Digital Commons Network^™

An Alternative To Biliverdin, Mesobiliverdin Ixα And Mesobiliverdin-Enriched Microalgae: A Review On The Production And Applications Of Mesobiliverdin-Related Products, Naveena Poudyal, Jon Y. Takemoto, Yuan-Yu Lin, Cheng-Wei T. Chang

Chemistry and Biochemistry Student Research

Despite attracting interest for decades due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities, the use of biliverdin IXα (BV) in medicine and agriculture is hampered by uncertain purity and limited availability. A significant amount of effort has been devoted to the production and application of BV, but with limited success. Mesobiliverdin IXα (MBV), a natural BV analog derived from microalgae, offers a path to overcome the limitations of BV. MBV production is scalable, and it can be obtained at high purity. MBV and BV share important structural features (e.g., bridging propionate groups) and both are substrates of biliverdin reductase A (BVRA), …

The Utah Statesman, March 17, 2025, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Continuous Exposure To An Aversive Mixture: A Means Of Maintaining Aversion In Sheep Averted To Geigeria Ornativa O. Hoffm. (Vermeerbos) - An Assessment, Leendert D. Snyman

Poisonous Plant Research (PPR)

Establishing aversion to Geigeria ornativa only lasts for some time, after which the induced aversion disappears and sheep start eating G. ornativa again. This behavior is aggravated by the social influence of non-averted sheep in mixed grazing situations. Exposing sheep continuously to a so-called “aversive mixture”, containing an aversive substance (lithium chloride) and the sensory characteristics of the plant (hexane extract of G. ornativa) mixed with a tasty meal (maize meal), following an initial aversion treatment, resulted in sustained aversion to G. ornativa in the field. This method proved to be applicable to mixed grazing situations with averted and …

The Utah Statesman, February 24, 2025, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Culturally Considerate Trauma-Focused Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment In Latine/X Populations: A Scoping Review, Alejandra Kukuli Delgado, Ryan Holliday, Shira Maguen, Nicholas Holder

Psychology Student Research

Background/Objectives: While theoretical articles describing cultural considerations for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment in Latine/x populations exist, empirical trials are less common. The present study aimed to review the existing literature for empirically tested, trauma-focused PTSD treatments among Latine/x samples to describe treatment outcomes, cultural considerations, and gaps in the existing literature. Methods: For this scoping review, we identified studies that met inclusion criteria as culturally considerate, trauma-focused PTSD treatments reporting symptom outcomes in Latine/x adults. We searched databases (n = 7) and collected 2176 unique records. Six reports met inclusion criteria. Studies enrolled 176 participants into five …

Does Following The Mind Diet Slow Cognitive Decline And Alzheimer’S Disease?, Abby Spaulding, Hannah Waters

Research on Capitol Hill

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a brain disorder that destroys memory and thinking skills. The prevalence of AD increases with age and is expected to double by the year 2060. 

Carotenoids, pigments in plants that have antioxidant and inflammatory properties when consumed, might slow AD and can be tested for on skin. High-carotenoid eating patterns like the MIND diet may protect against age-related cognitive decline and development of AD.

The Majority Of Usu Students Lack Adequate Access To Food, Janna Cook, Sarah Makar

Research on Capitol Hill

13% of households in Utah were considered food insecure at some point in the year 2023.

Saving Money Encourages Usu Students To Accept Suboptimal Produce, Micaela Garcia

Research on Capitol Hill

About 50% of edible fresh produce is wasted annually in US farms and retail stores because consumers seek produce that meets aesthetic standards like a nice shiny color or no scars.

Specific Bacteria In Commercial Cheddar Cheese Can Cause Rubbery Texture And Poor Taste, Jordan Bond

Research on Capitol Hill

Unexpected pH changes often lead to a rubbery texture, off flavor and poor taste in commercially produced Cheddar, negatively affecting the quality of the cheese. Use of fast-acid producing (thermophilic) starter cultures in cheese manufacture is becoming common. 

Our goal was to discover the cause(s) for this pH variation. Knowing what causes pH changes will save Utah cheese manufacturers’ money, allowing them to pass the savings on to consumers and reduce waste. We posit that excessive use of fast acid producing thermophilic bacteria (S. thermophilus) can be the cause for pH variation.

Wild Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Lepidota) Identification And Management In Pastures, Jacob Hadfield, Taun Beddes, Michael Caron, Corey Ransom

All Current Publications

Wild licorice, also known as American licorice, is a perennial legume native to North America, commonly found in the western United States. Wild licorice reproduces rapidly through seeds and rhizomes, leading to large infestations, particularly in pastures. The low preference of livestock for wild licorice results in overgrazing of other plant species, leaving them at a competitive disadvantage, further promoting the spread of wild licorice and contributing to pasture infestations. This fact sheet reviews the identification and management of wild licorice in pastures.

Elevated Root-Zone P And Nutrient Concentration Do Not Increase Yield Or Cannabinoids In Medical Cannabis, Julie A. Hershkowitz, F. Mitchell Westmoreland, Bruce Bugbee

Plants, Soils and Climate Student Research

Elevating nutrient input is thought to increase yield and cannabinoid concentration of medical cannabis, but increased legalization has heightened awareness of the environmental impact of overfertilization. Elevated levels of phosphorus (P) are of particular concern. Here we report the effects of increasing P above levels adequate for other crops (15, 30, 45, 60, or 90 mg per L) and the interactive effects of elevated P with elevated nutrient solution concentration (electrical conductivity; 2 and 4 mS per cm). We used closed-system hydroponics to continuously quantify rootzone nutrient concentrations. The concentration of P in leaf tissue doubled and flower P concentration …

Your Healthiest Year Yet: Practical Tips For Mental And Physical Well-Being, Aaron Hunt

All Current Publications

As a new year begins, it’s important to prioritize our health. In a world that continues to evolve, maintaining mental and physical wellness is key to thriving in both personal and professional life. Small, intentional changes can lead to transformative results, improving not only how we feel but also how we connect, grow, and succeed. This guide presents actionable tips for fostering mental clarity, physical strength, and overall balance, all grounded in evidence-based practices. Whether you're looking to boost your fitness, reduce stress, or enhance your daily routines, these strategies will empower you to make this year your healthiest yet.

Recent Developments In Heterologous Expression Of Cellulases Using The Pichia Pastoris Expression System: A Comprehensive Literature Review, Nazish Muzaffar, Abdur Raziq, Muhammad Waseem Khan, Niaz Muhammad Khan, Bushra Shahid, Anbareen Gul, Hayat Ullah

Biological Engineering Student Research

Cellulosic biomass is considered an important and sustainable source of renewable energy, which needs a complex mixture of different enzymes for its degradation. After amylase, cellulases are the second most important enzymes, gain more importance due to their broad range of applications at the industrial level, and are considered more economical and environmentally friendly; researchers have focused more on the production of cellulase with its higher expression rate and low cost. Pichia pastoris, a methylotrophic yeast strain, has a more effective and well-established system for the production of heterologous proteins, particularly for industrial enzymes. Moreover, its readily achievable high-density …

Replacement Of Monensin With A Proprietary Tannin-Blend Additive In Calf-Fed Holstein Steer Diets, Sydney M. Bowman-Schnug, Luke K. Fuerniss, Joe D. Cameron, Jonathon L. Beckett, Muhammad Ahsin, Stephan Van Vliet, Guy D. Hufstedler, Bradley J. Johnson

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

A proprietary tannin blend was evaluated as a potential ionophore replacement considering traits of feedlot cattle growth performance, carcass traits, and health. Holstein steers (n = 1450; initial shrunk body weight (SBW) = 141.6 ± 34.2 kg.) were blocked by origin and randomly assigned to receive a finishing diet containing one of two treatments: 1) 14,500 mg per head daily of Silvafeed ByProX (SBPX; ByPro/BX blend, Silvateam S.p.A, San Michele Mondovì, Italy) or 2) 180 mg per head daily of monensin (MON; Rumensin™ 90, Elanco, Greenfield, IN). Steers were on trial for 341 ± 11 days. Pen was the …

Starting Vegetable Seeds Indoors: Iv. Seedling Culture And Transplanting, Wesley Crump, Taun Beddes, Michael Caron, Milena Oliveira

All Current Publications

The period between seedling emergence and planting outdoors for the growing season is a time of rapid plant growth and development and is critical to long-term production success. In this last fact sheet in this series, we cover the main topics crucial to growing seedlings into quality, usable plants for outdoor production, including air circulation, temperature, light, water, fertilizer, indoor transplanting, hardening off, and transplanting outside.

The Utah Statesman, February 3, 2025, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Microbiome Metabolic Capacity Is Buffered Against Phylotype Losses By Functional Redundancy, Kayla Cross, Noelle Beckman, Benjamin Jahnes, Zakee L. Sabree

Biology Faculty Publications

Many animals contain a species-rich and diverse gut microbiota that likely contributes to several host-supportive services that include diet processing and nutrient provisioning. Loss of microbiome taxa and their associated metabolic functions as result of perturbations may result in loss of microbiome-level services and reduction of metabolic capacity. If metabolic functions are shared by multiple taxa (i.e., functional redundancy), including deeply divergent lineages, then the impact of taxon/function losses may be dampened. We examined to what degree alterations in phylotype diversity impact microbiome-level metabolic capacity. Feeding two nutritionally imbalanced diets to omnivorous Periplaneta americana over 8 weeks reduced the diversity …

Lipoprotein(A) Response To Dietary Saturated Fat Reduction: Relationship To Apolipoprotein(A) Size Polymorphism In African Americans, Hayley G. Law, Munkhtuya Myagmarsuren, Heejung Bang, Wei Zhang, Michael Lefevre, Lars Berglund, Byambaa Enkhmaa

Human Development and Family Studies Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: An elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] level, which is a prevalent cardiovascular risk factor, is genetically determined by a size polymorphism of its apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] component. Despite its genetic control, Lp(a) level increases in response to dietary saturated fat (SFA) reduction. We tested the roles of apo(a) size and characteristics in modulating Lp(a) response to SFA reduction. Methods: We assessed apo(a) characteristics in 165 African Americans experiencing a 24% Lp(a) increase resulting from SFA reduction [16% at an average American Diet diet (AAD) to 6% at a DASH-type diet]. Apo(a) effects were tested based on the following factors: (1) the presence …

Keeping Kids Safe At Meals: Preventing And Responding To Choking, Mia Dustin, Savannah Daines, Stacy Bevan, Palak Gupta, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos

All Current Publications

Introducing solid foods is an exciting developmental milestone, but it can also raise concerns about choking for parents and caregivers. Choking occurs when an object, such as food or a toy, blocks a child’s airway and prevents air from moving in and out of the lungs. This fact sheet offers practical guidance on how to prevent food-related choking, recognize the signs of a choking emergency, and what to do if a child is choking.

Role Of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi In Maintaining Sustainable Agroecosystems, Anju Chaudhary, Shital Poudyal, Amita Kaundal

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play a crucial role in maintaining sustainable agroecosystems by forming mutualistic relationships with plant roots, improving soil health, facilitating nutrient uptake, and enhancing resilience to abiotic stresses. The mutualistic relationship between AM fungi and plants promotes a balanced microbial community and improves soil structure by forming stable soil aggregates. Additionally, AM fungi can lower the adverse effects of high soil phosphorus (P) while also enhancing plant tolerance to drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity through osmotic regulation and antioxidant production. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi also support beneficial microorganisms, such as potassium (K)-solubilizing microbes and nitrogen (N)-transforming bacteria, …

The Utah Statesman, January 6, 2025, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Effect Of Ph And Iron Chelate On The Growth Of Basil And Soybean In Soilless Media, Christian Baker, Bruce Bugbee

Nutrients

Iron (Fe) deficiencies are common in alkaline root zones and can cause chlorosis and reduce growth. The most common approach to prevent deficiency is using synthetic chelates that keep iron in solution at high pH. Here we report the effects of pH and chelate type on the development of chlorosis and biomass in soybeans and basil. We grew the plants at a pH ranging from 6.0-7.8. Fe was chelated with either a less expensive EDTA chelate or a more expensive EDDHA chelate. There was no significant difference between chelates at pH 6.0 in either soybeans or basil. In soybeans, there …

Usu Extension Sustainability Permaculture Initiative: 2025 Impact Report, Natalia Bustos, Roslynn Brain Mccann, Jake Powell

Extension Research

• Permaculture Statistics
• Harvest Donations (Organic)
• Participant Response
• 2025 Monthly Educational Events
• Publications
• USU Extension Workshops & Events

General Catalog 2025-2026, Utah State University

University Catalogs

This catalog contains information on the Academic Departments and Programs as well as Course Descriptions for the above school year at Utah State University.

Evaluating Lethal Coyote Management In The Chicago Metropolitan Area Using A Conflict Recurrence Metric, Jeffrey T. Schultz, Scott Beckerman, Robert Erickson, Danielle Montgomery, Stewart W. Breck

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Human–coyote (Canis latrans) conflict in urban environments is prevalent in cities throughout the United States. Urban areas commonly use nonlethal techniques to mitigate coyote-caused conflicts but will also incorporate selective removal of individual coyotes when conflicts persist. However, little research has evaluated these management strategies. This study analyzed coyote removal efforts conducted in the Chicago Metropolitan Area from 2010 to 2020. To evaluate the management actions, we used “time without incidence”—the time elapsing from an initial conflict until either a subsequent conflict occurred in the same area, or when the data collection period ended—as an index of effectiveness. …

Exploring Biostimulant Efficacy Under Limited Fertilizer And Water In Utah's Watermelon Production, Evan Christensen, Milena Oliveira, Prakriti Nepal, Youping Sun

Plants, Soils and Climate Student Research

The western U.S. has recently experienced some of the driest conditions on record, and Utah has been in a multi-year drought (2019-2023) that affected the agricultural sector, including vegetable producers. While vegetables are not a primary agricultural crop in Utah, they are still an important part of the horticultural economy with 763 farms growing 6,138 acres. As the fourth largest acreage vegetable crop in Utah (almost 10% of the acreage) watermelon and related crops in the gourd family Cucurbitaceae (nearly 36% of total vegetable acreage) are important to vegetable growers. Watermelon is a water-intensive crop and requires an adequate supply …

Utah Farmers Markets: Statewide Social And Economic Impacts, Bryn Watkins, Jaclyn Pace, Steven Price, Roslynn Mccann

All Current Publications

Utah is home to over 45 markets where local farmers and artisans sell their homegrown food and homemade wares. These markets gather community, stimulate regional commerce, champion nutrition for Utahns from all backgrounds, and most of all, create a home for local agriculture to flourish.

Weed Incursion Of Irrigated Forage–Forb Mixtures Under Mob Grazing Or Mowing In The Mountain West Usa, Jennifer Macadam, Jared Gibbons, Xin Dai

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

Improving the quality of irrigated pastures can increase the profitability of ruminant production systems. Increasing pasture plant biodiversity is beneficial for ruminants, pollinators, and soil health, but it is challenging to manage weed incursion in seeded mixed-species pastures. This study assessed the weed incursion that resulted when forage legumes or grasses were seeded as binary mixtures with one of four non-legume forbs. Defoliation occurred at 6-week intervals as either mowing or mob grazing. Forbs were chicory, plantain, Lewis flax, or small burnet and forages were alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil, creeping foxtail, intermediate wheatgrass, kura clover, meadow bromegrass, orchardgrass, perennial ryegrass, reed …

Changes In Climate And Their Implications For Cattle Nutrition And Management, Bashiri Iddy Muzzo, R. Douglas Ramsey, Juan J. Villalba

Wildland Resources Faculty Publications

Climate change is a global challenge that impacts rangeland and pastureland landscapes by inducing shifts in temperature variability, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. These changes alter soil and plant conditions, reducing forage availability and chemical composition and leading to nutritional stress in cattle. This stress occurs when animals lack adequate water and feed sources or when these resources are insufficient in quantity, composition, or nutrient balance. Several strategies are essential to address these impacts. Genetic selection, epigenetic biomarkers, and exploration of epigenetic memories present promising avenues for enhancing the resilience of cattle populations and improving adaptation to environmental stresses. …

Improving Health And Well-Being Through Shared Family Meals, Halle Larson, Savannah Daines, Stacy Bevan, Palak Gupta, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos

All Current Publications

Shared family meals provide numerous benefits for children, adolescents, and parents, including improved diet quality, healthier weight, better academic performance, stronger family bonds, and enhanced mental health. Regular family meals help children develop healthier eating habits, reduce risky behaviors, and foster communication skills. Despite challenges such as busy schedules and differing dietary preferences, families can overcome obstacles by starting small, keeping meals simple, involving everyone in meal prep, and minimizing distractions like screens. Creating a positive, flexible mealtime routine can help integrate these valuable moments into family life.