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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
The Human Superiority Complex, Peyton Kinavey
The Human Superiority Complex, Peyton Kinavey
Undergraduate Research Competition
For decades humans have possessed a superiority complex regarding nonhuman beings, but this has not always been the case. Through analyzing prehistoric art, such as therianthropic figurines and nonhuman animal motifs in cave paintings, it appears that prehistoric humans practiced respect for fellow animals and even viewed them as equals. These results are comparable with ethnographic data from contemporary hunter-gatherer and small-scale agricultural societies all over the world. Thus, it is suggested that the rise of industrial agriculture and the meat and dairy industries, alongside the philosophical justifications for their continuance, may have contributed to the widespread idea of human …
A Fisher Indole Synthesis Approach To Phidianidine Analogues, Anna Tingler, Trinity Ghering, Samuel Ross
A Fisher Indole Synthesis Approach To Phidianidine Analogues, Anna Tingler, Trinity Ghering, Samuel Ross
Undergraduate Research Competition
Naturally occurring products are molecules that are found in the natural world without the aid of humans. Aspirin and opium are famous examples of this classification of molecule. Another example of natural products that are less known are the phidianidines. Phidianidines A & B were isolated from a shell-less mollusk, Phidiana militaris. These molecules are comprised of a 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring, an indole and an aminoalkylguanadio group. These compounds have exhibited striking pharmacological behavior such as that of neutralizing reactive oxygen species and acting as an agonist for the μ-opioid receptor. In recent years, the synthesis of phidianidine analogues has replaced …
Genome Annotation Of Phages Phayeta And Greco Etereo, Warren Earley, Nestor Llanot Arocho, Brittaney Mazen
Genome Annotation Of Phages Phayeta And Greco Etereo, Warren Earley, Nestor Llanot Arocho, Brittaney Mazen
Undergraduate Research Competition
Phages are viruses that infect specific bacterial cells in order to reproduce. Many of these phages can infect and kill medically relevant bacterial species. As part of SEA-PHAGES, Coastal students have discovered two phages, Phayeta and Greco Etereo, that infect Mycobacterium smegmatis, which is closely related to the causative agent of tuberculosis. For our purposes we are annotating the phages Phayeta and Greco Etereo and comparing them to other previously annotated phages to help determine the function of the genes they contain. By doing this comparative analysis, we are increasing the understanding of phage biology and the roles of individual …
Utilizing 3d Printing As A Method Of Engaging Students And Assisting In The Learning Of Spatially Challenging Concepts, Gregory Thompson
Utilizing 3d Printing As A Method Of Engaging Students And Assisting In The Learning Of Spatially Challenging Concepts, Gregory Thompson
Undergraduate Research Competition
Molecular structures, spatial arrangements, bond angles and stereochemistry are examples of topics that chemistry students struggle to grasp because it can be difficult to visualize how they work. 3D printing offers a way for instructors to provide students with molecular models to allow them to experience hands-on learning to better understand these concepts. The aim of this research is to design a method of remotely monitoring as well as controlling the 3D printer, and to explore what molecular editing programs could be useful in creating 3D models to print. To address the former, the software, Octoprint, will be used in …
Effect Of Lactate Dehydrogenase In Alzheimer's Disease Using Fruit Fly Model, Hannah Mccutcheon, Elizabeth Mccrea
Effect Of Lactate Dehydrogenase In Alzheimer's Disease Using Fruit Fly Model, Hannah Mccutcheon, Elizabeth Mccrea
Undergraduate Research Competition
The common fruit fly (Drosophila) was used as a model organism to investigate the function of lactate dehydrogenase gene (LDH) in Alzheimer’s disease. Human Alzheimer’s genes were implemented into fruit flies to examine the neurodegenerative properties of the disease since humans and fruit flies share a similar genetic makeup. When human Alzheimer’s gene is given to the fruit flies, they exhibit similar intellectual and physical defects as seen in humans. In previous experiments, it was found that down regulating certain genes allowed the transgenic flies to live longer and reduced their locomotor deficiencies. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is one of the …
The Importance Of Processing And Understanding Bacteriophages, Alexandra Greco, Emily Bishop, Emma Hofseth, Kelsi Phelps
The Importance Of Processing And Understanding Bacteriophages, Alexandra Greco, Emily Bishop, Emma Hofseth, Kelsi Phelps
Undergraduate Research Competition
There are many bacteria that are increasingly becoming antibiotic resistant resulting in a new prevalent medical issue. Bacteriophages are evolutionary virus weapons that infect and fight against these infectious bacteria that give rise to Bacteriophages the most abundant biological entity found in nature, outnumbering all life combined, with a total estimated population of 1031. As part of BIOL 302L - Phage Discovery, we focused on identifying phages from individually collected soil samples found regionally in South Carolina. Through a series of experiments, we were able to identify and amplify two newly discovered phages that infect Mycobacterium Smegmatis following the protocols …
A New Approach To The Core Of Flinderole C, Ana Pettijohn, Claire Romain
A New Approach To The Core Of Flinderole C, Ana Pettijohn, Claire Romain
Undergraduate Research Competition
The flinderoles A-C are a class of anti-malaria bisindole alkaloids from plants of the Flindersia genus. Flinderole C was specifically from the Papua New Guinean plant called F. amboinensis and is the most potent antimalarial of the group. Malaria is a parasitic infectious disease usually found in the hot, tropic regions of the world, such as parts of Africa. It is estimated that nearly half the world's population lives in an area where it is endemic. Furthermore, malaria was estimated to have caused over 600,000 deaths in 2020. While measures to limit the spread of the disease lessen its impact, …
Electromyographical Difference Between Tonal And Free Weight Exercises, Sophia Brettler
Electromyographical Difference Between Tonal And Free Weight Exercises, Sophia Brettler
Undergraduate Research Competition
The purpose of this study is to compare muscle activation between Tonal and traditional free-weight exercises. The Tonal is a digital weight system that can add up to 200 pounds of resistance. The Tonal also features unique exercise modes such as Smart Flex. Smart Flex utilizes Tonal's digital weights system to intelligently match the resistance to the exerciser by continuously adding or subtracting weight depending on when their muscles are at their strongest and weakest during an exercise. For this study, participants will complete 3 separate visits, visit one will include one repetition maximum testing and familiarization and visits 2-3 …
Energy Availability In Female Collegiate Beach Volleyball Athletes, Meghan Thomas
Energy Availability In Female Collegiate Beach Volleyball Athletes, Meghan Thomas
Undergraduate Research Competition
BACKGROUND: Energy availability (EA) is the amount of energy available for normal physiological processes and is defined as energy intake (kcals) minus exercise energy expenditure (kcals) relative to fat free mass (FFM). Low-energy availability (LEA; i.e., energy intake < 30 kcal/kg FFM/d) causes Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, which results in various negative health and performance outcomes. A recent study reported 81% of the female collegiate athletes examined exhibited LEA. Of the 18-collegiate beach volleyball (BVB) athletes studied, average EA across 7 days was determined to be 12.44 kcal/kg FFM/d. Notably, this is a 7-day snapshot that may not reflect chronic dietary or training patterns. To our knowledge, no study has examined EA across the 10-week competitive season in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this cross-sectional study is to establish the risk of LEA in female collegiate BVB athletes across the competitive season. METHODS: We plan to recruit 18 female collegiate BVB athletes. Each subject will complete an initial visit where anthropometrics, resting metabolic rate (RMR), nutrition knowledge, psychological skills and maximal aerobic capacity will be tested. During weeks 1, 5, and 9 of the competitive season, in addition to initial testing, energy intake (ASA 24) and energy expenditure (GT9X-Link) will be assessed to calculate EA. Countermovement vertical jump height, velocity, and power (GymAware) will be used to assess performance. Results will be analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Pearson Correlations. EXPECTED RESULTS: It is hypothesized that LEA will be present and EA will decline as the season progresses.
The Effect Of Acute Creatine Supplementation On Non-Invasive Assessment Of Vascular Function Using Flow-Mediated Dilation, Carson Carruthers
The Effect Of Acute Creatine Supplementation On Non-Invasive Assessment Of Vascular Function Using Flow-Mediated Dilation, Carson Carruthers
Undergraduate Research Competition
Accumulation of reactive oxygen species within the vasculature has been shown to contribute to endothelial cell dysfunction, an early biomarker of cardiovascular disease. Antioxidants and supplements with antioxidative properties, could be increasingly important in reversing the progression of cardiovascular disease. While creatine monohydrate is commonly used as a fitness supplement to promote increases in muscular strength, recent studies have shown that creatine may act as an antioxidant, thereby improving vascular health. Traditional loading doses of creatine require 7-10 days of 20 g (4 x 5 g/day). However, it may be possible to see the vascular health benefits with a smaller, …
Environmental Bacteriophage Presence In The Drainage Ponds At Coastal Carolina University, Alexei Chesnutwood
Environmental Bacteriophage Presence In The Drainage Ponds At Coastal Carolina University, Alexei Chesnutwood
Undergraduate Research Competition
The purpose of this research is to detect naturally occurring, lytic bacteriophages and identify the environmental factors that influence their presence on Coastal Carolina University’s campus. Bacteriophages are non-living viruses that only infect bacteria, and these viruses are found in abundance in every environment. Likewise, coliphages are viruses that exclusively infect coliform bacteria. Eleven treated and untreated freshwater sample sites were chosen for weekly sampling on CCU’s campus. During water sample collection, ambient environmental conditions were measured. In addition, precipitation was tracked over the collection period as runoff relates to the proliferation of bacteriophages. If plaque assays indicated the presence …
Attenuation Of Vo2 Slow Component During Heavy-Intensity Interval Exercise, Cade Carter
Attenuation Of Vo2 Slow Component During Heavy-Intensity Interval Exercise, Cade Carter
Undergraduate Research Competition
The VO2 slow component (VO2SC) is a slow, exponential increase in oxygen consumption (VO2) that takes place during constant load exercise above the ventilatory threshold. The purpose of this study was to examine the amplitude of the VO2SC during various heavy-intensity interval exercise conditions. Seven males participated in a total of 7 visits, visit one consisted of a graded exercise test until volitional fatigue, and visits 2-7 consisted of 2 visits each of the 3 experimental conditions. Each experimental trial began with a 4-minute warm-up cycle at 20 watts, followed by the experimental condition, followed by a 4-minute cool-down cycle …
Physiological Effects Of Intervals Duration During Aerobic Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction, John Sossamon
Physiological Effects Of Intervals Duration During Aerobic Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction, John Sossamon
Undergraduate Research Competition
This study will examine the effect of work interval duration on the local metabolic stress and cardiac work during low-intensity aerobic exercise with BFR. Healthy males (18-25 yrs) will complete a graded exercise test to determine WR. Participants will complete three experimental intervals (INT) exercise protocols with intermittent BFR, randomly. All protocols will consist of a 4-min warm-up ([20 W] WU), work INTs (35% peak power), and 1-min recovery INTs (20 W) between work INTs. The work INTs will be: 1) six 2-min INTs (2-min INT), 2) twelve 1-min INTs (1-min INT), and 3) three 4-min INTs (4-min INT). During …
Identification Of A Small Regulatory Rna Usps Associated With The Universal Stress Protein In Lactobacillus Species, Zarah Fowler
Identification Of A Small Regulatory Rna Usps Associated With The Universal Stress Protein In Lactobacillus Species, Zarah Fowler
Undergraduate Research Competition
The gut microbiome is a complex habitat with many bacterial species. These bacteria play vital roles in regulating several physiological processes in the body. With a rise in the use of probiotics to combat human disease, it is important to understand the mechanisms by which probiotic bacteria regulate host interactions. Our exploration of the physiological functions of probiotic bacteria hopes to elucidate the role of small regulatory RNAs or non-coding RNAs in regulating gene expression within the human body. The goal of this project was to identify and explore the conservation of function and structure of the sRNA, UspS, in …
Specifying An Identified Lncrnas Modulation In Cellular Processes During Early Embryonic Development Of Nicotiana Tabacum Seedlings, Heather Garrett, Elena Foust, Logan Robinson
Specifying An Identified Lncrnas Modulation In Cellular Processes During Early Embryonic Development Of Nicotiana Tabacum Seedlings, Heather Garrett, Elena Foust, Logan Robinson
Undergraduate Research Competition
Multiple forms of RNA exist in cells. The most common forms of RNA include tRNA, rRNA, and mRNA. LncRNAs are proposed to have multiple functions during seed development including gene silencing, organogenesis, and other molecular processes. LncRNAs are unknown or poorly understood because their importance has been questioned throughout early research. However, the lncRNA NTAB_LNC014148.1 is presumed to function in seed development of Nicotiana tabacum based on global gene expression studies. Bioinformatics analyses predicted that lncRNA NTAB_LNC014148.1 binds to at least two gene regions during embryonic development (gene regions Nitab4.5_0001672g0150.1 and Nitab4.5_0001972g0020.1). These two gene regions encode an Arf GTPase …
Evolutionary Analysis Of Plastic-Degrading Enzyme Petase Found In The Endophytic Microbiome Of Marine Viridiplantae For Phytoremediation, Marissa Mazariego
Evolutionary Analysis Of Plastic-Degrading Enzyme Petase Found In The Endophytic Microbiome Of Marine Viridiplantae For Phytoremediation, Marissa Mazariego
Undergraduate Research Competition
In 2016, a bacteria found outside a recycling facility in Japan was discovered to decompose and metabolize polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Ideonella sakaiensis exhibited catabolic activity by binding to the surface of the products and delivering PETase enzymes to degrade plastic into its original structural components. PET is a clear plastic designed for single-use packaging. Despite the claim that PET plastics are 100% recyclable, only 31% of PETs are recycled. PETs do not decompose for up to 450 years in disposal facilities, resulting in the clogging of natural landscapes with litter and phthalate toxins. It is suggested that the selective pressure …
Developing A Safe And Effective Papillomavirus Screen To Be Used On College Students, Nicole Frantz
Developing A Safe And Effective Papillomavirus Screen To Be Used On College Students, Nicole Frantz
Undergraduate Research Competition
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection that accounts for approximately 5% of all cancers worldwide and affects more than 80 million people in the US alone, according to the CDC and National Cancer Institute. Human papillomaviruses are small, nonenveloped, icosahedral DNA viruses that infect squamous epithelial cells. The viral particles consist of a single double stranded DNA molecule bound to histones and contained within a protein capsid composed of structural proteins late (L)1 and L2. To date, over 100 different genotypes of HPV have been identified, and approximately 15 types are considered oncogenic in cervical, vulvar, …
3-D Models For Chemistry Education, Elizabeth Cole
3-D Models For Chemistry Education, Elizabeth Cole
Undergraduate Research Competition
VSPER theory is a difficult concept to understand and a significant area of confusion in general chemistry classrooms. 2-D models are commonly used; however, they fail to take into consideration a molecules orientation in space, a key component in VSPER theory. The lack of clarity involving bond angles and alignment often leads to difficulty in conceptualizing the theory. The purpose of this project was to generate 3-D models of molecules from VSPER theory for classroom use with the intent to aid in the comprehension of the material. Free CAD was the computer software system used to generate a base and …
Discovery And Investigation Of Novel Bacteriophage Duncansleg, Kaitlynn Burbage, Edenborough Hibionada Jr., Kirsten Presnell
Discovery And Investigation Of Novel Bacteriophage Duncansleg, Kaitlynn Burbage, Edenborough Hibionada Jr., Kirsten Presnell
Undergraduate Research Competition
The Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Sciences (SEA-PHAGES) program was formed to conduct research on bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria. Using the bacterial host Mycobacterium smegmatis, DuncansLeg was isolated from a soil sample found on August 27th, 2021, at Coastal Carolina University's Campus. The enriched isolate obtained from an environmental distillate was purified via picking a well-isolated plaque and amplified by making webbed plates in preparation for DNA extraction. This isolate's DNA was characterized and analyzed through restriction digests. Once we obtained enough lysate we were able to send in the samples to be sequenced and further …
Association Of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Assessed Muscle Oxidative Capacity Between Collegiate Cross-Country Athletes And College Students, James Brown, Riley Melton
Association Of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Assessed Muscle Oxidative Capacity Between Collegiate Cross-Country Athletes And College Students, James Brown, Riley Melton
Undergraduate Research Competition
Muscle oxidative capacity (MOC) is the maximum rate at which the muscle can utilize oxygen to meet the energy demand of exercise. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurement of muscle oxygen uptake (mVO2) during brief arterial occlusions has shown to be a valid, reliable indicator of MOC, but is affected by aerobic fitness. It is unclear if the NIRS measurement can detect a difference in MOC in populations of varying aerobic fitness. The purpose is to compare MOC between collegiate cross-country runners and age-matched college students. Maximal oxygen uptake will be measured from an individualized treadmill test to characterize aerobic fitness. MOC …
Cloning And Overexpression Of Phayonce Genes To Assess Cytotoxicity In Mycobacterium Smegmatis, Abbey Montoya, Olivia Sundman
Cloning And Overexpression Of Phayonce Genes To Assess Cytotoxicity In Mycobacterium Smegmatis, Abbey Montoya, Olivia Sundman
Undergraduate Research Competition
Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, posses the potential to be utilized for therapeutic purposes. Despite being the most abundant biological entity, the biological function of many phage genes has not been established. Our lab is analyzing each gene of the phage Phayonce, which infects Mycobacterium smegmatis. First, individual genes are inserted into an inducible expression vector. Then, these plasmids were used to transform M. smegmatis and determine if individual genes have toxic effects on host cells. Because functions of gene number 35 and 52 of Phayonce cannot be inferred by sequence comparison, they were selected for analysis. These genes were …
Cloning And Overexpression Of Phayonce Genes 12 And 77 In M. Smegmatis, Amber Wilson
Cloning And Overexpression Of Phayonce Genes 12 And 77 In M. Smegmatis, Amber Wilson
Undergraduate Research Competition
Bacteriophage or phage are a diverse class of viruses that infect and reproduce in bacterial cells. Their diverse genomes represent an immense source of novel protein functions and a deeper understanding of phage genes will contribute to emerging treatments for antibiotic resistant bacterial infections. The goal of the research described here is to isolate and study individual genes from the bacteriophage Phayonce. Gene specific primers were used to PCR amplify Phayonce genes 12 and 77 (Phayonce 12 and Phayonce 77). The PCR products were then ligated into a plasmid vector by isothermal assembly. Following confirmation of the cloned gene by …
Combining Physical And Mental Practices Of A Dart-Throwing Task Enhances Motor Learning And Impacts Psychological Skills, Joy Carlson, Hannah Walker, Mackenzie Manning, Hannah Dresner
Combining Physical And Mental Practices Of A Dart-Throwing Task Enhances Motor Learning And Impacts Psychological Skills, Joy Carlson, Hannah Walker, Mackenzie Manning, Hannah Dresner
Undergraduate Research Competition
Determining practical ways to improve motor skill learning is crucial to enhancing behavior. Combining Visualization technique with dart throwing practice could impact positively skill learning. This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of dart-throwing skill practice and visualization would enhance motor learning. Fifty-three participants were divided in two groups ([1] visualization + dart; [2] dart group). Groups performed pretest of 10 trials, followed by 60 practice trials (6 blocks of 10 throws) with 1-minute break between blocks. Importantly, the Visualization + dart group practiced visualization during the 1-min breaks between blocks, while the Dart group read a nutrition paper …
Bioinformatic Investigation Into Mycobacterium Phage Duncansleg, Connor Hadwin, Michael Moore
Bioinformatic Investigation Into Mycobacterium Phage Duncansleg, Connor Hadwin, Michael Moore
Undergraduate Research Competition
Bacteriophage research is increasingly important to perform as antibacterial resistance becomes more common. The novel phage DuncansLeg was isolated and sequenced by students in the HHMI SEA-PHAGES Phage Discovery course in the fall of 2021 at Coastal Carolina University's campus. The DNA sequence of DuncansLeg (75,593 base pairs) was subjected to bioinformatic auto-annotation, which placed the phage into subcluster L3. The scope of this investigation goes beyond lab work and discovery, instead focusing on applying multiple bioinformatic approaches to refine the genomic auto-annotation and assign potential gene functions where possible. To this end, the bioinformatic programs used to identify coding …
Detecting Potential Neurotoxic Pseudo-Nitzchia Species In The Grand Strand, Chesney Price, Sean Ferrano
Detecting Potential Neurotoxic Pseudo-Nitzchia Species In The Grand Strand, Chesney Price, Sean Ferrano
Undergraduate Research Competition
Pseudo-nitzschia is a globally distributed diatom genus which contains 26 neurotoxin (domoic-acid) producing species. In shallow coastal waters these diatoms are associated with both the development of harmful algal blooms and the bioaccumulation of toxins in shellfish that can impact human health. Environmental DNA (eDNA) samples drawn from the public shellfish harvesting area at Huntington Beach State Park (SC) during the summer of 2021 were PCR- screened for Pseudo-nitzschia species using genus specific primers. The sequences of the recovered amplicons are used to molecularly characterize the species of Pseudo-nitzschia present and their potential to produce domoic acid.
Molecular Cloning Of Genes From The Bacteriophage, Phayonce, Kelly Walsh
Molecular Cloning Of Genes From The Bacteriophage, Phayonce, Kelly Walsh
Undergraduate Research Competition
Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that infect bacteria, and have one of the most vast and diverse global populations of all biological entities. Despite this immense population size, the roles, and functions of individual phage genes within their genome, are widely unknown. The first, and one of the most important steps, toward elucidating the function of a phage gene, is molecular cloning. Because gene expression is easily influenced by other genes, it is essential to isolate and clone each individual gene into a plasmid expression vector. Once a single gene insert is cloned into a plasmid, we can introduce the …
Lichen Delimitation Within The Collemataceae Family, Catherine Austin
Lichen Delimitation Within The Collemataceae Family, Catherine Austin
Undergraduate Research Competition
Lichens are composed of fungal and algal or cyanobacterial components that participate in a mutualistic relationship. Recently, lichen-associated bacterial microbiomes have also been discovered to play a role in this relationship. Gathering information concerning lichen evolutionary relationships can bring more clarity to how lichens have evolved to be better equipped to house these bacterial communities. Specifically, this study aims to understand the evolutionary relationship between lichen species within different genera of the Collemataceae family. Broadening the taxa being studied from the Kosuthova et al. 2020 study to 20 total lichen species within the Collemataceae family, allows for a phylogenetic approach …
Assessing Biodiversity In Sea Turtles Using Coi Sequence Data, Zachary Lane
Assessing Biodiversity In Sea Turtles Using Coi Sequence Data, Zachary Lane
Undergraduate Research Competition
In this study I phylogenetically examined the mitochondrial locus cytochrome oxidase I (COI) from twenty-six marine turtles using Crocodylus porosus for an outgroup comparison. The main purpose of analyzing this locus is to access the utility of COI as an indicator of biodiversity within the family Cheloniidae (Sea Turtles). These analyses expand the number of taxa analyzed in Naro-Maciel et al. 2009, by including ten additional taxa. These taxa, will help increase phylogenetic resolution and the recognition of biodiversity patterns within sea turtles.
Homology Of A Maturase To The Heart Of The Nuclear Spliceosome, Isabella Becker
Homology Of A Maturase To The Heart Of The Nuclear Spliceosome, Isabella Becker
Undergraduate Research Competition
Structural and biochemical evidence links group II introns as evolutionary precursors of nuclear introns. The spliceosome binds and excises nuclear introns. Maturases are prokaryotic enzymes that aid group II intron excision. The evolutionary ties between group II introns and nuclear introns suggest a possible link between maturases and the nuclear spliceosome. Structural analysis of Prp8, a core enzyme of the nuclear spliceosome has demonstrated this link and revealed similarity to prokaryotic maturases. Maturase K (MatK) is a chloroplast group II intron maturase. Unlike prokaryotic maturases, MatK binds to multiple intron substrates suggesting possible evolution akin to the nuclear spliceosome machinery. …