were met The proposal had three main aims: 1). Produce a phylogenetic estimate of aeshnid dragonfly evolution from transcriptomes. 2). Use the phylogeny from Aim I and the photopigments isolated from the transcriptome data to examine the evolution of aeshnid color visual systems and 3) Using independent and complimentary methods (in situ hybridization, qPCR and transcriptome data) to examine both the distribution and level of expression for each photopigment for one focal species (Anax junius). Goals one and two were both successful, however goal three became bogged down and only …
The Effect Of Nr4a3 On Functional Beta Cell Mass, Jeffery S. Tessem
The Effect Of Nr4a3 On Functional Beta Cell Mass, Jeffery S. Tessem
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The academic objectives of this Mentoring Environment Grant (MEG) were to 1) train undergraduate students in the scientific process to prepare them in careers as physicians and scientists, and 2) to determine if the in vitro phenotypes observed in Nr4a3 deficient beta cell lines are translatable to the Nr4a3 KO mouse. . We were successful in accomplishing these objectives, as evidenced by the training of four undergraduate students, presentation of research and local and national meetings, and initial preparation of a manuscript reporting our findings. While we did have difficulty breeding these mice, this study gives us the basis of …
An Efficient Method For Generating Conditional Cell Lines For Cellular And Molecular Research, Mark Roth, Dr. Jonathan Alder
An Efficient Method For Generating Conditional Cell Lines For Cellular And Molecular Research, Mark Roth, Dr. Jonathan Alder
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Conditional cell lines are widely used throughout biochemical research. The basic concept is that you can delete a gene you are studying upon the addition of a drug, to cells in culture, and then use the knockout cells to study the genes effects. This process has been facilitated by the advent of the CRISPR/Cas9 system that allows a broad range of genome editing in living cells. Cas9 introduces a double strand break in DNA at a site specified by the CRISPR (guide RNA), and by changing the CRISPR sequence researchers can introduce these double strand breaks almost wherever they want. …
Sequencing Complete Genome Of Cutthroat Trout Subspecies For Purposes Of Improving Classification Of Cutthroat Trout Species, Emily Brown, Dr. Dennis Shiozawa
Sequencing Complete Genome Of Cutthroat Trout Subspecies For Purposes Of Improving Classification Of Cutthroat Trout Species, Emily Brown, Dr. Dennis Shiozawa
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Since the 1800s, biologists have studied cutthroat trout native to Western North America. Their early work and classification were based on the standards of the day: meristics, the observation and counting of physical features, and morphology. Further improvements came through later studies that added geographic distribution to their phylogenetic classification. Without the foresight of DNA genotyping methods, “traditional taxonomic assessments often failed to accurately capture phylogenetic diversity.” Many discrepancies have since arisen as genetic methods shed new light on cutthroat trout subspecies phylogenies. Current mtDNA work has identified errors in historical classifications of several of these subspecies in the Colorado, …
Glutathione-Mediated Oxidative Response In Uvb-Irradiated Hacat Cells, Patrick Badger, Dr. Jason Hansen
Glutathione-Mediated Oxidative Response In Uvb-Irradiated Hacat Cells, Patrick Badger, Dr. Jason Hansen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Ultraviolet light (UV) plays a critical role in the etiology of skin cancer, contributing to over 95% of both melanoma and non-melanoma diagnoses. It consists of several wavelengths, among which UVB is the most harmful, causing inflammation associated with sunburn and constituting the principal cause of skin cancer-related death.
B-Hydroxybutyrate Favorably Alters Muscle Cell Survival And Mitochondrial Bioenergetics, Brian Parker, Benjamin Bikman
B-Hydroxybutyrate Favorably Alters Muscle Cell Survival And Mitochondrial Bioenergetics, Brian Parker, Benjamin Bikman
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The growing worldwide incidence of obesity and its associated pathologies, like type 2 diabetes, has received much deserved attention. However, despite this attention and substantial research efforts, little meaningful progress has been made in slowing or reversing the growing cost and trends of obesity worldwide. As of 2008, almost 10% of medical costs in the United States were incurred due to obesity or other obesity-related diseases,i with the substantial amount of this cost stemming from the dramatically increased risk of diabetes with excess fat mass.ii According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one …
The Effect Of The Overexpression Of Irf% In B-Cells On Inflammatory And Co-Stimulatory Activity, Reika Takita, Brian Poole
The Effect Of The Overexpression Of Irf% In B-Cells On Inflammatory And Co-Stimulatory Activity, Reika Takita, Brian Poole
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory tissue damage inflicted by the body's rogue immune system (1). Although treatment is available for the disease, the pathogenesis of SLE remains unclear (2). However, researchers suspect the disease to be associated with environmental, genetic, and hormonal factors (1).
Preservation Of Oncorhynchus Clarkii By Comparison Of Biomarkers, Chase Paulson, Dr. R. Paul Evans
Preservation Of Oncorhynchus Clarkii By Comparison Of Biomarkers, Chase Paulson, Dr. R. Paul Evans
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of this project is to analyze biomarkers present in cutthroat and cutbow (a mixture of cutthroat and rainbow trout) trout of the Payson Hatchery compared to typical cutthroat and rainbow markers to better understand if cutthroat trout are being preserved locally and in the Western United States.
Lctsr: The New Path To Academic Success, Faith Hathenbruck, Dr. Jamie Jensen
Lctsr: The New Path To Academic Success, Faith Hathenbruck, Dr. Jamie Jensen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The Lawson’s Classroom Test of Scientific Reasoning1(LCTSR) is a content-independent measure of scientific reasoning abilities including conservation, proportional reasoning, identifying and controlling variables, probabilistic reasoning, correlational reasoning, and hypothetico-deductive reasoning. A relationship has been seen between scores on this test and a student’s decision to major in a STEM degree2 as well as with their performance in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM, courses3. Thus, the LCTSR can be a clever tool in predicting a student’s performance and persistence in STEM degrees. This test, however, has more potential than just predicting STEM …
Antibiotic Resistance In Staphylococcus Aureus From Commercially Available Meat, Samuel Schriever, Bradford Berges
Antibiotic Resistance In Staphylococcus Aureus From Commercially Available Meat, Samuel Schriever, Bradford Berges
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Bacteria can be found everywhere. While some bacteria can help humans to make medicine and clean up environmental disasters, other bacteria can cause horrible disease. After the discovery of antibiotics in the early twentieth century humans have been using them to treat human and animal disease. At first antibiotics very effective at clearing bacterial infections. Bacteria that were able to survive the antibiotics were able to spread and become more common. Bacteria have the ability to share genes and those genes are very favorable for the bacteria that have them. Today, animals are given more antibiotics than humans are. This …
Engineering A Cancer Specific 3rd Generation Car Immunotherapy, Josie Tueller, K. Scott Weber
Engineering A Cancer Specific 3rd Generation Car Immunotherapy, Josie Tueller, K. Scott Weber
Journal of Undergraduate Research
This project aimed to develop a cancer-specific immunotherapy that will target and destroy cancer cells without killing healthy cells. Current cancer treatments struggle to successfully target cancer cells and commonly target all rapidly dividing cells (both healthy and cancerous). Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapy aims to harness T cells, the body’s natural defense system, to fight cancer by giving T cells via molecular engineering a non-native protein which targets cancer. We successfully produced a T cell that can effectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells untouched while minimizing the toxic side effects normally experienced by patients. Future steps involve …
Examining How The Cd5 Co-Receptor Alters T Helper Cell Activation In Response To Bacterial Infection, Garrett Hamblin, Scott Weber
Examining How The Cd5 Co-Receptor Alters T Helper Cell Activation In Response To Bacterial Infection, Garrett Hamblin, Scott Weber
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Properly functioning helper T cells are crucial in a response to an infection. The adaptive immune response is orchestrated by T helper cells and their function is dependent upon interactions between the T cell receptor (TCR), peptide MHC (pMHC) and co-receptors. Upon TCR interaction with a foreign antigen, a calcium signaling cascade is initiated, which determines T cell activation, survival, proliferation and differentiation. CD5 is a T cell co-receptor that is a negative regulator of T cell activation. T cells with higher CD5 expression respond better to foreign antigen than those with lower CD5 expression. Cell-surface expression of CD5 is …
Association Of Essential Tremor And Parkinson’S Disease Development, Alexander Gosch, Mary David
Association Of Essential Tremor And Parkinson’S Disease Development, Alexander Gosch, Mary David
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder characterized by symmetrical tremor of the upper limbs. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a similar disorder, also characterized by tremor, with a few differences: ET tremor is mostly seen during action, while PD tremor is more prevalent while at rest. PD is characterized by problems with walking and balance, while ET is characterized primarily by tremor without balance problems. PD symptoms generally improve with the use of the drug levodopa while ET responds better to the drugs propranolol and primidone.
Is Mafb Essential To Β-Cell Growth And Proliferation?, Aaron Leifer, Jeffery Tessem
Is Mafb Essential To Β-Cell Growth And Proliferation?, Aaron Leifer, Jeffery Tessem
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Project Purpose: Our goal is to determine if MafB is necessary for β Cell proliferation and glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Project Importance: Approximately 29.1 million people are affected by type 1 or type 2 diabetes in the United States, according to 2014 National Diabetes Statistic Report. In addition, these 29.1 spent or lost 245 billion dollars combined. A cure for diabetes would result in not only a better life style but would also save billions of dollars. Project Profile Body: Both forms of diabetes are ultimately caused by decreased functional β-cell mass. β-cell transplantation is a possible treatment for …
Characterizing Endophyte Interactions That Enhance Tolerance Of Water Stress And Disease In Economically And Culturally Important Succulent Crops, Agave And Yucca, Claire Poore, Ryan Stewart
Characterizing Endophyte Interactions That Enhance Tolerance Of Water Stress And Disease In Economically And Culturally Important Succulent Crops, Agave And Yucca, Claire Poore, Ryan Stewart
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Agave and Yucca species are both cultural and economically important in the south western United States and Mexico. As desert plants, Agave and Yucca have adapted to hot and dry conditions and with increasing global temperatures, have the potential to fill even more important roles in modern agriculture1. The Navajo people place immense value on Yucca due to its source for food, twine, hair cleanser as well and its role in religious ceremonies. Agave has long been valued as a crop in Mexico and is used for food, fiber and beverages. Fusarium oxysporum is a major plant disease …
Increases In Fresh Weight Yield From Low Tunnels And Nitrogen Fertilization In Opuntia (Cactus Pear, Nopal) Species In Utah, Kennedy Christian, Mena Nicolas, J. Ryan Stewart
Increases In Fresh Weight Yield From Low Tunnels And Nitrogen Fertilization In Opuntia (Cactus Pear, Nopal) Species In Utah, Kennedy Christian, Mena Nicolas, J. Ryan Stewart
Journal of Undergraduate Research
With the global human population spiraling upward and the intensity of climate-change-induced drought events increasing, there is a growing need for identifying and developing highly productive, stress-tolerant crops that can be cultivated in marginal lands (Yang et al., 2015). Species within the Opuntia genus exhibit several traits, which enable them to withstand drought while growing in nutrient-poor soils (Nobel, 2010). However, these Opuntia species lack sufficient cold hardiness to be produced beyond northern Mexico (Felker et al., 2006) despite an increase in consumer demand of these pads from the Intermountain West and other parts of the U.S (Huffcut, 2004). Our …
Increasing Water Use Efficiency By Nitrogen Management In Turfgrass, Austin Hopkins, Dr. Neil C. Hansen
Increasing Water Use Efficiency By Nitrogen Management In Turfgrass, Austin Hopkins, Dr. Neil C. Hansen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
This project identifies turfgrass practices to conserve water by optimizing nitrogen (N) fertilization and irrigation strategies. Turfgrass is the most irrigated crop by area (163,800 km2), accounting for 1.9% of the continental U.S. This causes negative environmental impacts and puts the future of irrigated turfgrass in question due to increasing water scarcity, especially in the western U.S. More information is needed on how to irrigate in droughts as turf provides significant benefits in our environment such as aesthetics, cooling effects, carbon sequestration, and preventing soil erosion.
A User Friendly Tool To Allow Easy Access To Big Biological Data, Pj Tatlow, Stephen Piccolo
A User Friendly Tool To Allow Easy Access To Big Biological Data, Pj Tatlow, Stephen Piccolo
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Over the course of the past year I have been able to put a lot of work into creating a tool for scientists, those with computational background and without, that provides a simple web interface for downloading data from large, publically available datasets. It allows users to select a dataset that we have pre-processed, enter filters based on the samples they want to research, and download only that portion of the data. This will save researchers a lot of time, as well as reduce their reliance on bioinformaticians.
The Effect Of Repeated Heat Stress On Mitochondrial Protein Content In Human Skeletal Muscle, Amy Twitchell, Robert Hyldahl
The Effect Of Repeated Heat Stress On Mitochondrial Protein Content In Human Skeletal Muscle, Amy Twitchell, Robert Hyldahl
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Exercise has been known to improve mitochondrial function and increase its content in muscle. However, those who suffer from certain diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Type II Diabetes often experience concomitant exercise intolerance. In vitro research suggests that the application of a mild heat stress may be sufficient to activate some of the same signaling proteins that become active during exercise, possibly leading to mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. However, this has not yet been confirmed to occur in human skeletal muscle. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of heat therapy …
Development Of A Model For Adult T Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma In Htlv-1 Infected Humanized Mice, Kayleigh Ingersoll, Dr. Brad Berges
Development Of A Model For Adult T Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma In Htlv-1 Infected Humanized Mice, Kayleigh Ingersoll, Dr. Brad Berges
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is a virus that is linked to Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), causing cancer in T cells. There are an estimated 10-20 million people worldwide infected with HTLV-1. HTLV-1 is transmitted through contact of bodily fluid and usually occurs through breastfeeding, sexual transmission, and sharing needles. ATLL develops in only about 5% of infected persons after decades of infection. An ATLL diagnosis is grim as there is no cure, and most patients do not respond or only have a limited response to treatments. Current treatments include antiretrovirals or chemotherapy, but there has been little to no …
Upregulation Of Humanized Hprt Housekeeping Gene In Malignant Tumors Hinders Use As An Endogenous Control, Abigail Felsted, Kim O'Neill
Upregulation Of Humanized Hprt Housekeeping Gene In Malignant Tumors Hinders Use As An Endogenous Control, Abigail Felsted, Kim O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Our lab focuses on developing immunological techniques for diagnosing and treating cancer in a less invasive manner than current methods employ. New unique biomarkers are constantly needed to identify cancer in early stages in order to decrease mortality rates. When researching and publishing such biomarkers, many scientists use housekeeping genes such as glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) as positive controls. It is expected that housekeeping genes are expressed in all cells and have relatively consistent expression in all tissues both normal and malignant. As a member of the purine salvage pathway, HPRT recycles 90% of the free …
Effect Of Restricted Ankle Mobility On Muscle Reaction Time And Ankle Joint Kinematics To A Simulated Ankle Sprain During Walking In Chronic Ankle Instability Patients, Brandon Winward, Ty Hopkins
Effect Of Restricted Ankle Mobility On Muscle Reaction Time And Ankle Joint Kinematics To A Simulated Ankle Sprain During Walking In Chronic Ankle Instability Patients, Brandon Winward, Ty Hopkins
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Inversion ankle sprains are common and are caused by sudden inversion stresses during weight-bearing movement which causes the foot to roll under and inward.1 Ankle sprains result in tearing or stretching of ligaments and muscles, which reduces ankle stability.2 After a single ankle sprain, up to 80% of people suffer repeated sprains, which often develop into chronic ankle instability (CAI).3 Research has shown CAI patients often exhibit delayed lower leg muscle reaction time and restricted dorsiflexion range of motion (DROM).2
Maternal-Fetal Interactions And The Induction Of Preeclampsia By Growth Arrest-Specific 6 (Gas6)/Axl Signaling, Todd Dunaway, Paul Reynolds
Maternal-Fetal Interactions And The Induction Of Preeclampsia By Growth Arrest-Specific 6 (Gas6)/Axl Signaling, Todd Dunaway, Paul Reynolds
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Preeclampsia (PE) is a complicated obstetric complication characterized by increased blood pressure and decreased trophoblast invasion. PE is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in developed countries. The growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) protein is known to induce different responses in cells including prevention of apoptosis and enhanced cell migration and invasion. This protein is secreted in response to growth arrest and it is increased in the serum of PE patients. This discovery suggests a mechanistic role for the Gas6 signaling pathway during PE progression. Gas6 binds to the AXL tyrosine kinase receptor and AXL-mediated …
Tk1; Journey From The Cytoplasm To The Cell Membrane, Weston Burrup, Kim O'Neill
Tk1; Journey From The Cytoplasm To The Cell Membrane, Weston Burrup, Kim O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Thymidine Kinase 1 is an enzyme involved in the synthesis of thymidine triphosphate, an essential DNA building block needed for cell replication. Previous research has shown an upregulated level of TK1 in the serum levels of cancer patients as well as on the cancer cell surface. Due to its’ abnormal presence on the surface of various cancer cells, it is being researched as a potential biomarker for future immunotherapies. In order to be a more reliable biomarker, we need a more in depth understanding of the mechanism of how this protein travels through the cell cytoplasm and eventually attaches on …
Elucidating The Role Of The Transcriptional Co-Activator Camta1 In Cardiac Development, Nate Batey, Zach Frederich, Morgan Fronk, Nate Jenkins, Jonathon Hill
Elucidating The Role Of The Transcriptional Co-Activator Camta1 In Cardiac Development, Nate Batey, Zach Frederich, Morgan Fronk, Nate Jenkins, Jonathon Hill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect in the United States, causing more first-year infant deaths than any other birth defect (1). While the causes of CHD are varied, genetic defects are known to play a significant role. Identifying and studying genes involved in embryonic heart development can enhance understanding of the genetic factors in CHDs. The camta1 gene is a promising candidate due to its transient expression in heart morphogenesis and its relationship to camta2 , the only other member of its family in vertebrates and a known player in adult heart failure (2,3).
Predicting Bacteriophage Gene Function Through Secondary Structure Blast, Corinne Sexton, Perry Ridge
Predicting Bacteriophage Gene Function Through Secondary Structure Blast, Corinne Sexton, Perry Ridge
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically target bacteria. With antibiotic resistance on the rise, some researchers are looking to bacteriophages as a viable treatment alternative. Phage therapy would be effective for a host of reasons, some of which are because phages are 1) highly specific to their host bacteria, 2) very effective in lysing bacteria targets, 3) non toxic to humans, and 4) easy to manufacture and cost effective. (Oliveira 2015) Additionally, bacteriophages could be used effectively to treat bacterial infections in plants and animals of agricultural importance.
Loss Of The Giant Salmonfly Pteronarcys Californica And Changes In Stonefly Diversity In The Provo River, Utah (Plecoptera), Jackson Birrell, C. Riley Nelson
Loss Of The Giant Salmonfly Pteronarcys Californica And Changes In Stonefly Diversity In The Provo River, Utah (Plecoptera), Jackson Birrell, C. Riley Nelson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Plecoptera (stoneflies) are important insects in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. They cover a wide array of functional feeding groups and provide various ecosystem services (1). Stoneflies are sensitive to reductions in water quality, allowing managers to use their presence or absence to denote if a watershed is healthy or impaired. They are therefore known as bioindicators of stream health (2). Plecoptera are also appreciated by fly fisherman throughout the world. Despite their ecological, conservational and cultural importance, stoneflies are in decline. Their sensitivity to anthropogenic disturbances including pollution, river damming, urbanization and climate change make them particularly vulnerable and have lead …
Provo River Restoration: Success Or Failure?, Jared Meek, C Riley Nelson
Provo River Restoration: Success Or Failure?, Jared Meek, C Riley Nelson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The Provo River in central Utah flows from its headwaters in the Uinta Mountains, down the heavily agricultural Heber Valley, through the urban center of Provo and Orem, and out into Utah Lake. Beginning in the 1950s, the Provo River underwent significant alterations as part of a large-scale water reclamation project throughout central Utah1, including the channelization and straightening of its middle section. In addition to these alterations, the river had two dams constructed along its course: the Deer Creek Dam (1941) and the Jordanelle Dam (1993). To remedy the ecological impairment that these manipulations caused, the Utah Reclamation Mitigation …
Evolutionary Relationships In Anax Dragonflies, Rebecca Clement, Dr. Seth Bybee
Evolutionary Relationships In Anax Dragonflies, Rebecca Clement, Dr. Seth Bybee
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Anax dragonflies are found worldwide, with many species migrating across continents. One species of Anax, A. junius, makes annual migrations travelling thousands of miles each fall from Canada to Mexico (May 2013). Researchers from all over the world use Anax to learn about vision, insect musculature and insect migration. For example, A. junius is a favorite of many research projects in North America (Bybee et al. 2012), while A. imperator is often used by European collaborators (Sharkey et al. 2015), and A. parthenope by Asian collaborators (Futahashi et al. 2015). However, despite widespread interest in Anax, relationships among species remain …