Life Sciences Commons^™

A Framework For Improving Analysis And Modeling Of Earth System And Intersectoral Dynamics At Regional Scales, Shih-Yu Wang

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Collaborative Research: Seed-Fungal Interactions: Uncovering Functional Specificity And Primary Symbionts As Key Drivers Of Tropical Tree Recruitment, Noelle Beckman

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Sabbatical Visit To Micro4food Research Group At The Free University Of Bolzano, Robert Ward

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Exploration Of The Microbiome Of Native Plants For Plant Growth-Promoting Microbes To Mitigate Effects Of Abiotic Stresses In Crop Plants, Amita Kaundal

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Thermodynamic Parameters And Intrinsic Properties On Crystallization Kinetics And Physical Properties Of Fats, Silvana Martini

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Elucidating Mechanism Of Formation Of Thermoreversible Gels From Associative Protein-Polysaccharide Mixtures, Prateek Sharma

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Uv-A Light Activated Biodegradable Antimicrobial Packaging: A Sustainable Hurdle Technology For Food Preservation, Luis J. Bastarrachea

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Beginning Agriculture Teacher Support And Education Program (Base), Tyson Joel Sorensen

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Collaborative Research: Verification Of Atmospheric Mercury Redox Reaction Rates, Colleen Patricia Jones

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Harnessing Blueberry Flower Chemistry And Morphology To Boost Pollination And Bee Health, Monica Borghi

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Investigating The Role Of Mitochondria In Postmortem Metabolism And Shelf Stability Of Fresh Meat, Sulaiman K. Matarneh, Kara J. Thornton-Kurth, Stephan Van Vliet

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Performance Of The Iupod Intrauterine Device For Long-Term Fertility Control In Free-Roaming Mares, Chris Davies

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Improving Profitability Of Small And Medium Sized Farms Though Economic Optimization Of Wheel-Line Irrigation, John B. Barker, Ryan A. Larsen, Matt A. Yost

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Single Compost Application Benefits For Organic Dryland Wheat Production, Shikha Sharma, Matt Yost, Earl Creech, Jennifer R. Reeve, Astrid R. Jacobson, Idowu Ademola Atoloye

All Current Publications

This research highlights the long-term value of compost in dryland wheat systems, where water scarcity and declining soil fertility limit productivity. A single, high-rate compost application (22 tons per acre) can improve soil moisture content, organic carbon content, aggregate stability, and microbial activity. All these benefits contributed to higher and more stable wheat yields, even more than two decades after application. These changes help to make the compost-treated wheat more resilient during dry years. While composting incurs a high upfront cost, its long-term benefits can significantly reduce the need for repeated fertilizer or soil amendments, offering cost and labor savings …

Increase In Area Burned And Wildfire Frequency In Utah By 2050, James A. Lutz, Joseph D. Birch

Wildland Resources Faculty Publications

By 2050 nearly all landscapes in Utah (Fig. 1) will experience increases in area burned and fire frequency. However, these increases will not be equal across all vegetation (Fig. 2). Forests and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) will likely experience the largest increases and expected to burn at higher severity than non-forest systems.

Assessing Response Diversity Of Spawning Conditions For Native Trout Among Streams To Interannual Changes In Snowpack, Autumn Kaye Zierenberg

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Stream habitat suitability for fish is controlled by physical, chemical and biological conditions impacted by interannual changes in climate. Intermittent streams are particularly sensitive to climatic variation and have long been overlooked as potential spawning habitats for fish and other riverine species. Spawning suitability in stream habitats is strongly influenced by connectivity to perennial habitats, the duration of surface flows and water temperatures, each of which are driven by annual snowpack and discharge conditions. Here, we examine how the spawning habitat suitability in different tributaries within a single river basin respond to changes in annual snowpack conditions. Specifically, we examined …

Modeling And Analysis Of Electric Signal In Neurons, Kevin J. Roberts

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Neurons in humans and other species transmit information by sending electric signals via axons. This process relies on the generation and propagation of action potentials—rapid changes in the membrane potential of the axon. Understanding the mechanisms of action potentials, including how they are generated and influenced by the axon geometry and material parameters, is crucial for gaining insight into neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis (diseases highly correlated to demyelination). In this work, we review and summarize mathematical models for signal transmission–including the classical Hodgkin-Huxley model, the Single Cable (SC) model, and the Double Cable (DC) model. We …

Ground-Based Evaluation Of The Utah Reusable Root Module: Summary Of Three Crop Cycles With Mizuna, Tomato, And Lettuce, Claudia Garrido-Ruiz, Juan D. González-Teruel, Chihiro Dixon, Sarah Schreck, Bruce Bugbee, Scott B. Jones

NASA

The Utah Reusable Root Module (URRM) is a zero-discharge plant-growth system designed for microgravity. We evaluated its performance across four consecutive ground-based crop cycles with mizuna (Brassica rapa var. nipposinica), dwarf ‘Rejina Red’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and ‘Outredgeous’ lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Five root modules (RMs) used distinct top-cover/containment designs with peatmoss medium. Growth conditions were 23–28 ^°C, 16/8 h photoperiod, PPFD ≈ 800 µmol m^⁻² s^⁻¹, RH ~ 50– 60%, and air velocity ~ 0.8 m s^⁻¹. Redundant moisture sensing (upper CS650, lower TEROS ONE) enabled accurate water-use accounting; slopes …

Impact Of Thermodynamic Factors And Intrinsic Properties On Crystallization Behavior And Physical Properties Of Edible Fats, Nabila Anjum

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Crystallization behavior of three edible fats: interesterified soybean oil (IESBO), interesterified palm olein (IEPO), and fully hydrogenated palm kernel oil (FHPKO) were explored to understand how this process is affected by different factors. The study focused on how the chemical composition of these fats affects their behavior like how much time they require to be crystallized at a certain temperature. By using different scientific methods, how quickly each fat began to crystallize and how much energy it took to start the process was measured. Among the methods used, Gompertz equation, a mathematical model, gave the most consistent and reliable results …

Impacts Of Including Sprouted Barley In The Diet Of Beef Cattle On Production, Ruminal Health, And Meat Quality, Zachary C. Crump

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Beef producers in the United States are working to meet rising global demand for animal protein while facing major challenges such as drought, climate uncertainty, and rapid urbanization. These issues make it difficult to produce consistent and dependable feed, pushing producers to explore new ways to grow feed using fewer natural resources. Vertical farming systems are one option that can grow sprouted cereal grains indoors throughout the year while using decreased land and water than traditional agriculture. Sprouted barley grows within six to seven days and may serve as a nutrient dense alternative feed source for cattle at several stages …

Dynamics, Predictability And Impacts Of Multi-Year La Niña Event, Nahid A. Hasan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This dissertation investigates the dynamics, predictability, and impacts of multi-year La Niña events. Multi-year La Niña events are referred to as extended periods of unusually cooler tropical Pacific that persist for two or more consecutive winters. These prolonged events can increase the risk of natural hazards such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves in the western US and around the world. Despite their worldwide significance, questions remain about the mechanisms driving their initiation, their predictability, and regional hydroclimate impacts.

The first chapter of the dissertation introduces what scientists currently believe causes them, and how well different types of climate models can …

Evaluation Of Food-Safe Silicone Rubber Containment For Seedling Emergence, Yield, And Reusability, Claudia Garrido-Ruiz, Juan D. González-Teruel, Bruce Bugbee, Scott B. Jones

NASA

Flexible containment materials are essential for repeated planting cycles in the Utah Reusable Root Module (URRM), a zero-discharge system developed for space-based crop production. In previous trials, a vinyl top cover provided effective evaporative control and media retention but could not meet flight certification. To identify a suitable alternative, this study evaluated food-safe, flight-qualifiable silicone rubber sheets as an impermeable top cover for a wedge-based seeding system. The silicone rubber was tested at three thicknesses (1/32", 2/32", and 3/32") in combination with three linear fringe lengths (1.0", 1.5", and 2.0") and two fringe widths (0.25" and 0.5") and compared with …

Investigating Pyrethroid Insecticide Resistance In The Alfalfa Pest Insects Hypera Postica (Alfalfa Weevil) And Lygus Spp. (Lygus Bugs) In Utah Alfalfa Fields, Rosalie Sepesy

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Chemical insecticides are commonly used to manage the damage to crops caused by agricultural pest insects. Reliance on insecticides for pest management has resulted in insecticide resistance in many insect species worldwide. Alfalfa weevils (Hypera postica) and lygus bugs (species within the genus, Lygus), are major pests to alfalfa hay and seed respectively and cause significant economic damage. The goal of this dissertation was screen Utah alfalfa fields for resistant alfalfa weevil and lygus bug populations, investigate genetic mutations that can influence resistance in alfalfa weevils, and establish which species of lygus bugs are present in Utah …

Exploring Life History Trade-Offs In The Facultative Eusocial Bee Megalopta Genalis, Ana Gutiérrez Zuluaga

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Organisms face many trade-offs in how to invest in these traits. One example is the trade-off between reproduction and longevity. Queens of social insects seem to escape this trade-off, producing thousands of eggs daily, despite having a longer lifespan than their workers. Some hypotheses have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, such as an evolutionary change in the molecular pathways that regulate queen investment in maintenance, growth, and reproduction. An alternative hypothesis suggests that the tradeoffs are rarely observed in queens due to the extensive resources provided by the help of workers. While these hypotheses have supporting evidence, they have …

Integrating Manager Perspectives Into The Evaluation Of Wetland Revegetation Strategies, Loren F. Taylor

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Ecological restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded and is dependent on complex and context-specific decisions. The decision-making process influencing restoration is rarely examined alongside ecological processes. There is a need for research that incorporates the social, economic, institutional, and logistical considerations that shape real-world practices, as well as ecological processes. Decisions made by restoration practitioners and land managers (hereon “manager”) are challenged by the lack of information shared regarding the practical constraints (e.g., cost, labor, specialized equipment) they face. Revegetation, particularly in wetlands, poses challenges due to site conditions and degradation …

Golden Eagle Predation Of Greater Sage-Grouse On Diamond Mountain Plateau, Victoria E. Thorpe

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Predation and the perceived risk of predation can have major impacts on prey populations. Golden Eagles are considered one of the main predators of adult greater sage-grouse. Sage-grouse populations have been declining for decades throughout the West and wildlife managers are concerned about the impacts of golden eagles on sage-grouse. We investigated the nonconsumptive effects of golden eagles on sage-grouse by conducting observational surveys for golden eagles, sage-grouse, and other predators at sage-grouse lek sites near Vernal, Utah during the sage-grouse breeding season from 2022–2024. Additionally, we examined the prevalence of sage-grouse in golden eagle diet using DNA metabarcoding of …

Heating Methods To Advance Primocane Emergence And Yields In Red Raspberries, Alyssa Palmer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Raspberries are an important high value crop for local markets in Utah and throughout the Intermountain West. However, Utah’s harsh winter and short growing seasons present challenging growing conditions. New primocane-bearing cultivars are becoming available, but many of these produce fruit later than what is needed for local markets. Protected cultivation offers the opportunity to give more consistent production under Utah’s difficult growing conditions for berry crops. Protected cultivation methods include high tunnels, low tunnels and row covers. In addition to protecting against damaging temperatures, protected cultivation also advances crop growth through warming the soil and plants. Combinations of heating …

Lagomorphs, Ungulates, And Predation: Exploring Interactions And Quantifying The Effect Of Lagomorph Herbivory In Rangelands, Shantell Marie Garrett

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Rangelands are expansive ecosystems that make up more than 30% of the total surface land area in the contiguous United States. In the west, they are typically categorized as shrublands, grasslands or deserts with low precipitation. The vegetation communities consist largely of grasses and forbs and are thus widely used for livestock grazing. Despite their barren appearance, rangelands are diverse ecosystems that are home to a wide breadth of species.

The Henry Mountains, located in south central Utah, is one example of this system type. With their inspiring red-rock mesas and towering plateaus, this public land, managed by the Bureau …

Assessing The Human Health Impacts Of Nutrient-Dense Diets: Clinical Trials On Regenerative Agriculture And Protein Source, Jennifer Jensen-Cloward

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Increasing consumer demand for sustainable, animal-friendly food options has sparked discussion about farming production practices. As more people prioritize their food choices, questions have circulated about how farming practices might impact not just the environment, but also human health. Regenerative agriculture is a farming method that has gained popularity for its potential to improve both food quality and environmental outcomes. It focuses on restoring ecosystem function, ultimately impacting the resulting nutrients in food products, and includes foods like grass-fed meat and organic produce. However, it is still unclear whether these practices make a difference in human health. This dissertation informs …

Biocontrol Of Canada Thistle (Cirsium Arvense) With The Rust Fungus, Puccinia Punctiformis In The Intermountain West: Integrated Weed Management Compatibility And Characterization Of Microbiome Associations, Caitlin Henderson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) is an invasive weed of major concern in both agricultural and native areas. It competes against native plants, reduces crop production and quality, and causes significant costs in management and damages. Canada thistle can survive and spread through seeds, but primarily does so through its extensive root system, which causes the greatest management difficulties. There are several control methods for this invasive weed, herbicides are perhaps the most common and effective, however, they have limitations and negative consequences. Herbicide use near waterways is restricted and there are growing concerns of the development of herbicide …