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Articles 121 - 150 of 283
Full-Text Articles in Biology
Orca Project For Taylor Turnbull, Taylor Turnbull
Orca Project For Taylor Turnbull, Taylor Turnbull
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Our project went according to plan, with a few small modifications along the way. Initially, we had proposed to incorporate gender profiling in attempt to understand the differences in serum proteomics profiles in men and women. As planned the information concerning gender was obtained and used to effectively design an additional project, to analyze serum differences between Alzheimer’s and non-Alzheimer’s individuals. Utilizing the novel capillary liquid chromatography method outlined in our proposal we were able to analyze our serum samples. By comparing the resulting mass spectra using specialized statistical methods we have been able to identify several biomarkers. The information …
Creating Student-¬‐Experts In Hydroecology, Richard Gill
Creating Student-¬‐Experts In Hydroecology, Richard Gill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The National Research Council, in its report on how people learn, identified key differences between novices and experts (Bransford et al. 2000; Donovan and Bransford 2005). One of the grand challenges of education is to shepherd students through the process of becoming experts. Mentored research experiences are a critical component of this process as students “grow in skills and increase in responsibility” (Mentoring Principle #3) and participate in projects that “extend well beyond the routine” and “[develop] of new concepts of learning” (Mentoring Principle #5). Bransford et al. (2000) emphasized that developing into an expert requires, among other things, (1) …
Byu Microscopy Laboratory /Public School Partnership Curriculum Development, Judy L. Pickett
Byu Microscopy Laboratory /Public School Partnership Curriculum Development, Judy L. Pickett
Journal of Undergraduate Research
For the past five years Dr. John Gardner has been developing a microscopy outreach program for students throughout the state of Utah. I became involved in the program in the fall of 1993 and have been heavily involved in program development since that time.
Cytotoxicity Of Caffeine, Ephedrine, And Metabolites, Jennetta Watson, Dr. Gary Booth
Cytotoxicity Of Caffeine, Ephedrine, And Metabolites, Jennetta Watson, Dr. Gary Booth
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Caffeine and ephedrine are found together as constituents in a variety of dietary supplements promising to increase metabolism, raise energy levels, and promote weight loss. Much research has been done in this area; however, there is little to no information in the literature about studies focused on the toxicity and anti-proliferative properties of this same caffeine/ephedrine combination occurring at the cellular level. Caffeine’s toxicity against many cell types has been well documented for years.1 In addition, a number of studies have shown that using caffeine or its metabolites in combination with other chemical or physical reagents increases the overall …
The Phylogeny And Evolution Of Color Patterning Among The Pleasing Fungus Beetles (Coleoptera: Erotylidae)., James A. Robertson, Dr. Michael F. Whiting
The Phylogeny And Evolution Of Color Patterning Among The Pleasing Fungus Beetles (Coleoptera: Erotylidae)., James A. Robertson, Dr. Michael F. Whiting
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The family Erotylidae (pleasing fungus beetles) currently includes 125 genera, and approximately 2,500 described species and has a worldwide distribution. There are five currently recognized subfamilies within Erotylidae: Dacninae, Megalodacninae, Eucaustinae, Tritominae, and Erotylinae. Erotylids are mycophagous, feeding on basidiomycete fungi, and exhibit a wide range of gregarious behavior. Most erotylids have a striking appearance, exhibiting bright colors including red, yellow, pink, and purple, frequently in combination with contrasting black. These colors are often arranged in zigzag, banding, or polka dot patterns. It has been suggested that the striking coloration found among erotylids is aposematic, and erotylids are consequently presumed …
Evolution Of Cytochrome B In Elapidae (Squamata: Serpentes), Dean H. Leavitt, Dr. David A. Mcclellan
Evolution Of Cytochrome B In Elapidae (Squamata: Serpentes), Dean H. Leavitt, Dr. David A. Mcclellan
Journal of Undergraduate Research
DNA sequences provide a wealth of information that allows systematists to better understand the phylogenetic history of the earth’s current biota. Some genes are better suited for phylogenetic studies than others, and one that has been commonly used is the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b. Cytochrome b (cyt-b) is a membrane-bound protein that is the central catalytic subunit of the Q-cycle in the electron transport chain (Zhang et al., 1998). The structure and function of cyt-b has been studied extensively and is well understood (Degli Esposti et al., 1993). Changes within cyt-b have been studied at the nucleotide, amino acid and …
Bacteria As Bioindicators: Bioassessment In The Bonneville Basin Of Utah, Mark Merkley, Russell Rader
Bacteria As Bioindicators: Bioassessment In The Bonneville Basin Of Utah, Mark Merkley, Russell Rader
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Bioassessment is the practice of using organisms to detect environmental health and integrity. Ecosystem health and integrity depend on the interaction between living organism and ecosystem function. All organisms or groups of organisms do not respond the same to environmental stress. Depending on various disturbance characteristics, each group may respond at different rates and provide different information (Rader, 2001). Besides the usual macrophytes, macroinvertebrates, or algae, bacteria have the capability of being strong bioindicators. Because of their extremely small size, bacteria have the highest surface-to volume ratios of any living organisms. Thus, bacteria should be the most environmentally aware organisms, …
Survey Of Calyx Gland Morphology In Navarrettia (Polemoniaceae) Using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Taina Matheson, Dr. Leigh Johnson
Survey Of Calyx Gland Morphology In Navarrettia (Polemoniaceae) Using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Taina Matheson, Dr. Leigh Johnson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Many flowering plants possess small epidermal hairs and glands. The variation in these features has been used to infer relationships among plant groups. The Phlox family (Polemoniaceae) is one such group. Many species in this family are described as having “woolly or arachnose hairs.” These hairs are present in many taxa that are considered to be unrelated, however, and may not be structurally identical. Thus, it may be unrealistic to score these features the same in phylogenetic analyses. First, we need to accurately describe the variation that is present. The genus Gilia has historically been used as a sort of …
Population Genetic Analysis Of Astacopsis Gouldi., Aaron Madsen, Dr. Keith Crandall
Population Genetic Analysis Of Astacopsis Gouldi., Aaron Madsen, Dr. Keith Crandall
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Astacopsis gouldi has been known to weigh up to 6 kg, and live for as long as 60 years (Horwitz and Hamr, 1988). However, fishing pressure, as well as habitat destruction and pollution have had detrimental effects on A. gouldi populations. The populations of the species in accessible rivers have declined, as have the number of males reaching sexual maturity. These factors led to the placement of A. gouldi on the endangered species list in 1996 (IUCN, 1996). Conservationists are considering the relocation of crayfish from populations in more remote rivers and streams where the decline in numbers has been …
Multiple Paternity In Podocnemis Expansa Of The Orinoco Basin, R Brigham Dastrup, Devon Pearse, Dr. Jack W. Sites
Multiple Paternity In Podocnemis Expansa Of The Orinoco Basin, R Brigham Dastrup, Devon Pearse, Dr. Jack W. Sites
Journal of Undergraduate Research
On June 2, 1970, the turtle Podocnemis expansa was designated as endangered throughout its entire range by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The turtle is known to exist in the Orinoco and Amazon river basins in South America.i Conservation efforts continue to try and preserve the species. Additionally, several studies have been conducted to increase the knowledge base about P. expansa, including many aimed at better understanding their behavior. This knowledge could be critical in conservation efforts.
Phylogeny And Conservation Of The Utah Land Snail Oreohelix Peripherica (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Camaenidae), Ashley Nelson, Dr. Keith A. Crandall
Phylogeny And Conservation Of The Utah Land Snail Oreohelix Peripherica (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Camaenidae), Ashley Nelson, Dr. Keith A. Crandall
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The land snail Oreohelix consists of 35 species that are distributed throughout the western United States, southwest Canada and northern Mexico. The majority of these species are endemic to the Great Basin and the Rocky Mountains (Bequaert et al., 1973). Pilsbry (1939) made the last taxonomic revision of the Oreohelix snail in Utah. He described seven species: Oreohelix eurekensis, O. haydeni, O. parawanensis, O. peripherica, O. strigosa, O. subrudis, and O. Yavapai. Traditionally, three subspecies have been ascribed to O. peripherica: O. p. wasatchensis, O. p. newcombi and O. p. weberina, which are distributed in Logan and Ogden Ranger Districts …
Homing Behavior Of The Limpet Species Collisella Scabra Living On The Limpet Species Lottia Gigantea, Lee F. Braithwaite
Homing Behavior Of The Limpet Species Collisella Scabra Living On The Limpet Species Lottia Gigantea, Lee F. Braithwaite
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Limpets are one-shelled marine mollusks that live on rocky beaches in the intertidal zone. The limpet species Collisella scabra is also found living on the shell of the limpet species L. gigantea. C. scabra exhibits an interesting phenomenon known as homing. This means that while not feeding, C. scabra are always found on the same spot on the rock or shell where they live. The C. scabra leave this spot, known as a home scar, to feed, but always return to it after they are done feeding. In this research, Chris Miller, Bryant Low, Christian Armstrong, and I examined the …
Defining Species Concepts: Testing Species Boundaries Of Sceloporus Grammicus, Daniel H. Chappell, Dr. Jack W. Sites
Defining Species Concepts: Testing Species Boundaries Of Sceloporus Grammicus, Daniel H. Chappell, Dr. Jack W. Sites
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Species concepts are the methods biologists use to name and describe species. There are many important reasons for having an empirically based species concept. Species definitions are important to the fields of population biology and phylogenetics.
Use Of Esem And Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Microanalysis To Study Leaf Surfaces Of Austrian Pine, Joseph Donaldson, Dr. Wilford M. Hess
Use Of Esem And Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Microanalysis To Study Leaf Surfaces Of Austrian Pine, Joseph Donaldson, Dr. Wilford M. Hess
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The following is a report of an investigation on the effects of air pollution on Austrian pine needles. The report will state the initial question, how the report was carried out, the results of the investigation, and our conclusions. Additionally, it will report on publication and presentation of the research.
Can A Flea See? An Investigation Of Flea Opsin (Flopsin), Sean David Taylor, Dr. Michael F. Whiting
Can A Flea See? An Investigation Of Flea Opsin (Flopsin), Sean David Taylor, Dr. Michael F. Whiting
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Visual pigments are responsible for conferring visual perceptual abilities to animals. Various pigments are tuned to absorb light of different wavelengths and to provide contrast and movement perception. All pigments consist of an opsin protein and a chromophore molecule, usually a carotene derivative. Interactions between the chromophore and amino acid residues of opsin fine-tune visual pigments for the absorption of different wavelengths. Opsin variants can tune visual pigments to absorb wavelengths in the ultraviolet, blue, green, and red regions of the spectrum (Briscoe and Chittka 2001).
Phylogeny And Conservation Of The Utah Land Snail Oreohelix Peripherica (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Camaenidae), Ashley Nelson, Dr. Keith A. Crandall
Phylogeny And Conservation Of The Utah Land Snail Oreohelix Peripherica (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Camaenidae), Ashley Nelson, Dr. Keith A. Crandall
Journal of Undergraduate Research
This study of the Oreohelix peripherica land snail is a continuation of a study sponsored last year by ORCA. In 1993, Ecosearch, Inc. suggested that O. p. wasatchensis, located at Rainbow Gardens near Ogden, deserved being upgraded to having an endangered status according to the US Endangered Species Act because of its reduced area of occurrence and the depletion of its habitat. The phylogenetic hypothesis gathered from the data obtained in last year’s study suggests that the Rainbow Gardens samples are not endemic to that area because they are genetically similar to other populations from different localities. Since the population …
Testing Cognition In Amazona Spp, Heidi Francis, Dr. Steven L. Peck
Testing Cognition In Amazona Spp, Heidi Francis, Dr. Steven L. Peck
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Animal intelligence has been studied for years, yet very few people are aware that parrots are ranked near the top with regards to cognition. For almost 20 years Dr. Irene Pepperberg has been teaching African Grey parrots to communicate using language, these birds then use English words to verbally answer questions testing their intelligence level. (Pepperberg, 1995) The teaching method used to do this is called the Model/Rival technique. For my research I chose to test whether this same technique could be used to teach a different species of parrot. Because of their speaking ability and large brain sizes comparable …
Patterns Of Paternity In Clutches Of Giant Amazon River Turtles, Podocnemis Expansa, From Venezuela, R. Brigham Dastrup, Dr. Jack W. Sites, Devon E. Pearse
Patterns Of Paternity In Clutches Of Giant Amazon River Turtles, Podocnemis Expansa, From Venezuela, R. Brigham Dastrup, Dr. Jack W. Sites, Devon E. Pearse
Journal of Undergraduate Research
In recent years, molecular genetic data have shown that multiple paternity occurs in groups of offspring in many taxa. Though multiple paternity has been found in a wide variety of turtles (Pearse and Avise 2001), limited clutch size and/or small number of total clutches assayed has limited the evaluation of the frequency of multiple paternity within the population or the relative contributions of the respective sires. I have analyzed data from 32 clutches of the giant river turtle Podocnemis expansa from the Orinoco River in Venezuela and present here results on 29 of these clutches. Large clutch sizes of this …
Homing Behavior Of The Limpet Species Collisella Scabra Living On The Limpet Species Lottia Gigantea, David Baugh, Dr. Lee F. Braithwaite
Homing Behavior Of The Limpet Species Collisella Scabra Living On The Limpet Species Lottia Gigantea, David Baugh, Dr. Lee F. Braithwaite
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Limpets are one-shelled marine mollusks that live on rocky beaches in the intertidal zone. The limpet species Collisella scabra is also found living on the shell of the limpet species L. gigantea. C. scabra exhibits an interesting phenomenon known as homing. This means that while not feeding, C. scabra are always found on the same spot on the rock or shell where they live. The C. scabra leave this spot, known as a home scar, to feed, but always return to it after they are done feeding. In this research, Chris Miller, Bryant Low, Christian Armstrong, and I examined the …
A Phylogeny Of Robber Flies (Diptera: Asilidae) At The Subfamilial Level: Molecular Evidence, Seth Mikaya Bybee, Dr. Michael Whiting
A Phylogeny Of Robber Flies (Diptera: Asilidae) At The Subfamilial Level: Molecular Evidence, Seth Mikaya Bybee, Dr. Michael Whiting
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae) comprise one of the largest groups of extant flies (Hull, 1962). Asilids constitute more than 500 genera (Woodley, 1989) and more than 5500 species (Lehr, 1988) with a worldwide distribution except Antarctica. Species range in size from less than one centimeter to nearly eight centimeters in length, and their prey consist of both small and large insects caught largely in flight. Asilid color patterns are simple: usually black, gray, or bronze, although some more colorful species appear to mimic bees and wasps. All members of the group, including the problematic group Leptogastrinae (thread-waisted robber flies), form …
Molecular Phylogeny Of The Rodent Genus Liomys: Evidence From The Mitochondrial Cytochrome B Gene, Victoria L. Vance, Dr. Duke S. Rogers
Molecular Phylogeny Of The Rodent Genus Liomys: Evidence From The Mitochondrial Cytochrome B Gene, Victoria L. Vance, Dr. Duke S. Rogers
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The number of species described in the world greatly underestimates its biodiversity, especially in some of the areas more rich in diversity such as Mexico. Once the biodiversity in a region is understood, the issues of management and conservation can be addressed. Spiny pocket mice of the genus Liomys are members of the rodent family Heteromyidae and are grouped with the genus Heteromys in the subfamily Heteromyinae. The genus Liomys has a rather broad geographic distribution that extends from Texas to Panama and consists of five recognized species: L. irroratus, L. pictus, L. spectabilis, L. salvini, and L. adespersus.
Evolutionary Genetics Of Balanomorpha Barnacles, Margaret E. Wright, Dr. Keith A. Crandall
Evolutionary Genetics Of Balanomorpha Barnacles, Margaret E. Wright, Dr. Keith A. Crandall
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Barnacles are one of the most commonly encountered marine organisms. They live along the intertidal shores and can easily be seen attached to rocks or pilings. Barnacles have a rich history of study. Many scientists have been interested in these curious organisms. One such scientist was the great naturalist Charles Darwin. The research he begun on barnacles has been continued for over two centuries, yet, after all that time we still know very little about their phylogenic relationships (family tree). The origins and diversity of this unique invertebrate are not understood as well as they should be, given so many …
Tnf: Structure And Function, Raymond W. Grams Ii, Dr. David A. Mcclellan
Tnf: Structure And Function, Raymond W. Grams Ii, Dr. David A. Mcclellan
Journal of Undergraduate Research
TNF-á is a cytokine released from activated macrophages and mast cells. It was identified a little over three decades ago as a protein responsible for lysis of certain types of cells, with specificity for tumor cells. Despite hopes as an anti-tumor agent, significant cytotoxic effects have excluded TNF-á from targeted therapies against multiple diseases such as osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, cancer, allograft rejection, and autoimmune disorders. In order to understand the pleiotropic effects expressed by TNF-á, researchers have attempted to map the functional regions of this gene hoping to discover the amino acid residues related to receptor binding and differentiation, and cytotoxicity. …
The Way Genetic Codes Differentially Filter Molecular Evolution Varies With Nucleotide Substitution Rate Parameters, Ryan G. Christensen, Dr. David Mcclellan
The Way Genetic Codes Differentially Filter Molecular Evolution Varies With Nucleotide Substitution Rate Parameters, Ryan G. Christensen, Dr. David Mcclellan
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The nuclei of most extant organisms utilize the universal or standard genetic code. Other codes (e.g. vertebrate, invertebrate, echinoderm, ascidian and insect mitochondrial codes) are quite similar to the universal code (Osawa 1995).
Spatial Analysis Predictive Model Map For Reintroduced Bighorn Sheep Winter Range Areas Along The Wasatch Front Mountains, Jericho C. Whiting, Dr. Jerran T. Flinders
Spatial Analysis Predictive Model Map For Reintroduced Bighorn Sheep Winter Range Areas Along The Wasatch Front Mountains, Jericho C. Whiting, Dr. Jerran T. Flinders
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) are native to the central and northern mountain ranges in Utah. They were historically abundant and extensively used by the resident Native Americans. Due to various anthropological influences, most northern populations were presumed extinct by the 1930s with only several scattered sightings reported until the 1960s (Karpowitz and Stewart 2000).
Anti-Cancer And Anti-Microbial Activity Of Selected Hawaiian And Sonoran Desert Plant Species, Christopher Wickstrom, Dr. Rex Cates
Anti-Cancer And Anti-Microbial Activity Of Selected Hawaiian And Sonoran Desert Plant Species, Christopher Wickstrom, Dr. Rex Cates
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Previous research into the anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties of certain plant species provided the basis of this project. Plants from various parts of Hawaii and the Sonoran Desert in Arizona had been obtained through interviewing of traditional medicinal practitioners in those areas. The plants were then screened at BYU for any significant inhibition of cancer and/or microbial growth. Significant inhibition was shown by any plant that inhibited cancer tissue or microbial growth by more than 50% over a 24 hour growing period. From the original stock of plants, 20 exhibited significant growth inhibition against one or more of the selected …
The Use Of Stable Isotopes To Determine The Physiology And Ecology Of Reptiles, Jessica Makin, Kent Hatch
The Use Of Stable Isotopes To Determine The Physiology And Ecology Of Reptiles, Jessica Makin, Kent Hatch
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Stable isotope research is becoming more widely used in physiological ecology. Atoms of the same atomic number but different atomic weights are called isotopes. Nitrogen (N) has two isotopes, 14N and 15N, with the latter being the heavier isotope. The assumption is that 14N is excreted at a higher rate than 15N. It is also thought that this should cause an increase in 15N of the protein tissues and preferential excretion of 14N of an animal when the animal is in the process of breaking down proteins.
Evaluating Network Phylogenetic Reconstruction Methods Using Computer Simulations, Steven Woolley, Dr. Keith Crandall
Evaluating Network Phylogenetic Reconstruction Methods Using Computer Simulations, Steven Woolley, Dr. Keith Crandall
Journal of Undergraduate Research
In my quest to evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of currently used phylogenetic network reconstruction methods, I have learned several valuable lessons applicable to nearly any research endeavor. I have successfully elucidated some of the conditions that affect the accuracy of two popular software programs for intraspecific phylogenetic inference. Below, I will give a brief background, followed by a description of the specific methods that I used in my evaluations. Finally, I will describe and validate the conclusions that I have drawn from my research, and discuss some things that I would have done differently and will do in the …
Bioassays On Ethnobotanical Plants With Potential Activity Against E. Coli, Staphlococcus Aureus, Candida Albicans, And Hela Cancer Cells, Ryan David Huish, Dr. Rex G. Cates
Bioassays On Ethnobotanical Plants With Potential Activity Against E. Coli, Staphlococcus Aureus, Candida Albicans, And Hela Cancer Cells, Ryan David Huish, Dr. Rex G. Cates
Journal of Undergraduate Research
During a three month period, ethnobotanical interviews were conducted to identify and collect plants traditionally used to treat skin and mouth infections. Plant parts (i.e. inner bark, young or mature leaves, fruit, etc.) specific to the native informants’ knowledge were collected and preserved in 100% ethanol to maintain the chemical integrity in the field. Methanol and hexane extracts from these plants were tested against microbes in established laboratory bioassays. The total number of plants showing significant activity in these tests was lower than expected. Each plant’s actual potential to inhibit microorganisms may not accurately be represented by this research due …
A Comparison Of The Phylogeny And Drumming Characteristics In Isogenoides, Christian James Hoybjerg, Dr. Michael F. Whiting
A Comparison Of The Phylogeny And Drumming Characteristics In Isogenoides, Christian James Hoybjerg, Dr. Michael F. Whiting
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Isogenoides is a genus of Plecoptera (stoneflies) from the family Perlodidae. The genus is composed of seven separate species and is endemic to North America. Each species has a limited distribution and a distinct system of courtship behavior. The male taps his abdomen on the substrate with a specific “drumming” pattern until he attracts a mate. The female will respond with her own drumming pattern and, in most species, the male confirms the acceptability of the female with a final, distinct answer. This behavior has been hypothesized as both a barrier to cross-species mating and as a mechanism of speciation. …