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The Impact Of Social Media On Oral Hygiene, Daniela Guzman, Kamelia Vega Apr 2026

The Impact Of Social Media On Oral Hygiene, Daniela Guzman, Kamelia Vega

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Social media has become a dominating channel for health communication, influencing how adults accept, interpret, and act on oral health information. This Prisma review examines whether exposure to social media impacts the overall oral hygiene behaviors in adults, specifically focusing on proper oral health practice, consumer behavior, and the type of information being consumed. Guided by a review framework, peer-reviewed studies published across multiple databases were screened for relevance, methodological quality, and alignment with the research question. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, cross-sectional analyses , qualitative investigation, and interventional studies designed to examine the relationship between social media use …

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Time-Lapse Microscopy To Characterize Astrocyte Precursor Cells Migration Using A Double Reporter Mouse Line, Megan Hilliard, Sravika Chirla, Maria Ramirez Apr 2026

Time-Lapse Microscopy To Characterize Astrocyte Precursor Cells Migration Using A Double Reporter Mouse Line, Megan Hilliard, Sravika Chirla, Maria Ramirez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Astrocytes, the most abundant non-neuronal cell type in the brain, are a diverse population of cells that play a central role in regulating synaptic activity, supporting neuronal energy demands, and modulating interactions among neurons, glia, and blood vessels. Astrocytes originate from astrocyte precursor cells (APCs) in the subventricular zone, from where they migrate to the cortex postnatally. Once in the cortex, APCs continue to proliferate and then undergo morphological and functional maturation. Using a double reporter mouse line engineered to express enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the control of the entire glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) gene and tdTomato (tdT) …

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Acute Effects Of D- And L-Beta-Hydroxybutyrate On Vigilance (Sustained Attention And Reaction Speed) In Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial, Catherine Holen Apr 2026

Acute Effects Of D- And L-Beta-Hydroxybutyrate On Vigilance (Sustained Attention And Reaction Speed) In Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial, Catherine Holen

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Exogenous beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) supplements are increasingly promoted for cognitive and performance benefits but controlled human data--particularly comparing BHB isomers--remains sparse. This study evaluated whether a low dose, acute ingestion of D-BHB or L-BHB influences vigilance (sustained attention, reaction speed) and fine motor control in fasted, non-keto-adapted healthy adults. A total of 136 participants (20.5 ± 1.4 years; 70.2 ± 15.6 kg) were randomized into three groups: D-BHB (n = 47), L-BHB (n=46), or placebo (n = 43). Measures included the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT reaction time) and the central nervous system tap test. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 60 …

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Mediterranean Diet Adherence And Bone Density: No Link In University Cross-County Athletes, Auston Hsieh, Sathvi Gandra, Kiana Medina Apr 2026

Mediterranean Diet Adherence And Bone Density: No Link In University Cross-County Athletes, Auston Hsieh, Sathvi Gandra, Kiana Medina

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Bone stress injuries are common among collegiate cross-country runners, occurring at rates of 28.6 and 16.1 per 100,000 athlete-exposures in women and men, respectively. Adequate, individualized dietary patterns have been shown to reduce bone stress injury risk by supporting bone mineral density (BMD); however, there is a lack of consensus on the most advantageous dietary pattern. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with improved BMD in general populations; however, its relationship to BMD in collegiate athletes remains unclear. Therefore, this study assessed the association between MD adherence and BMD in university competitive cross-country runners. Nineteen participants (sex, 7 male, …

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Investigating Epigenetic Dysregulation Of Long Non-Coding Rnas In Glioblastoma And Glioma Stem Cells, Pujita Kellampalli, Mansi Gandhi, Dhruv Patel, Nehal Pant, Mihika Mishra, Shehr Bano, Aaron Basnyet Apr 2026

Investigating Epigenetic Dysregulation Of Long Non-Coding Rnas In Glioblastoma And Glioma Stem Cells, Pujita Kellampalli, Mansi Gandhi, Dhruv Patel, Nehal Pant, Mihika Mishra, Shehr Bano, Aaron Basnyet

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) or Grade IV glioma is a very aggressive form of brain tumor with an overall survival rate of 15 months. The tumor contains glioma stem cells (GSCs) that are resistant to existing therapies. Long non-coding RNAs such as DNA methylation are implicated in epigenetic dysregulation of GBM and GSCs. In this study, we screened lncRNAs with altered DNA methylation in both tumor cells and GSCs compared to normal neural cells using 450K methylation array data. We identified 508 methylation sites (320 lncRNAs) that were either hypermethylated (or gained methylation) or hypomethylated (lost methylation) in GBM and GSCs. …

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Sleep Disturbance, Menopause, And Alzheimer's Risk In Women, Shreya Kempuraj Apr 2026

Sleep Disturbance, Menopause, And Alzheimer's Risk In Women, Shreya Kempuraj

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by neurodegeneration, behavioral changes, cognitive impairment, and loss of sleep quality. Women are at a greater risk of developing dementia and AD during the lifetimes because women live longer than men on average and other factors. The duration and quality of sleep are associated with a healthy brain, especially during aging. Impaired and poor sleep is both an early symptom of AD and a contributing factor to cognitive impairment. Maintaining proper sleep can help prevent cognitive impairment, AD, and dementia. Sleep deprivation may increase the risk for beta-amyloid (Aβ) build-up and …

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The Effect Of Verbal Encouragement With Swearing On High Intensity Exercise Performance, Ella Kern Apr 2026

The Effect Of Verbal Encouragement With Swearing On High Intensity Exercise Performance, Ella Kern

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Verbal encouragement has not been shown to reliably enhance performance on the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT); however, research has found that when individuals swear during the WAnT, average power increases. This study examined whether incorporating swearing into verbal encouragement during a WAnT enhances performance, self-confidence, and psychological flow compared to standard verbal encouragement without swearing. Forty-one physically active participants (25 females, 16 males; age 20.8 ± 0.78 years) completed two counterbalanced laboratory visits involving verbal encouragement with swearing (VES) and without swearing (VE) while performing the WAnT on a Wattbike Air ergometer. Average power, fatigue index, self-confidence, and psychological flow …

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Uncovering Hidden Bioenergetic Effects Of Deet: Is Mitochondrial Complex I A Primary Target?, Jacob Kora, Dillen-Preetesh Patel Apr 2026

Uncovering Hidden Bioenergetic Effects Of Deet: Is Mitochondrial Complex I A Primary Target?, Jacob Kora, Dillen-Preetesh Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is one of the most common insect repellents worldwide and is generally regarded as safe for humans. As such, DEET is available as a nonprescribed product to the public for topical application, with concentrations reaching up to 4.0M. However, new studies in other organisms suggest it may have a greater physiological effect than thought before. Research has shown that DEET can reduce Photosystem II activity in algae, alter red blood cell production and lipid metabolism in fish, and cause developmental and cardiovascular issues in zebrafish embryos. These findings point toward disruptions in mitochondrial and oxidative processes. Mammalian …

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The Effects Of Vestibular Dysfunction On Cognition, Sai Puneeth Kothuru, Mia Fernandez, Sol Crisanto-Ojeda Apr 2026

The Effects Of Vestibular Dysfunction On Cognition, Sai Puneeth Kothuru, Mia Fernandez, Sol Crisanto-Ojeda

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Virtual Reality (VR) systems are being used more in education, entertainment, and research, but can produce motion sickness that could temporarily disrupt cognitive functioning. This study examined whether exposure to a VR roller coaster experience leads to short-term changes in cognitive flexibility, attention, spatial orientation awareness, and anxiety compared to a control condition. Participants were randomly assigned to a VR condition or a computer-based 2D viewing condition with identical roller coaster visual content. Participants completed three testing blocks: baseline, after exposure, and after a 10-minute recovery period. Cognitive flexibility and attention were assessed using the Trail Making Test (TMT) and …

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Creatine In Dementia And The Aging Brain, Dylan Kuni Apr 2026

Creatine In Dementia And The Aging Brain, Dylan Kuni

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Dementia is a syndrome that interferes with cognitive functions and an individual's ability to function independently. Dementia includes several subtypes caused by different neuropathologies, with Alzheimer's disease (AD) being the most common form. AD is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles in the brain, associated with neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and deficits in energy metabolism. While treatments for AD exist, the efficacy, safety, and cost are a concern, highlighting the need for additional prevention and treatment strategies. This literature review examines the role of creatine in brain health and disease, including AD and related dementias. …

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An Analysis Of Jump Performance Using Wearable Devices In Collegiate Volleyball Attacking Players, Caiden Largent Apr 2026

An Analysis Of Jump Performance Using Wearable Devices In Collegiate Volleyball Attacking Players, Caiden Largent

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Vertical jump height in volleyball, a key performance measure, may be assessed in a laboratory and measured on the court. Baseline lab measurements are conducted in a controlled environment using a Vertec, while on the court, measurements utilize VERT wearable devices as these measurements. VERT estimates jump height indirectly through inertial measurements when compared to Vertec testing. The purpose of this study is to analyze jump height performance in collegiate volleyball attacking players. Four National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II female volleyball attackers were assessed across five separate matches. Results showed differences shown between jump heights across sets and matches …

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Epigenetic Upregulation Of P21 Via Mdm2 And Dnmt Inhibition Induces Cell Death In Neuroblastoma Cells, Helen Le, Sruthika Talanki, Shyam Jaganathan, Umamaheswari Natarajan Apr 2026

Epigenetic Upregulation Of P21 Via Mdm2 And Dnmt Inhibition Induces Cell Death In Neuroblastoma Cells, Helen Le, Sruthika Talanki, Shyam Jaganathan, Umamaheswari Natarajan

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer that primarily impacts children, mostly under five years of age, that originates from neuroblast cells. It's located in the adrenal glands, neck, or thorax. Experimental evidence indicates that epigenetic modifications influencing cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death (PCD), including apoptosis, may provide an effective treatment strategy for enhancing neuroblastoma that is resistant to conventional therapies. This study explored MDM2 and DNMT pathways that might suppress DNA methylation leading to the upregulation of TET enzymes and p21, which trigger cell cycle arrest and apoptotic in IMR-32 cells were treated with RG-7388, CM-272, and SGI-1027 for …

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Parent-Child Relations, Ego Identity Exploration, And Self-Esteem In Emerging Adulthood, Japji Madan, Amala Vadakumcherry, Vivan Majumdar Apr 2026

Parent-Child Relations, Ego Identity Exploration, And Self-Esteem In Emerging Adulthood, Japji Madan, Amala Vadakumcherry, Vivan Majumdar

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Self-esteem has long been a central focus of psychological research, with positive development linked to factors such as academic achievement, peer relationships, and parent-child bonds. Sub-optimal parent-child relationships, however, can negatively impact self-esteem. While prior studies have largely emphasized extrinsic buffers (e.g., peer support) that mitigate these effects, less is known about intrinsic factors that may promote adjustment in the context of sub-optimal parenting. Emerging adulthood, a period characterized by identity exploration, may provide such intrinsic resources. This study examines whether ego identity exploration moderates the relationship between parent-child relationship quality and self-esteem in emerging adults. Participants were 132 emerging …

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Towards Safer Epirubicin Based Anti-Cancer Treatments, Alanis Malave Carmona, Julian Oliver Bozek, Elizia Jijon, Shivansh Patel, Alvin Binoj, Samuel Dinh Apr 2026

Towards Safer Epirubicin Based Anti-Cancer Treatments, Alanis Malave Carmona, Julian Oliver Bozek, Elizia Jijon, Shivansh Patel, Alvin Binoj, Samuel Dinh

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Epirubicin is a widely used anticancer agent whose mechanism of action (DNA intercalation leading to disruption of the double-stranded helical structure) has been extensively studied. Despite its clinical effectiveness, epirubicin is associated with significant side effects that limit its therapeutic window. In this work, we investigated the interaction of epirubicin with a circular double-stranded plasmid DNA (2686 bp) in the presence and absence of 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide (AIC). Spectroscopic studies combined with a modified Stern-Volmer methodology were used to determine binding constants. The results indicate that stepwise addition of AIC enhances epirubicin intercalation, yielding a higher DNA-epirubicin binding constant compared to epirubicin …

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Does A Competitive Season Alter Elastic Bounce Mechanics In University Distance Runners?, Marcus Marek Tortorella Apr 2026

Does A Competitive Season Alter Elastic Bounce Mechanics In University Distance Runners?, Marcus Marek Tortorella

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The spring-mass model (SMM) describes the body's center of mass oscillation during running as a bouncing system, where energy is absorbed and released, producing two asymmetries that represent muscle-tendon elastic function: (1) landing-takeoff (LTO; % relative difference propulsion to braking time), and (2) rebound (REB; % relative difference effective aerial to contact time). Additional SMM-derived variables, such as vertical stiffness(kvert) and step frequency (SF) may provide insight into the influence of a competitive season on running elastic bounce mechanics in university distance runners. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a competitive cross-country season …

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Implementing Video Analysis And Titleist Performance Institute Level 1 Screening To Assess Sway In Collegiate Golfers, Sydney Mazur Apr 2026

Implementing Video Analysis And Titleist Performance Institute Level 1 Screening To Assess Sway In Collegiate Golfers, Sydney Mazur

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Golf swing mechanics are fundamental for proper performance and sustainability in the sport. Understanding the complexities of the golf swing as well are crucial in proper performance and prevent injury. Sway is a common swing fault that occurs in golfers because of improper swing fundamental mechanics. The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Level 1 screen is used in conjunction with video analyses to better understand swing mechanics. The purpose of this study is to better understand these specific components of the golf swing mechanics to prevent injury and improve performance for collegiate golfers. A total of 16 National Collegiate Athletic Association …

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What Genograms Can Tell Us About Family Dynamics That Quantitative Data Cannot, Connor Mccarville, Jessica Frye, Maegan Mcdonough Apr 2026

What Genograms Can Tell Us About Family Dynamics That Quantitative Data Cannot, Connor Mccarville, Jessica Frye, Maegan Mcdonough

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Genograms are an important clinical tool that is used to visually represent family relationships and their dynamics, but their effectiveness in empirical research remains limited. This mix-methods study examined the alignment between qualitative genogram visualizations and quantitative assessments of family dysfunctionality among individuals who exhibited high levels of risky sexual behavior. Based on preliminary data, currently with seven individuals with a high level of risky sexual behavior, we created genograms through interviews with young adult participants who described the emotional quality of each family relationship. Quantitative data on risky sexual behavior and whole family functioning were collected using the Family …

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Biomechanical Profiles In Cross-Country Runners: Pca Identifies Patterns, Not Injury, Kiana Medina, Sathvi Gandra, Auston Hsieh Apr 2026

Biomechanical Profiles In Cross-Country Runners: Pca Identifies Patterns, Not Injury, Kiana Medina, Sathvi Gandra, Auston Hsieh

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Running biomechanics reflect coordinated strategies rather than isolated variable effects and are thought to influence injury risk. This study investigates whether distinct running gait patterns identified through principal component analysis (PCA) of biomechanical variables were associated with injury occurrence in collegiate cross-country athletes. Twenty-two university cross-country runners (N=22; n = 5 males, n = 17 females; age range = 18-25 years) completed a 3D biomechanical gait assessment from which we derived step frequency (SF), hip and ankle propulsive power, knee abductor moments (KAM), vertical stiffness (kvert), contralateral pelvis drop (CPD), hip adduction (HADD), time of braking force ( …

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Tissue-Specific Stable Isotope Fractionation In Subarctic Pinniped Species, Morgan Michalek Apr 2026

Tissue-Specific Stable Isotope Fractionation In Subarctic Pinniped Species, Morgan Michalek

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope ratios are widely used to evaluate marine mammal diet, trophic position, and nutrient assimilation. However, interpretation is often confounded by tissue-specific isotopic discrimination, which alters isotope ratios during nutrient assimilation and tissue synthesis. Quantifying these offsets is essential for ensuring accurate trophic reconstructions across multiple tissues with different biochemical compositions. This study measured δ13 and δ15N values in muscle, blood, blubber, brain, collagen, kidney, liver, skin, fur, and vibrissae of Steller sea lions (Eumentopias jubatus), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and northern fur …

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Ankle Dorsiflexion Differences Due To Fatigue In Men's Division Ii Collegiate Basketball Players, James Manuel Moonnumacakal Apr 2026

Ankle Dorsiflexion Differences Due To Fatigue In Men's Division Ii Collegiate Basketball Players, James Manuel Moonnumacakal

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Previous research indicates the biomechanics at the ankle joint can lead to increased risk of injury such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, Achilles rupture, or patellofemoral tendinopathy. Studies also revealed that the establishment of baseline ankle range-of-motion (ROM) measures can allow the decrease of injury for a team over the course of professional season. Understanding ankle ROM norms can lead to detecting critical injuries and the development of a strength and conditioning plan to help avoid injury. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship that fatigue has upon ankle ROM using a static lunge test to …

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Dft Modeling Of Steroid–Phospholipid Noncovalent Interactions: Conformations, Binding Energy, And Solvation Effects, Sohan Mothkur Apr 2026

Dft Modeling Of Steroid–Phospholipid Noncovalent Interactions: Conformations, Binding Energy, And Solvation Effects, Sohan Mothkur

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Steroids (STRs) have essential roles in human physiology and disease, regulating processes such as metabolism and immunity. STRs exert their effects through receptor-mediated pathways and by modulating cell membrane properties. STRs can intercalate into phospholipid (PL) bilayers, altering membrane properties that can influence downstream biological processes. While STR-protein interactions have been widely studied, little is known about how STR-PL interactions influence membrane properties. In this study, we used density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the interactions between testosterone (TST) and cholesterol (CHOL) with three representative PLs: phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS), and phosphatidylglycerol (PG). STR-PL complexes were modeled using an aqueous …

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Comparative Genomics Across Ganoderma Species To Identify Secondary Metabolite Clusters With Cytotoxic Properties, Fatima Muhammad, Maya Pasapuleti, Emily Abraham, Navya Mysore Apr 2026

Comparative Genomics Across Ganoderma Species To Identify Secondary Metabolite Clusters With Cytotoxic Properties, Fatima Muhammad, Maya Pasapuleti, Emily Abraham, Navya Mysore

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Fungi in the genus Ganoderma have been widely studied in Chinese culture for their medicinal properties and promoting overall health and longevity. Our prior work on eight Ganoderma species showed that they contain Secondary Metabolite Clusters (SMCs) that code for multiple terpenes, betalactones, and ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). These compounds are well known for their cytotoxic and anticancer potential. Using the bioinformatics platform antiSMASH, we previously identified and annotated the specific SMCs within these genomes that are predicted to produce such bioactive metabolites. To test the results obtained from the bioinformatics analysis, fungal extracts were prepared from …

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Effects Of Bhb(Beta-Hydroxybutyrate) Of Mood, Memory, And Handgrip, Christianna Needham, Sahanj Joshi, Jairaj Bajaj Apr 2026

Effects Of Bhb(Beta-Hydroxybutyrate) Of Mood, Memory, And Handgrip, Christianna Needham, Sahanj Joshi, Jairaj Bajaj

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of acute beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) on handgrip, mood states and memory of healthy men and women. The subjects were exercise science students from Nova Southeastern University between 18-22 years of age. Subjects performed Handgrip strength, Profile of Mood States (POMS), and Memtrax the tests prior to consuming BHB, as well as 30 minutes, and 60 minutes post consumption. A total of 136 healthy participants (20.5±1.4 years) were randomized into three groups: D-BHB (n=47), L-BHB (n=46), or placebo (n=43). A Two-Way ANOVA test revealed no significant …

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Developing A Novel Protocol To Isolate Mitochondria From The Cnidarian Aiptasia Pallida For Bioenergetic Studies , Chelsea Nguyen, Kiran Sajnani Apr 2026

Developing A Novel Protocol To Isolate Mitochondria From The Cnidarian Aiptasia Pallida For Bioenergetic Studies , Chelsea Nguyen, Kiran Sajnani

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The symbiotic relationship between cnidarian hosts and photosynthetic dinoflagellates relies on a dynamic exchange of metabolites between key organelles including chloroplasts and mitochondria. Understanding how temperature affects this exchange is pivotal to determine its role in metabolic dysbiosis, but methodological challenges in isolating mitochondria from cnidarian tissue must be addressed. The aim of this project is to develop a reproducible homogenization and isolation protocol of mitochondria from the upside-down sea jelly Cassiopea xamachana, to be used as a model for subsequent bioenergetic studies. Mesogleal tissue from laboratory acclimated C. xamachana was finely minced, and several mechanical homogenization methods were …

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Passion Versus Predisposition: How Engagement, Personality, And Trait-Anxiety Predict Homesickness, Bala Sivani Padala, Porsha Adoghe, Alyssa Harris Apr 2026

Passion Versus Predisposition: How Engagement, Personality, And Trait-Anxiety Predict Homesickness, Bala Sivani Padala, Porsha Adoghe, Alyssa Harris

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Homesickness is a prevalent condition affecting many college students. Several factors contribute to homesickness, including, but not limited to, adjustment difficulty, missing family and friends, rumination, and loneliness. To better understand homesickness, we explored how engagement, anxiety, and personality moderate each factor. Engagement and personality were hypothesized to negatively correlate with homesickness. Trait anxiety was hypothesized to positively correlate with homesickness. We examined these variables by having participants complete a Google form that included questions from four surveys: the Utrecht Homesickness Scale (UHS), the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory …

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Overcoming Gbm Stem Cell Resistance With Resveratrol Analog E03, Alma Partenza, Vansh Linga, Maanas Mallela Apr 2026

Overcoming Gbm Stem Cell Resistance With Resveratrol Analog E03, Alma Partenza, Vansh Linga, Maanas Mallela

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis, driven by GBM stem cells (GSCs) that promote growth, recurrence, and treatment resistance. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is frequently hyperactivated in GBM, contributing to cell survival and proliferation, making it a key therapeutic target. Resveratrol (RSV), a natural anticancer polyphenol downregulates AKT signaling but is limited by poor bioavailability and potency. We developed diaryl acrylonitrile analogs of RSV to improve potency, stability, and drug-like properties for targeting GSCs. This study aimed to synthesize, evaluate the anticancer activity of these analogs against GSCs, and elucidate their mechanism of action to …

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Refining Potent Stat3 Inhibitor Structure Through Molecular Docking, Dev Patel, Dev Patel Apr 2026

Refining Potent Stat3 Inhibitor Structure Through Molecular Docking, Dev Patel, Dev Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a central role in signaling regulation in many cancers including glioblastoma. Normally, STAT3 is activated by the presence of ligand. In cancer cells, STAT3 is constitutively activated, making it a therapeutic target. STAT3 inhibitors currently used in clinical trials act by targeting upstream activators of STAT3. However, cancer cells bypass these pathways, activating STAT3 through receptor-pathway independent mechanism. Therefore, there is a need for inhibitors to directly target and inhibit STAT3, therefore blocking its function. Nitro groups (-NO2) are being investigated as potential anti-cancer compounds. In cellular studies, IX-11 …

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Gene Loss And Ecological Adaptation In Honeybee Venom: Exploring The Absence Of Melittin In Apis Andreniformis, Diya Patel, Grace Wong, Rishubh Madaboosil, Kaylee Reyes Lazo, Jovonne Grant, Isabella Garcia Apr 2026

Gene Loss And Ecological Adaptation In Honeybee Venom: Exploring The Absence Of Melittin In Apis Andreniformis, Diya Patel, Grace Wong, Rishubh Madaboosil, Kaylee Reyes Lazo, Jovonne Grant, Isabella Garcia

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Genetic divergence within the Apis honeybee genus is shaped by geography, climate, and ecological specialization, leading to variations in morphology, behavior, and venom composition. Comparative genomic analyses have revealed both gene loss and lineage-specific adaptations that contribute to these traits. In this study, we investigate the evolutionary, molecular, and biochemical factors influencing venom production across honeybee species, with a focus on the unexpected absence of a detectable melittin gene in Apis andreniformis (Black Dwarf Honeybee). While melittin constitutes 40-60% of the venom in Apis mellifera, BLAST searches failed to identify a homolog in A. andreniformis, despite its venom …

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Biomechanical Stress And Asymmetrical Loading: Comparing Unilateral Landings Across Volleyball Hitter Positions, Nihar Patel Apr 2026

Biomechanical Stress And Asymmetrical Loading: Comparing Unilateral Landings Across Volleyball Hitter Positions, Nihar Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Jump-based movements in volleyball, particularly unilateral landings, generate substantial injury risk to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). These landings create asymmetrical ground reaction forces and patellar joint instability, with outside and right-side hitters most affected since they often land on a single leg after spiking. Prior studies show that unilateral landings produce higher peak forces and reduced knee flexion compared to bilateral landings, increasing biomechanical stress. Lead-limb dominance and player position further influence landing mechanics and loading patterns. Using VERT, a wearable sensor that records jump height, frequency, and landing impact, along with synchronized video analysis, this study compares landing …

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Is Left Ventricular Dysfunction Associated With Increased Risk Of Alzheimer's Disease Independent Of Classical Vascular Dementia Pathways?, Priyanshi Patel Apr 2026

Is Left Ventricular Dysfunction Associated With Increased Risk Of Alzheimer's Disease Independent Of Classical Vascular Dementia Pathways?, Priyanshi Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This poster examines the potential connection between left ventricular dysfunction and the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults. Studies suggest that reduced heart function may affect brain health by limiting blood flow to the brain, increasing inflammation, and interfering with the brain's ability to clear harmful proteins such as amyloid-β and tau. These processes resemble changes commonly seen in Alzheimer's disease. In population-based studies, individuals with heart failure or structural abnormalities of the left ventricle appear to have a higher risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, even after accounting for major risk factors such as hypertension and clinical …

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