Biology Commons^™

Chasing A Little-Known Fairy Bee (Perdita Meconis) In A Dynamic Desert Landscape, Sarit Chanprame, Colleen Meidt, Terry Griswold, Joseph S. Wilson, Kelsey K. Graham

Biology Student Research

The Mojave poppy bee, Perdita meconis Griswold, is a small fairy bee endemic to the eastern Mojave Desert, known to be associated with the Las Vegas Bearpoppy, Arctomecon californica. Because of the reported decline in populations of P. meconis, it has been targeted for protection under the Endangered Species Act. Here, we present the results of a 3-year study investigating the current distribution and floral preferences of P. meconis in Clark County, Nevada. We found that populations of P. meconis fluctuated dramatically from 2020 to 2022. This area experienced extreme drought conditions during these years, which consequentially affected …

Exploring The Role Of Tissue-Resident T Cells In Neurotropic Viral Infections And Opioid-Induced Immune Disorders During Exposure And Withdrawal, Shenjian Ai

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Tissue-resident T cells play a crucial role in the immune response to neurotropic viral infections and opioid-induced immune disorders. Understanding the roles of tissue-resident T cells in these contexts is essential for developing therapeutic strategies to mitigate their detrimental effects while enhancing their protective functions. The chemokine receptor CXCR6 and its ligand CXCL16 are critical in maintaining the population of tissue-resident T cells in the CNS. CXCR6 is expressed on CD8 T cells that persist in the CNS after recovery from West Nile virus infection. Research has shown that CXCL16, produced by microglia and other myeloid cells, binds to CXCR6 …

Best Practices For The Naming Of Species, Luis A. Ruedas, Ryan W. Norris, Robert M. Timm

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

The process of describing a species has evolved considerably since the modern age of taxonomy was initiated with the publication of the 10th edition of Linnaeus’ Systema Naturæ in 1758. Nevertheless, the basic unit of the taxonomic framework remains the species group (species and subspecies). As a result, it is incumbent upon individuals undertaking species-group descriptions to strive for the highest standards, just as it is for reviewers and editors to hold authors to those same standards. The clear and mounting biodiversity crisis, the increasing proliferation of journals, the multiplication of journals publishing only in electronic format, the decline in …

Black Grouper Neurocranium, Grace K. Triplett, Katelyn A. Mckimmy, Lacey Adamik, David Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of Heavy Metal Concentration In Orange-Spotted Trevally (Flavocaranx Bajad) From Two Coastal Locations In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Kholood Khaled Aljaberi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This study investigates concentration of heavy metals in the Orange-spotted Trevally (Flavocaranx bajad) from two distinct coastal location in Abu Dhabi Emirate, Sila and Abu Dhabi. Heavy metal pollution poses a significant risk to both marine ecosystems and human health, thus it is vital to conduct comprehensive assessments to heavy metal contaminations in aquatic life. The main aim of this study is to quantify the levels of heavy metals and assess the extent of metal pollution in samples from both sites. The samples were prepared and analyzed using microwave digestion system and ICP Optical Emission Spectrometer to determine metal concentrations. …

The Great Lakes Winter Grab: Limnological Data From A Multi-Institutional Winter Sampling Campaign On The Laurentian Great Lakes, Ge Pu, Krill Shchapov, Nolan J.T. Pearce, Kelly Bowen, Andrew Bramburger, Andrew Camilleri, Maci Quintanilla, Trista Vick-Majors, Et Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

Interest in winter limnology is growing rapidly, but progress is hindered by a shortage of standardized multivariate datasets on winter conditions. Addressing the winter data gap will enhance our understanding of winter ecosystem function and of lake response to environmental change. Here, we describe a dataset generated by a multi-institutional winter sampling campaign across all five Laurentian Great Lakes and some of their connecting waters (the Great Lakes Winter Grab). The objective of Winter Grab was to characterize mid-winter limnological conditions in the Great Lakes using standard sample collection and analysis methods. Nineteen research groups sampled 49 locations varying widely …

Scholar Perspectives On The Impact Of A Scientific Community Program For Neurodivergent Undergraduate Stem Scholars, Dylan Sullivan, Fernando Zavala, Derek Hidalgo, Jacob Stolle, Rebecca Matte, Christin B. Monroe

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Despite the adaptive strengths and unique problem-solving skills demonstrated by neurodivergent (ND) individuals, they remain underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. High unemployment rates among individuals with disabilities emphasize the need for addressing barriers to entry and persistence in the workforce. This study introduces a program designed to enhance opportunities for neurodivergent STEM scholars with financial needs, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The program involves: 1) a weekly cohort course to engage in professional development, 2) use of the Birkman Method® survey to help scholars identify and communicate strengths, fostering self-awareness and growth, and 3) …

Todaro Channeled Apple Snail (Pomacea Canaliculata), Jasmyn Todaro, Amy C. Hirons

Hirons Field Techniques

Channeled Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata) shell.

The Effects Of Sunlight On The Decomposition Rate Of Opuntia Humifusa, Paul George, Elena Amonette, Celine W. Seder, Katherine Massaro

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Plant decomposition plays a critical role in community and ecosystem ecology by recycling minerals and returning nutrients to the soil. The rate of plant decomposition can be impacted by a multitude of factors including chemical composition of the plant, presence of decomposing microorganisms, temperature, and more. This study sought to quantify the effects of sunlight on plant decomposition. In this project, Opuntia humifusa (prickly pear) were placed outside on the Belmont greenroof to decompose in sunny and shaded environments. The plants were collected over a period of 12 weeks, and data on the masses of the decomposing plants was used …

Simulating Interventions To Improve Reproducibility In Scientific Publications, Ben G. Fitzpatrick

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Bodine: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach To Studying Localized Coexistence Across Environmental Heterogeneity, Alexandra Campbell

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Efficient Deep Learning Architectures For Lactobacillus Species Identification, Dea Aisyah Rusmawati, Ishak Ariawan, Afrinal Firmanda

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Identifying microorganism species, such as Lactobacillus, is essential in ensuring the food products' quality and safety. Traditional laboratory practice requires expert knowledge and experience, but the method is expensive and time-consuming due to complex sample preparation. Faster, more accurate, and cheaper computational methods, such as transfer learning technology, are needed for the Lactobacillus species classification. The technique has been effective in a variety of image recognition contexts. Deep learning architecture can also be applied as an innovative strategy for digital image-based identification. Therefore, this research aims to compare several deep-learning architectures in classifying bacterial strains of Lactobacillus. The four architectures …

Role Of B Cell Mediated Immune Responses During Skin ‘Atopic Dermatitis’ Disease, Hidaya Mohammed Abdul Kader

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most prevalent non-infectious skin allergies with approximately 10-30% adults and 40% children being affected worldwide. It is clinically characterized by eczema tic lesions and elevated IgE levels and is a multifactorial disease that is heterogeneous in nature. AD results in a dominant Th2 polarized immune response. Until date, there is no cure for this disease. B cells are key players of humoral immune responses and contribute significantly to allergic responses through IgE secretion. However, recently a subset of B cells termed regulatory B cells (Bregs) were discovered that were shown to have a protective role …

Anticancer Activity Of Capparis Spinosa Extract Against Colorectal Cancer, Shamaa Abdul Samad

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the world. Plants are becoming a rich source of new anticancer compounds with novel targets. In this study, we evaluated the anticancer effects of Capparis spinosa on two CRC cell lines. HCT-116 and HT-29 CRC cells treated with various concentrations of C. spinosa leaf extract (CSLE) demonstrated inhibition of proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Additional analyses such as Western blot analysis, colony forming assay, and wound healing assay were performed to elucidate the mechanisms and pathways involved. The results revealed that non-cytotoxic concentrations of CSLE significantly inhibited the …

Assessing The Impact Of Irrigation Water And Soil Salinity On Date Palm And Desert Soil Associated Microbiota, Subha Chandran

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Soil salinization poses a critical challenge in arid and semi-arid regions, where water scarcity is exacerbated by climate change and unsustainable agricultural practices. This phenomenon not only reduces soil fertility but also significantly impacts groundwater quality, leading to detrimental effects on crop yields and ecosystem health. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) cultivation, a key agricultural practice in many arid regions, often relies on saline groundwater for irrigation due to limited freshwater resources and low precipitation rates. The use of saline water can create an intricate balance between providing necessary nutrients and introducing harmful salts into the soil. While the role of …

Red Snapper Neurocranium, Roman Devlin, Michael A. Birnbaum, David Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Diverse Genome Structures Among Eukaryotes May Have Arisen In Response To Genetic Conflict, Elinor G. Sterner, Auden Cote-L’Heureux, Xyrus X. Maurer-Alcalá, Laura A. Katz

Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

In contrast to the typified view of genome cycling only between haploidy and diploidy, there is evidence from across the tree of life of genome dynamics that alter both copy number (i.e. ploidy) and chromosome complements. Here, we highlight examples of such processes, including endoreplication, aneuploidy, inheritance of extrachromosomal DNA, and chromatin extrusion. Synthesizing data on eukaryotic genome dynamics in diverse extant lineages suggests the possibility that such processes were present before the last eukaryotic common ancestor. While present in some prokaryotes, these features appear exaggerated in eukaryotes where they are regulated by eukaryote-specific innovations including the nucleus, complex cytoskeleton, …

Boosting The Power Performance Of Microbial Fuel Cells By Using Dual Nanomaterial-Modified Carbon Felt Electrodes, Krishna Thapa, Wenyan Liu, Yuwei Zhang, David J. Westenberg, Yishu Zhou, Risheng Wang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Innovative design enhancements to microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are pivotal for improving their viability as renewable energy sources. This study introduces a dual approach to electrode modification, integrating polyaniline (PANI) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on carbon felt (CF) anodes coupled with a unique cathode composed of DNA origami and chitosan. The synergistic effect of PANI and AuNPs significantly increases the hydrophilicity and conductivity of the anode, leading to a considerable surge in power density. Concurrently, the biocompatible DNA origami and chitosan-functionalized cathode facilitates efficient electron transfer without relying on conventional catalysts. Together, these modifications yield a 52.42% increase in the …

Avian Index Of Biotic Integrity: Evaluating Wetland Health In The Red River Basin, Texas/Louisiana, Elexis M. Anderson

Biology Theses

Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining environmental health by filtering pollutants, controlling floods, and providing habitat for diverse species. These ecosystems are essential for sustaining biodiversity and regulating hydrological and biogeochemical cycles. The Red River Basin (The Red River of the South), spanning Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, is home to various types of wetlands, which provide essential habitats to an array of wildlife. However, anthropogenic pressures such as agriculture and urbanization have led to the degradation and loss of these valuable ecosystems. To counter this loss, federal programs such as the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Wetland Reserve Easement …

Clock Hijackers: How Integration Of Glioblastoma Into Circadian Circuits Regulates Tumor Progression And Sensitivity To Current Therapies, Maria Felicita Gonzalez

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults with a poor prognosis despite aggressive therapy. A recent, retrospective clinical study found that administering chemotherapy with Temozolomide (TMZ) in the morning increased patient overall survival by 6 months compared to evening. Previous work has shown that murine and human models of GBM have cell-intrinsic circadian rhythms in expression of the core clock genes Bmal1 and Per2 in vitro. This suggests that GBM has circadian rhythms that entrain to the hosts’ central clock. Understanding the mechanisms underlying circadian entrainment and tumor growth in GBM is essential to determine whether …

Classification Manner Utilizing Electroencephalography Signals To Investigate Waveforms, Wessam Al-Salman, Ali Basim Al-Khafaji, Mishall Al-Zubaidie

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Waveform detection has been an area of continuous investigation for many years. One important waveform in sleep stage 2 is the k-complex. Numerous researchers have created various strategies for auto-k-complex detection; some of these strategies state that the automated detection techniques are adequate. Because of its analytically relevant resolution, the Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a commonly utilized technique to analyze the k-complexes in order to understand the nervous system activity of the brain. Several researchers have classified waveforms using EEGs in a variety of ways. It appears that the majority of the waveform detection had limitations. The …

Bacterial Cellulose Production From Fermented Fruits And Vegetables Byproducts: A Comprehensive Study On Chemical And Morphological Properties, Yati Maryati, Hakiki Melanie, Windri Handayani, Yasman Yasman

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

This study aimed to produce α-cellulose from Bacterial Cellulose SCOBY (BCS) using alternative substrates from fermented fruit and vegetable byproducts: katuk leaves (KT), kale leaves (KL), guava (JB), dragon fruit (NG), and banana (PS). BCS production involved juice extraction, SCOBY inoculation, and sucrose addition, followed by 21 days of fermentation. Initially, the NG medium had the highest concentration of Total Reducing Sugars (TRS), but all media showed a decline as sugars were consumed. Fermentation reduced pH and increased total polyphenols, with KL and JB showing the highest rise (0.13-0.15 mg GAE/mL). Flavonoid levels varied, decreasing in KL and PS but …

Metabolite Profiling Of Potential Fraction From Ethyl Acetate Extract Of Ziziphus Mauritiana Leaves By Lc-Ms/Ms Analysis, Nurhayati Bialangi, Weny Ja Musa, Boima Situmeang

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In Indonesia, the treatment with leaves as a traditional medicine is still firmly integrated into the community to overcome various health problems experienced, one of which is the treatment with Bidara leaves (Ziziphus mauritiana). Ziziphus mauritiana belongs to family of Rhamnaceae, and it is generally considered a potential source of antioxidant and cholesterol lowering. This study aimed to examine phytochemical characterization, antioxidant potential, and cholesterol-lowering effects of ethyl acetate fraction derived from Ziziphus mauritiana. Extraction was accomplished using ethyl acetate, and the resultant extract was fractionated through chromatography with a blend of n-hexane and ethyl acetate as …

Butterfly Peacock Bass (Cichla Ocellaris) Neurocranium, Jasmyn Todaro, Emma Horton, David Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Tradeoffs In Longleaf Pine Conservation: Prescribed Fire Management Increases Exotic Ambrosia Beetle Abundance In Pine-Hardwood Forests, Davide Nardi, Hannah Bares, Natalie A. Clay, Robin M. Verble, Davide Rassati, Lorenzo Marini, John Thomason, John J. Riggins

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Exotic woodboring insects, including some ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae, and Platypodidae), are threatening native forests worldwide. Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) forest is an endangered habitat in the southeastern United States. One of the most important actions necessary for its conservation is prescribed fire, which maintains its savanna structure. However, prescribed fire is a forest disturbance, possibly creating new niches for colonization by exotic insects. The interaction between prescribed fire and exotic ambrosia species is understudied, especially in highly fire-dependent ecosystems. We carried out a two-year experiment in mixed longleaf pine forests in Alabama, USA. We compared ambrosia beetle …

Australians Support Multi-Pronged Action To Build Ecosystem Resilience In The Great Barrier Reef, Stewart Lockie, Henry Bartelet, Brent Ritchie, Csilla Demeter, Bruce Taylor, Lintje Sie

Quantitative Methods and Information Technology Faculty Publications

The scale and pace of global environmental change calls for a dramatic upscaling of ecosystem restoration and for actions that build the resilience of ecosystems to future environmental change. This research aimed to quantify public perceptions of threats to the health of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia, and their support for strategies to address those threats including large-scale restoration and resilience-building actions. We examine how these perceptions change over time and across social cohorts including people living closer to the Reef (n = 2621) and the general Australian population (n = 5825). Respondents were concerned about both …

Srebp Versus Nrf1 Behavior Based On Cholesterol Sensing In Niemann-Pick Type C Using A Cos-7 Model, Christine Tran, Jacob Mcintyre, Felicity Sterling Phd

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare genetic disorder where cholesterol and lipid transport are blocked leading to accumulation in the lysosomes (National Organization of Rare Diseases (NORD), 2024; Boston Children’s Hospital). This accumulation can lead to neurological issues, such as developmental delay, ataxia, seizures, and early onset of dementia (Patterson, 2000). To study this disease more in depth, scientists have identified a drug called U18666A that induces NPC in the cells it is administered to (Lu, et al., 2015) which allows for the study of other structures and biomolecules in the sterol sensing and transport pathways.

Cholesterol has …

Structural Molecular And Developmental Evidence For Cell-Type Diversity In Cnidarian Mechanosensory Neurons, Julia Baranyk, Kristen Malir, Miguel A.P. Silva, Sakura Rieck, Gracie Scheve, Nagayasu Nakanishi

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Deploying a conserved mechanosensory neuron known as the concentric hair cell, cnidarians have evolved diverse mechanoreceptors from hydroid filiform tentacles to jellyfish statocysts. However, it is unknown whether cnidarian mechanoreceptor evolution has relied solely on repurposing a single ancestral mechanosensory neuron type. Here we report evidence for cell-type diversity of mechanosensory neurons in sea-anemone cnidarian Nematostella vectensis. Uncovered in the ectoderm of feeding tentacles are conventional type I hair cells and previously unrecognized type II hair cells differing in the structure of apical sensory apparatus and synapses. Moreover, we identify TRP channel-encoding gene polycystin-1 as a type-II-hair-cell-specific essential mediator of …

Oceanic Breakthroughs: Marine-Derived Innovations In Vaccination, Therapy, And Immune Health, Chiara Gamberi, Chad L. Leverette, Alexis C. Davis, Moayad Ismail, Ilaria Piccialli, Nicola Borbone, Giorgia Oliviero, Caterina Vicidomini, Rosanna Palumbo, Giovanni N. Roviello

Biology

The vast, untapped potential of the world’s oceans is revealing groundbreaking advancements in human health and vaccination. Microalgae such as Nannochloropsis spp. and Dunaliella salina are emerging as resources for recombinant vaccine development with specific and heterologous genetic tools used to boost production of functional recombinant antigens in Dunaliella salina and Nannochloropsis spp. to induce immunoprotection. In humans, several antigens produced in microalgae have shown potential in combating diseases caused by the human papillomavirus, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, influenza virus, Zika virus, Zaire Ebola virus, Plasmodium falciparum, and Staphylococcus aureus. For animals, microalgae-derived vaccine prototypes have been developed …

What Drives Gut Microbial Diversity And Community Structure Among Closely-Related Host Species?, Rylee Jensen

All NMU Master's Theses

The gut microbiome (GMB) of mammals hosts an important community of microbes that perform countless micro-ecosystem services for the host and are influenced by numerous factors including host physiology, environment, and phylogeny. Phylogeny may have a unique effect on GMB diversity and community structure (i.e., a GMB profile) via phylosymbiosis, a theory in which the evolution of hosts matches the evolution of their associated microbiota. Elucidating phylosymbiosis in mammals is difficult because multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors collectively drive individual GMB variation. Thus, there is a need to simultaneously analyze the role of physiology, environment, and phylogeny on shaping host …