Life Sciences Commons^™

Air Quality: Comparison Of Pm2.5 Levels In Evaporative Vs Central Air Homes In Utah County Using Filter-Based Sampling, Alisandra Olivares, Taylor Christensen, Paula Chanthakhoun, Jim Johnston, Darrell Sonntag

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

PM_2.5 is particulate matter that is less than 2.5 micrometers. Combustion of fuels, gas, natural gas, and wood are contributors to the production of PM_2.5.

A Comparison Of Ground And Remote Sensing Methods For Estimating Big Sagebrush ( Artemisia Tridentata Nutt.) Cover, Eliza Cash, April Hulet, Keegan Hammond, Steve Peterson, Ryan Jensen

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Habitat monitoring and management for sagebrush obligate species are often based on sagebrush cover estimates

Remote sensing methods, including object based image analyses (OBIA), may be a good method to estimate sagebrush cover over large landscapes.

Research Objective: Compare traditional ground measurements used to estimate sagebrush cover with OBIA using high resolution imagery.

Genetic Stop Signs: Nontraditional Sequences That Terminate Rna Production, Christina Iverson, Samuel Scott

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

3rd place open house

Gene expression can change everything about the identity of a bacterial cell. This process begins when the protein RNA polymerase reads a DNA strand and produces, or transcribes, a matching messenger RNA sequence. This RNA sequence will then be read by a protein-building complex which builds a protein encoded by the RNA. When RNA polymerase finishes producing the RNA sequence, the RNA polymerase will fall off the DNA strand, known as transcription termination. Currently, there are two known mechanisms for transcription termination. We believe that there may be more unknown mechanisms for termination.

Engineering And Characterization Of Antibodies Against Cancer Biomarker Thymidine Kinase 1, Joshua Bennett, Kiara V. Whitley, Christopher J. Haynie, Kim O'Neill

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Engineered antibodies used in immunotherapies have been increasingly successful due to their ability to uniquely target cells expressing specific cancer antigens Thymidine Kinase 1 (TK 1 is a DNA salvage enzyme typically found in the cytosol However, in certain types of cancer, TK 1 is surface expressed, making it a unique cancer biomarker By identifying antibodies with a high binding affinity for TK 1 we can target cancer cells expressing TK 1 on their surface Using cell sorting and a yeast display library expressing 109 human single chain antibody fragments, we have isolated ten unique single chain antibodies scFvs that …

Isolating Highly Specific Antibodies Against Cancer Target Hprt, Austin J. Hansen, Christopher J. Haynie, Kiara V. Whitley, Michelle Townsend, Abby Johnson, Hunter Lindsay, Laura Baird, Kim L. O'Neill

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Effective immunotherapeutic targeting of cancer cells requires identification of specific antigenic differences between cancerous and healthy cells. Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) is a cytoplasmic enzyme involved in the salvage pathway for DNA synthesis. Certain cancers (e.g., prostate and breast) upregulate and express HPRT on the cell membrane, making HPRT a potential cancer biomarker for cancer immunotherapies. Antibodies specific for unique cancer proteins are critical to develop targeted cancer immunotherapies. Using a yeast display library and cell sorting, we selected for high-affinity human single-chain (scFv) antibodies against HPRT that can be utilized in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies and antibody-dependent …

Phage Host Interactions In Fhua Dependent Bacteriophages, Ian W. Baeten, Jessica M. Lewis, Kathryn E. Janda, David E. Kotter, Julianne H. Grose, William R. Mccleary

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Bacteriophages are the natural enemy of bacteria. They infect and kill bacterial cells similarly to how animal viruses infect and kill our (eukaryotic) cells. Being viruses, bacteriophages need to get inside of their host to be able to replicate and survive. To do this, phages use receptor binding proteins (RBPs) to bind to various molecules on the surface of bacterial cells, which allows them to attach and initiate the first step of infection. Several novel bacteriophages were isolated from sewage samples across the Wasatch Front of Utah that infect Escherichia coli strain MG1655 and are being used to gain greater …

Figures In Biological Journal Articles Are Often Unfriendly To People With Color Vision Deficiencies, Harlan Stevens, Arwen Oakley, Stephen Piccolo

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

8% of men have red-green color vision deficiencies (CVD).

We focused on deuteranomaly and deuteranopia (deficiency in seeing green) since it is by far the most common CVD.

Colorblind unfriendly figures hinder equity in research and discourage individuals with CVD from pursuing science.

To determine how often researchers use colorblind-unfriendly figures, we classified and labeled 5000 images.

Our annotated dataset will be freely available in the hope that it will prove helpful to other researchers.

We created a computer vision model using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to classify images as colorblind-friendly or not.

Plantar Taping: Starting Off On The Right Foot, Tanner Krupp, Davis Waid, Jessica Stringer, Cody Messick, Dustin A. Bruening

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical effects of different taping methods on foot mechanics during gait.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that material compliance would influence effectiveness, with longitudinal rigidity reducing arch motion.

Impact: Mechanical control of the arch may help recovery from plantar fasciitis.

Quantifying The Effects Of Involvement In Aesthetic Sports On The Development Of Eating Disorders In Pre-Teens, Ella Cook, Melissa Hewitt, Anna Sherrill, Alyssa Tolman, Erik J. Nelson

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Approximately 2.8 million people (ANAD, 2023) in the United States are affected by eating disorders, and more than 1 in 5 children (Holcombe, 2023) around the world suffer from disordered eating symptoms. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, and children involved in “aesthetic sports” (dance, wrestling gymnastics, swimming) are at a higher risk of developing symptoms than their non-participating peers. (Davison et al., 2002) Eating disorders are often associated solely with an older teenagers or women, but heavily impact children as well. It is impossible to address mental health concerns among America’s youth without addressing …

The Effects Of Initiating A Fast With A High Fat Or A High Carbohydrate Shake On Mcp-1, Tnfa And Il-6 Levels, Gage Jensen, Landon S. Deru, Bruce Bailey

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, heart disease and diabetes all rank among the leading causes of death in the United States, particularly among the elderly. While many behavioral and pharmacological strategies have been employed to reduce the incidence of these conditions, increasing evidence indicates that entering a mild to moderate state of ketosis through fasting or a very low carbohydrate diet can improve the prognosis for these conditions.1-4 Our aim is to see the extent that carbohydrate composition in an initiatory meal has on inflammatory marker proteins in our participants. This study assessed the impact that pre-fast meals have on Monocyte chemoattractant …

The Long-Term Effects Of Grazing On Desert Soils In The Great Basin, Alexander Olson, Neil Hansen, Loreen Allphin, Sam Spackman

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

The Desert Experimental Range in the Great Basin region of southwestern Utah was created by President Hoover in 1933 to study cold-desert rangeland ecology and observe the effects of cattle and sheep grazing on the arid ecosystem. This 225 square kilometer area was initially set up with a series of paddocks and exclosures. Various grazing intensities throughout multiple seasons were permitted within the paddocks since its origin. For the purposes of this research, samples were taken within a given exclosure and the greater paddock to monitor the long term effects of grazing and its permanent or semi-permanent impacts. Samples were …

Urban Ecology Of Birds In Mexico City, E. Elias Johnson, Byron J. Adams, Jerald B. Johnson, J. Jaime Zuniga-Vega

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

How organisms persist under extreme conditions has received a lot attention in ecology. Some extreme environments are natural and pristine (e.g., Antarctica or the Atacama Desert), while others are highly impacted by humans (e.g., large cities). Unfortunately, we know little about the ecology of species that live in urban environments relative to those in pristine environments.

Detecting Multiple Paternity In Mule Deer: Variations Among Populations And The Ecological Significance, Madeline K. Martin, Sydney Lamb, Anna K. Monson, Paul B. Frandsen, Brock R. Mcmillan

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

We are interested in detecting the absence or rate of multiple paternity within mule deer populations (Odocoileus hemionus) due to 1) their unique breeding system where males mate-guard females from other males[2], and 2) the highly skewed male-biased sex ratios in populations as a result of harvest management. Comparing the rate of multiple paternity to sex ratio will suggest if harvest management is influencing long-term population genetics.

Employing Echogenicity As A Tool To Predict Injury To Achilles Tendon, Evan Armknecht, Joshua K. Sponbeck, Steven Allen, Shayla Bott, Chris Dillon, Camille Nguyen, Annie Allen, A. Wayne Johnson

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Dance is a common activity that many young women participate in around the world. While there are many beneficial aspects of participating in dance, physical activity in certain genres of dance experience high Achilles tendon loading force, which impact the risk of Achilles tendon injury.

Understanding early biomechanical predictors of tendon injury may prevent debilitating tendon injuries.

Ultrasound imaging allows for detailed analysis of tendon structure, including tendon density and water content (echogenicity).

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of pain due to Achilles tendon injury and one biomechanical property of a tendon, echogenicity.

Flipped Versus Online Instruction: A Comparative Analysis Of Student Performance, Noah Emery, Jamie L. Jensen

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

The need for improved modes of online instruction has rapidly increased within the last decade. But whether online instruction is beneficial or as effective as in-person remains inconclusive (McCutcheon et al., 2015). Evidence would suggest that there are knowledge gaps with students who enroll in online courses (Jensen et al., 2022).

We designed and tested various models of an online introductory biology course for non-biology undergraduates in order to determine which method of online instruction would most improve student performance and close these knowledge gaps. We hypothesized that including instructor scaffolding (instructor organization and support), instructor feedback, and peer collaboration …

Higher Incidence Of Parasitic Copepods In Female Host Rockfish Species Call For Improved Restoration And Commercial Management Strategies, Alyssa Walters, Mark C. Belk

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Host-parasite interactions are key components in shaping ecosystem and community structure. In parasitism, the host maintains the life of the parasite and can have its fitness influenced as a result. This can be especially problematic for commercial fish projects, as well as species management.

New Species Discovery In Eriastrum (Polemoniaceae) In The Californian Red Mountains, Kaitlyn Pankratz, Leigh Johnson

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Characterized in the flowering plant family Polemoniaceae by wooly hairs on the calyces and bracts associated with the flowers and found in dry areas of western North America (1).

The Effects Of Initiating A 24 Hour Fast With A Low Versus A High Carbohydrate Shake On Pancreatic Hormones In The Elderly: A Randomized Crossover Study, Mckay Knowlton, Bruce Bailey, Landon S. Deru, Benjamin T. Bikman, James Lecheminant

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

The aim of this study is to understand how the macronutrient composition of the fast initiating meal influences glucose glucose regulating hormones during and 24 hours after a 24 hour fast in older, sedentary, and abdominally obese adults. Understanding these outcomes will inform fasting protocols such as time restricted eating and alternate day fasting, which offer potential long term health benefits.

Indoor/Outdoor Ozone In Evaporative Cooler Vs Central Air Homes In Utah County, Braedon Tarone, Seth Van Roosendaal, Darrell Sonntag Phd, James D. Johnston

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Research Question How do indoor and outdoor concentrations of ozone compare between homes which use central air conditioning and homes which use evaporative coolers?

Physician's Perceptions On The Role Of The Family In Alleviating The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic, Ella Cook, Melissa Hewitt, M. Lelinneth B. Novilla

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have relied on measures such as masking, social distancing, or hand hygiene to stop the COVID-19 viral spread. While these things are important, the preventative role of the family in healthcare has untapped positive potential. Research suggests that when the family is involved in the treatment process, (Tayo et al., 2022) it becomes a medical and social tool in the effort to ensure safe prevention of disease and accurate public health education to prevent unnecessary damage and death. (Prime et al., 2020)

The Effects Of A High Carbohydrate Vs. High Fat Pre-Fast Meal On Incretin Hormone Secretion: A Randomized Crossover Study, Parker Graves, Landon S. Deru, Bruce Bailey

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Chronic illness such as strokes, heart disease and diabetes all rank among the leading causes of death in the United States. Recently, fasting has gained popularity as a means of prevention from chronic illness through weight loss and other health benefits. Fasting produces multiple beneficial physiological responses that have been shown to aid in chronic disease prevention, one of which is observed by the release of incretin hormones such as glucosedependent insulin tropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). These incretin hormones are released by the gut to augment the secretion of insulin to regulate postprandial glucose levels. During a …

Staphylococcus Aureus Readily Shares Antibiotic Resistance Genes Via Transformation In Co Cultured Biofilms, Brooklyn Jones, Ashley Ball, Emillee Augenstein, Thompson Jared, Austin Wright, Brad Berges

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a pathogenic bacterium which affects both humans and livestock, primarily affecting the blood, lungs, and soft tissues The CDC estimates 700 000 current deaths per year in the USA that are associated with antibiotic resistance (AR) infections, rising to 10 million/year by 2050 if no action is taken. SA can gain AR by obtaining a resistance gene from another organism, however, the process of such is not well understood The purpose of this project is to elucidate the process of gaining AR genes in SA strains SA strains can form biofilms an exterior, structural film, which …

The Making Of A Dichotomous Key: Challenges And Opportunities, Anna Pugmire, Raechel Hunsaker, Ashlyn Baker, April Hulet

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Dichotomous keys are tools that use paired statements to identify organisms. Botanical Dichotomous Keys focus on botanical structures within the paired statements and enable a user to identify a variety of plant species. Within the range management community, dichotomous keys are often used to identify plants while in the field. Identifying unknown plant species in the field is important for assessing potential fire fuel, and creating habitat or livestock management plans. In a survey of wildlife and wildland conservation students at BYU, students were asked to describe their opinion of dichotomous keys in 3-4 words. The most common responses were: …

Detecting And Characterizing Multisensory Integrating Optic Tectum Neurons In Zebrafish, Adeline Hamilton, Karianne Jex, Erika C. Marks., Suehelen A. Garcia, Jordan T. Yorgason, Tracianne B. Neilsen, Arminda Suli

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

The superior colliculus (SC) is a mammalian midbrain structure involved in multimodal sensory integration and is implicated to have a role in neurodevelopmental disorders. Although the presence of multisensory integrating neurons (MINs) in the SC has been well documented by electrophysiology techniques, little is known about their morphological or molecular characterization. To identify and study MINs, we utilized SC’s non-mammalian homologous structure–the optic tectum (OT)–in the genetically tractable model organism zebrafish. In this process, we generated transgenic lines that allowed for fluorescent detection of neuronal activity by expressing the genetically engineered calcium indicators: cytoRGECO and H2B-jRGECO1a, respectively in mechanosensory hair …

Dyslexia Is Caused By Visual Problems That Extend Beyond Language, Adriana A. Gutierrez Rubio, Celeste Trolley, Cole Smith, Olivia Ford, Toni Brown, Steven Luke

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Dyslexia is the most common learning disorder.

There are several competing theories about the root cause of dyslexia →

Each theory makes different predictions about dyslexic performance in visual search, a non-language task.

Mystifying Mimics: The Influence Of Distribution On Mimicry, Taylor Probst, Dallin Kohler, Alison Whiting, Jacob Searcy

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Many animals display bright colors or patterns to advertise or warn predators that they are dangerous. Coral snakes effectively use bright red and yellow bands to warn of their venom. There are also many harmless snakes which try to copy or mimic the color patterns of the coral snakes to gain that same protection from predators without the venom. This is known as Batesian mimicry. It has long been thought that for mimicry to be effective, both the dangerous animals and their mimics need to be found in the same geographic area. This study focuses on two species of kingsnake, …

Thc On The Brain: Adult Vs. Adolescent Changes, Addison Smartt, Jeffrey Edwards Phd

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been demonstrated to cause elimination of cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1) mediated long term depression (LTD) of GABA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain. Through electrophysiology and quantitative PCR experiments, this study reveals that LTD elimination is more pronounced in adolescents than adults, giving an explanation for the increased risk of THC dependency in adolescence. However, after a seven day withdrawal period, these effects were reversed. The data also supports the hypothesis that removal or desensitization of CB1 receptors from the synapse is an important mechanism of THC-induced neural and cognitive changes.

Custom Compression Algorithm Shows Potential To Reduce Tabular Data By A Magnitude Of 17 Using Huffman Coding And N-Grams, Maren Callaway, Stephen R. Piccolo

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

Read file and rearrange its contents to a json file that sorts data by column.

Implement Huffman coding using the bitarray package’s canonical Huffman function.

Use the Huffman dictionaries for each column to encode all values.

Compress each line individually using zstandard

Covid-19 Multicultural Family Resilience, Annabeth Mathews, Oluwadamilola Obalana,, Tyler Leffler, Ella Gaskin, Cole Hansen, Gavin Speakman

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant hardship for many people living in the United States, with economic and public health effects that continue to adversely impact many To gain a better understanding of the disruptions that resulted from the pandemic, our team sought out to discover the impact of COVID- 19 on Parenting, Family Routines, Cohesion, and Resilience in Multicultural, Interracial, Ethnic, Diverse, Immigrant, or Multigenerational Families/Households.

Has Coral Abundance In Hawaii Changed Since 2007?, Natalie Wride, Richard Gill Ph.D

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023

2nd place poster design

Hypothesis: Molokai, Hawaii’s southern fringing reef has experienced a decrease in coral abundance from 2007 to 2022.