Research Methods in Life Sciences Commons^™

Validation Of A Novel Trpm8 Knockout Mouse Model, Bilan Mohamed

Thinking Matters Symposium

Recent studies suggest that the use of thermoregulatory treatments that affect brown fat may help curb obesity. However it is unknown how these treatments may affect bone homeostasis. Our work has focused on the transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM8) protein, which is responsible for detecting colder temperatures in sensory neurons. Previous work within the Motyl laboratory has found that Trpm8 plays a role in bone acquisition. Mice with a global deletion of the Trpm8 gene have reduced trabecular bone volume fraction due to reduced bone formation by osteoblasts. However, it is unclear whether sensory neuron or osteoblast-mediated expression of Trpm8 …

The Evolution Of Mimicry; The Doublesex Gene, Aisha Hill

Thinking Matters Symposium

Many butterfly species use mimicry in order to increase their chance of survival. In Batesian mimicry, non toxic butterflies mimic the wing patterns, colors, and shapes of another species that is toxic to predators. Swallowtail butterflies (Papilio polytes) are well-known Batesian mimics, and also display sexual dimorphism with distinct differences between the sexes. Sex limited mimicry is common. The female butterfly may mimic an inedible red-bodied swallowtail, such as the common rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae), or she may be non-mimetic. The male butterfly is non-mimetic. This is a review of recent research into the origin and evolution …

Using Stable Isotopes And Diet Analysis To Assess The Potential For Competition And Coexistence Among Coyotes (Canis Latransl, Red Foxes (Vulpes Vulpes), And Gray Foxes (Urocyon Cinereoargenteus) In Maine, Henry M. Masters

Student Scholarship

When two species compete for food, one species typically outcompetes the other. Subordinate species can alleviate costs of competition by reducing diet overlap, promoting coexistence. Non-native coyotes (Canis latrans) and historically native gray foxes (Urocyon cineroargenteus) have expanded their range in Maine and may compete with native red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). To investigate competition, I analyzed stable isotopes and stomach contents to determine if coyotes, red foxes, and gray foxes differed in use of anthropogenic foods and trophic position. I predicted that coyotes utilize anthropogenic foods the least (lowest δ13C), and red foxes utilize …

Dna Barcoding Reveals A New Morphotype Of The Sugar Kelp, Saccharina Latissima, Dallin Brimley, Zakery Ford, Travis Gould, Brandon Guerra, Emily Haggett, Ian Jones, Elyse Johnson, Ken Peterson, Matthew Prout

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Phytoplankton blooms follow predictable annual cycles in the Gulf of Maine, characterized by a large spring bloom and a smaller bloom in the fall. Marine phytoplankton form the foundation of primary production in Gulf of Maine waters, and thus community changes in composition, and abundance could have cascading effects on our coastal ecosystems.

We set out to monitor the community composition, diversity, and abundance of the spring micro-phytoplankton bloom, at a Friends of Casco Bay water quality monitoring site, in South Portland, Maine. The Gulf of Maine is experiencing accelerated warming rates, and this type of monitoring can aid in …

Policy For Identifying And Assessing The Health Risks Of Toxic Substances, Maine Bureau Of Health

Maine Collection

Policy for Identifying and Assessing the Health Risks of Toxic Substances

by Norman T. Anderson, Environmental Toxicology Program, Division of Disease Control, Bureau of Health (February, 1988).

Contents: Section I: Introduction / Section II: Methods / Section III: Exposure Assessment / Section IV: Hazard Identification / Section V: Hazard Assessment / Section VI: Risk Characterization / List of Figures / List of Tables

The Ecology Of Maine's Intertidal Habitats : A Report Prepared For The Maine State Planning Office, Peter F. Larsen, Lee F. Doggett

Maine Collection

The Ecology of Maine's Intertidal Habitats : A Report Prepared for the Maine State Planning Office

by Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences (Authors: Peter F. Larsen and Lee F. Doggett) , 1981.

Contents: Acknowledgements / List of Tables / List of Figures / Chapter 1 - Introduction / Chapter 2 - Human Impact on Intertidal Fauna / Chapter 3 - A Primer of Intertidal Ecology / Chapter 4 - A Sampler of Intertidal Species / Chapter 5 - Methodology / Chapter 6 - Results of Faunal Studies / Appendix 1 - Habitats With Date Sampled / Appendix 2 - List …