Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring The Role Of Big1 And Big2 In Protein Trafficking And Sorting At The Trans-Golgi Network And Endosome, Anna Wong, Bridge Wynn, Elizabeth Sztul

Expo Student Presentations

2023 Spring Expo Poster Presentation

• Biological & Life Sciences

Barcoding The Unknown: Primer Development For Diverse Nematode Strains, Alegria O. Bautista

Research and Creativity Symposium

DNA barcoding has significantly advanced species identification and revealed many cryptic species with significant biomedical and agricultural research applications. Nematodes are frequently used in DNA barcoding due to their short generation times and ease of laboratory maintenance. However, the rapid increase in newly discovered species presents a taxonomic impediment, where traditional identification methods struggle to keep pace. In this study, unknown nematode strains underwent a modified Caenorhabditis elegans bleaching protocol to eliminate contamination and accommodate varying developmental stages. DNA was extracted and amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), targeting regions of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Established primers (18S …

Fisheries Management Paper No.286: Western Australian Octopus Resource Harvest Strategy, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Management Papers

Harvest strategies for Western Australia’s (WA) aquatic resources are formal documents developed to support decision-making processes that ensure the outcomes are consistent with the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD; Fletcher 2002a) and Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (EBFM; Fletcher et al. 2012). Harvest strategies are a key component of all contemporary fishery management systems and a requirement for certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The objectives of ESD are reflected in the objectives of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 (FRMA).

This Octopus Resource Harvest Strategy (Harvest Strategy) has been developed and revised in line with the Harvest Strategy …

Research Day 2025 Program, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School Of Medicine

Research Day

No abstract provided.

Food Insecurity In Latin America: Climate Change, Industrial Agriculture, And The Case For Regenerative Solutions, Leila Hernandez-Webster

CISLA Senior Integrative Projects

This study critically analyzes the nexus between climate change and food insecurity in Latin America, with a particular focus on Costa Rica’s agricultural sector. It interrogates how industrial agricultural practices, deforestation, and trade liberalization have contributed to environmental degradation and heightened socio-economic vulnerabilities, especially among smallholder farmers. Through the lens of political ecology, this research situates these dynamics within the broader context of neoliberal and neo-extractivist development paradigms, which have systematically eroded food sovereignty. This study also evaluates agro-ecological responses, particularly agroforestry, as viable strategies for promoting ecological resilience and socio-economic equity. In doing so, it underscores the imperative of …

Wrack Lines Spring-Summer 2025, Volume 25, Number 1, Megan Bard, Ronald Goldberg, Clayton Mcgoldrick, Judy Benson

Wrack Lines

Spring-Summer 2025 issue of CT Sea Grant's biannual magazine focuses on the theme of, "Finding their niche: Unique ways of serving people and the environment," with profiles of six standouts in various environmental fields.

Investigating The Demography And Parasites Of Spring-Migrating Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla Cedrorum) In Virginia After A Single-Day Mortality Event, Karen E, Powers, William W. Sadler, Acalia J. Carter-Martin, G. Caleb Smith, Gabe W. Tieskotter, Katie E. Wheeler, Matthew T. Close, Sara O'Brien, Pavel B. Klimov, Andrew D. Sweet, Stephen A. Smith, Jamie K. Lau

Virginia Journal of Science

While investigating the cause of death in a cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) mortality event in March 2024 in Roanoke, Virginia, we collected parasites, investigated gizzard contents, and described demography. The group of 20 was slightly male-dominated (12/20) and only contained two adults (after second year - both females). We recovered 46 ectoparasites from 16 of 20 individuals and reported two species of feather mites (Proctophyllodes ampelidis [N=37] and Analges integer [N=5]), one oribatid mite, two spider mites (order Trombidiformes), and one unknown mite (likely immature oribatid). We recovered no endoparasites. This mortality event provided a sample size …

Native Maintenance Booklet, Plaster Creek Stewards

Print Materials

Your new garden is an ecological haven for pollinators. By replacing grass with native plants, you will be providing food and a resilient habitat for bees, butterflies, birds, and so much more. Many of our native insects rely on these native plants to survive and reproduce, and many birds rely on these insects to reproduce and feed their young. By bringing these plants back into our yards, we are giving them a huge helping hand. This booklet provides details on maintaining Michigan native landscapes, including recommended maintenance schedules, identifying native plants versus weeds, and garden advocacy suggestions.

Strategies Of Animal Rescue Organizations In Agadir, Morocco: Addressing Cultural, Biological, And Government Challenges, Jacey Lynn Ramos

Morocco: Human Rights, Social Justice, and Cultural Transformation

Animal rescue organizations in Agadir, Morocco, play a critical role in confronting the intersecting challenges of stray animal overpopulation, zoonotic disease risks, and insufficient government support. This research examines how these organizations respond to cultural perspectives, public health concerns, and state-endorsed culling policies through a combination of field observation, social media analysis, and interviews. Focusing on two major NGOs (Non- Government Organizations) including Sunshine Animal Refuge Agadir (SARA) and Morocco Animal Aid (MAA), the study compares their outreach strategies, operational transparency, and organizational effectiveness. Findings reveal that while SARA offers a structured, humane model centered on TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) and community …

Search, The Jackson Laboratory

Search Magazine

No abstract provided.

Engineered Cftr-Mrna Of Lipid Nanoparticles Induce Superfunctional Cftr In Airway Epithelial Cells, Han-Chung Chen, Javier Campos-Gomez, Kadambari Vijaykumar, Janna Ren, Tzu-Chi Huang, Steve M. Rowe

Expo Student Presentations

2025 Spring Expo Poster Presentation

• Biological & Life Sciences

Toward Ar Visualization Of The Fluid-Mosaic Model Of The Cell Membrane, Yoonwoo Lee, Allison Ost, Junghyuk Lee, Krisztina Z. Bencze

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Background: During the first semester of biochemistry experience, students focus on learning the structure and function of biomolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Visualizing these structures and understanding interactions between molecules helps students better understand biological function. A variety 3D visualization tools are available, ex. PyMol, Chimera, Avogadro, Blender. Within the past decade, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) applications gained more popularity. VR with its immersive visual experience is more sought-after, but the higher cost and the need for headset creates limitations in the classroom. AR visualizations are cheaper and more accessible, several publications report successful implementation …

Plant Biodiversity Of Short-Grass Prairie On An Eastern Colorado Cattle Ranch From 1988-2024, Emilee D. Cole, Zoey E. Daniels-Sneed, Matthew Galliart, Sarah Elzay

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This survey examined the possible effects that rotational grazing and large-scale beef cattle production has on plant diversity in short-grass prairie rangeland. The survey was conducted on the Frasier Ranch, a working cattle ranch in eastern Colorado. Plant diversity was measured via species richness, ratio of cool to warm season grasses, and Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index. In this case study, it was determined that plant diversity did not change significantly in recorded years from 1988-2024.

Study Of Asf1a Protein’S Biological Significance In Arabidopsis Thaliana Via Phenotypic Manifestations Of Crispr/Cas Induced A. Thaliana Asf1a Mutagenesis, Yue Fan, Tara Phelps-Durr

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

ANTI-SILENCING FUNCTION 1A (ASF1a) is a multifunctional protein involved in pivotal cellular processes. In plants, ASF1a interacts with HIRA to participate in KNOX genes silencing. To further characterize how ASF1a regulates gene expression, a CRISPR CAS 9 vector was created and ready to be transferred into Arabidopsis thaliana to induce mutations in the 3’ region of the A. thaliana ASF1a gene that corresponds to the ASF histone chaperone protein domain. We hypothesized that phyllotactic alterations will take place as a result of the mutations.

Butterflies And Climate Change Evaluating Biodiversity Through Bioindication In A Western Ecuadorian Cloud Forest, Ashley Schlinger

Ecuador: Comparative Ecology and Conservation

Ecuadorian cloud forests are crucial water sources and biodiversity hotspots, often inhabited by various butterfly species. However, as telltale bioindicators, butterfly populations react to changes in their environment by demonstrating fluctuations in their abundance (Horn, 2017). Changes to the environment are often induced in the present day through human impact, such as the installation of agricultural land, deforestation, ecotourism, and the residual effects of climate change caused by these activities. This study aimed to investigate butterfly abundance and species diversity in La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve in the western slope of the Ecuadorian Andes and the response of butterfly assemblages …

(Woolly) Monkey Business Pre Release Behavioral Assessment Of A Semi-Wild Lagothrix Lagotricha Poeppigii Troop In The Ecuadorian Amazon., Peyton Munroe

Ecuador: Comparative Ecology and Conservation

Lagothrix lagotricha poeppigii are labelled as endangered with a decreasing population trend by the IUCN. Woolly monkeys are primarily frugivores and play an important role in seed dispersal in their territories. Their presence in an ecosystem supports plant growth significantly and their decreasing population presents a further risk of loss of biodiversity for the Ecuadorian Amazon.In this study a semi-wild troop of Lagothrix lagotricha poeppigii, woolly monkeys, on Sumak Allpa island were assessed for their slated translocation to Limoncocha Biological Reserve in December. There are few guidelines for primate reintroductions that have been proven to predict success. As such, this …

Pollinator Networks In Ecosystems Edges: Structural Differences And The Role Of Vegetation Characteristics In The Ecuadorian Chocó, Megan Kamper

Ecuador: Comparative Ecology and Conservation

Because of the importance of pollination for both natural ecosystems and the global food system, many studies have been conducted to understand plant-pollinator networks and how they respond to disturbances. This study compared network structures of edge areas of three habitats in the Ecuadorian Chocó-Andino región: a road, river, and forest and evaluated correlations between vegetation characteristics and pollinator richness. In each site, plant species and floral abundance were recorded along a 50m transect. Each flowering plant was observed for five minutes for insect visitors and data was used to construct bipartite networks. Results show that, as is characteristic of …

Hunting For Ecosystem Health: Cursorial Spiders As Bioindicators Of Anthropogenic Disturbance In The Ecuadorian Upper Amazonía, Jacob Cummings

Ecuador: Comparative Ecology and Conservation

Cursorial spiders are members of the Araneae order that actively hunt prey instead of using primarily web-based methods. Not only is this group incredibly diverse, but they are also incredibly sensitive to habitat changes and anthropogenic disturbance as a result of their role as widespread predators to arthropods. Consequently , they are widely regarded as effective bioindicators of ecosystem health, allowing land managers to more easily monitor a spaces’ conservation status and health. Despite this, Araneae do not frequently find themselves the focus of study when compared to other taxa, necessitating further research. This study surveyed Araneae -specifically of the …

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter Newsletter, Issue #67 April 2025

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter: Newsletters

President's message, Deb VanOverbeke

Student awards: Outstanding Junior Lara Arnold, Outstanding Senior Emily Eilers, Graduate Award Caitlin Ross

Dues and membership information

Faculty awards: Research Award Samodha Fernando, Teaching Award Gary Sullivan, Extension Awards Jenny Nixon and Bijesh Maharjan, Award of Merit Mike Boehm

Gamma Sigma Delta committees 2025

Foundation fund information

New members inducted

In memoriam: Dorothy "Dotti" Mott Callahan (May 4, 1942-August 12, 2023); Frank Michael Zoz (November 5, 1936-December 9, 2023); Duane Calvin Acker (March 13, 1931-December 13, 2024); John C. Owens (1944-2024); Duane A. Olson (July 17, 1935-January 5, 2025); Roger W. Mandingo (April 21, 1939-January …

The Genetic In Alzheimer, Elaine Vanterpool, Cristy Jimenez

Student Posters

APOE gene (apolipoprotein E gene) can be associated with pathogenic effects, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular diseases, though it’s not inherently pathogenic in everyone. APOE comes in different alleles (variants), with APOE ε2, ε3, and ε4 being the most common. The protein encoded by this gene (Apolipoprotein) is a major apoprotein of the chylomicron. It binds to a specific liver and peripheral cell receptor, and is essential for the normal catabolism of triglyceride rich lipoprotein constituents. This gene maps to chromosome 19 in a cluster with the related apolipoprotein C1 and C2 genes. Mutations in this …

Brca1 Variants And Associations With Breast Cancer, Elaine Vanterpool, Tessa Tsoka

Student Posters

Breast cancer continues to be one of the most life-threatening diseases throughout the world, and various genetic factors play a critical role in its development. While there are a number of gene variants associated with hereditary breast cancer, BRCA1 is an extremely important tumor suppressor gene which is responsible for the maintenance of genomic stability. BRCA1, in addition to BRCA2, is crucial for DNA repair by method of homologous recombination. Together, these genes function to prevent the accumulation of DNA damage which could cause uncontrolled cell growth, leading to the development of tumors. The tumor suppressor protein that the BRCA1 …

An Analysis Of Dguok Variants Associated With Mitochondrial Dna Depletion Syndrome, Elaine Vanterpool, Ethan Harris

Student Posters

The DGUOK is a nuclear gene that codes for the enzyme deoxyguanosine kinase, an essential protein in maintaining mitochondrial DNA and producing mitochondria. Mutagens in this gene can result in deoxyguanosine kinase deficiency, an inherited disorder that disrupts liver, muscle, and cerebral function. Manifesting from biallelic pathogenic variants, Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Syndrome ((MDDS) is a clinically heterogeneous group of autosomal recessive mitochondrial disorders that significantly reduce the number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the affected cells. This results in stifled ATP synthesis, decreased energy reserves, and cellular dysfunction. As such, energy-dependent tissues such as the liver, heart, skeletal muscles, and …

My09b And Ctla4 Effects On Celiac Disease, Elaine Vanterpool, Blake Woode

Student Posters

Celiac disease is a disease that restricts what people can eat. When the body overreacts to gluten it damages the tiny, hairlike projections, called villi, that line the small intestine. This affects millions of Americans. In this study, we search for the genes that affect this disease and why. In this study, we will be using SIFT, simple clinvar, and SIFT. First, we will use simple clinvar. Using this tool we find the gene that is being affected which is gene MY09B. After using SIFT to determine variant pathogenicity and the potential to impact protein function we found that the …

Investigating Alk, Phox2b, And Brca2 Gene In Relation To Neuroblastoma, Elaine Vanterpool, Joshua Henry

Student Posters

Neuroblastoma is an aggressive childhood cancer of immature nerves. Less than 10% of neuroblastoma (NB) cases affect kids older than ten years of age. Adult occurrences of NB are extremely rare. Majority of neuroblastomas are caused by genetic alterations in neuroblasts that take place during a child's development, occasionally even prior to birth. More than 60% of survivors of long-term childhood cancer have chronic illnesses because of their treatment, and more than 25% have a serious or potentially fatal illness. Signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma include bone pain or a lump in the abdomen, neck, or chest. With today's methods …

Analysis Of Sim1 Variants In Diabetes, Elaine Vanterpool, Shayne Gordon

Student Posters

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to either the body’s inability to produce enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or the cells’ resistance to insulin (Type 2 diabetes). Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and is the leading cause of many complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, and loss of vision. Gestational Diabetes which is developed during pregnancy and may go away after birth. SIM1 is a gene, known as ”single-minded”, that I choose to research for this study. SIM1 is a gene that plays a role in the regulation of …

Impact Of Smad 4 Gene To Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome, Elaine Vanterpool, Robert Lister

Student Posters

The SMAD family job is to aid in signal transduction of transforming growth factor �� (TGF ��), which is used as a growth hormone that aids in hyperpermeability of blood vessels, epithelial cell production, and cell differentiation. For the specific SMAD4 protein it has been to be a tumor suppressor gene that regulates the production of cells so that the abnormal production does not occur. However, with a mutated SMAD gene, these functions could be altered and cause drastic damage to the body. Learning how the SMAD 4 gene can cause diseases such as juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) and gastric …

An Analysis Of Androgen Receptor (Ar) Variants In Breast Cancer, Elaine Vanterpool

Student Posters

The androgen receptor gene is more than 90 kb long and codes for a protein that has 3 major functional domains: the N terminal domain, DNA-binding domain, and androgen-binding domain. The protein functions as a steroid-hormone activated transcription factor. Upon binding the hormone ligand, the receptor dissociates from accessory proteins, translocates into the nucleus, dimerizes, and then stimulates transcription of androgen responsive genes. This gene contains 2 polymorphic trinucleotide repeat segments that encode polyglutamine and polyglycine tracts in the N-terminal transactivation domain of its protein. Expansion of the polyglutamine tract from the normal 9-34 repeats to the pathogenic 38-62 repeats …

Hbb Gene And Sickle Cell Disease, Elaine Vanterpool, Adia Burley

Student Posters

Around 100,000 people in the US are affected by sickle cell disease. There are 8 million people worldwide who are affected by Sickle cell disease. Regarding African ancestry or those who identify as black, 9 of 10 people would have this disease. Black babies can be born with this trait, and the ratio is 1 in every 13, and around 1 in every 365 babies are born with the disease. (NHLBI) •Hemoglobin, a specific protein in red blood cells, affects sickle cell disease. Our red blood cells are important for carrying oxygen throughout our body. When we breathe, the hemoglobin …

An Analysis Of Diabetes Associated With Appl1 Variants D94n And R46w, Elaine Vanterpool, Gaielle Price

Student Posters

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from the body's inability to produce or effectively use insulin. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, is often linked to insulin resistance, where cells do not respond properly to insulin. The APPL1 gene encodes a multifunctional adaptor protein that plays a key role in insulin and adiponectin signaling, both of which are crucial for glucose metabolism. APPL1 enhances insulin stimulated glucose uptake by activating Akt, a major component in the insulin signaling pathway. Deficiencies in APPL1 have been linked to impaired insulin signaling, contributing to insulin resistance …

Analysis Of The Capn10 Gene In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Elaine Vanterpool, Gabrielle Murray

Student Posters

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance disorder unique to females that primarily affects the ovaries. It is common in women of reproductive age and characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and further health issues include diabetes type 2, ovarian cysts and infertility. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. CAPN10 is the first diabetes gene to be identified through a genome scan. It was also found to be associated with other Cardiometabolic disease and PCOS. CAPN10 gene also known as the calpain-10 is a calcium dependent cysteine protease. This means its activity is regulated by calcium ions and it …