Biology Commons^™

Junctional Actin As A Mechanical Hub For Supracellular Actomyosin Force Transmission During Apical Constriction, Jasneet Brar

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Apical constriction is a conserved morphogenetic mechanism that drives epithelial folding during development. During ventral furrow formation in Drosophila melanogaster, contractile actomyosin networks generate forces that reduce apical cell area resulting in tissue invagination. For these cell-scale forces to produce coordinated tissue-scale changes, contractile networks must be mechanically integrated across neighboring cells. Although adherens junctions are known to mediate this coupling, it is unclear how junctions are integrated into cortical actin cytoskeleton, which directly determines cell, and consequently tissue, shape. This thesis tests the hypothesis that supracellular actomyosin organization during apical constriction depends on distinct adherens junction based mechanical couplings: …

The Competition Between Splicing And 3′ Processing Shapes The Human Transcriptome, Lindsey V. Soles, Shuangyu Li, Liang Liu, Kristianna S.K. Sarkan, Erik G. Alvstad, Lusong Tian, Yoseop Yoon, Marielle Valdez, Ivan Marazzi, Yongsheng Shi

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Eukaryotic pre-mRNA processing steps, including splicing and 3′ processing, are tightly coordinated, yet the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. U1 snRNP has been proposed to inhibit 3′ processing at intronic polyadenylation (IPA) sites through a splicing-independent mechanism termed telescripting. In contrast, we discovered that disrupting splicing by using six different methods—targeting various key components such as U1 snRNP, U2 snRNP, U2AF, and SF3b—activates 3′ processing at thousands of IPA sites. Notably, splicing inhibition, especially of U1 snRNP, induced widespread premature transcription termination within gene bodies through both IPA-coupled and IPA-independent mechanisms. Inhibition of different splicing factors activated overlapping and distinct …

First Recombinant Expression, Purification, And Film Formation Of A Single Solitary Bee Silk Protein From Osmia Lignaria, Oran Wasserman, Kristin K. Durrant, Jackson J. Morley, Paula E. Oliveira, Mallory R. Wootton, Brianne E. Bell, Ethon D. Van Noy, Randolph V. Lewis, Justin A. Jones

Biology Student Research

Solitary bees account for most described bee species worldwide, with many spinning silk fibers to form protective cocoons during development; however, solitary bee silk proteins remain largely unexplored in recombinant systems and biomaterial fabrication. Here, we report the first recombinant expression and biomaterial formation from a solitary bee silk protein. Osmia lignaria silk fibroin 2 (OligF2) was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) using an expression and purification scheme adapted from a recombinant hagfish intermediate filament (rHIF) workflow, yielding 0.34 g/L at ~70% purity. The purified OligF2 protein was cast into films at 0.75% and 1% (w/v). …

Making (Heat)Waves: Intermittent Thermal Stress Effects On Beet Armyworm (Spodoptera Exigua) Growth To Eclosion, Shane Dreher, Swayamjit Ray

Research and Creative Works Expo

In this study, we demonstrated how application of heat stress, followed by rapid cooling, affected the rate at which beet armyworm caterpillars gained weight, entered pupation and exited their pupae as moths via eclosion.

Digging Deep Into Curation: A Guide To Creating A Local Fossil Museum, Syd Joheim, René Shroat-Lewis

Research and Creative Works Expo

In Arkansas, the dissemination of educational content related to evolution and natural history is often constrained by prevailing cultural dynamics. This has resulted in a significant gap in the exposure of primary and secondary school students to foundational concepts in natural history and physical sciences. Even the state’s most popular science and history museums often intentionally exclude exhibits that risk upsetting a large portion of their visitors, further exacerbating the issue. As a consequence, many children do not receive proper education on natural history and physical sciences.  To address this educational deficiency, researchers identified and cataloged specimens from a collection …

Influence Of Pollinator Island Patch Size On Forb Establishment And Pollinator Networks In Palouse Prairie Restoration, Yaelle Esther Reeve

2026 Symposium

The Palouse Prairie Ecoregion is one of North America’s most endangered grassland ecosystems, with less than 1% retaining native vegetation. Restoration efforts have struggled to re-establish ecologically important native forbs and the plant–pollinator interactions necessary for long-term community stability. Spatial configuration of floral resources is known to influence pollinator foraging behavior and interaction network structure, yet few studies have evaluated how planting scale affects both plant establishment and pollinator community assembly in early-stage prairie restoration. My research aims to evaluate how variations in the size (0.1, 1, and 10 m²) of grouped wildflower plantings (pollinator islands) affect native forb establishment, …

A Herpetological Survey Of The Catawba Nation, York County, South Carolina, Courtney Skeldon, Marvin Bouknight, Steven E. Fields

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Survey Of Student Perceptions And Use Of Artificial Intelligence When Reading Primary Literature In The Biological Sciences, Erin L. Zimmer, Michael I. Zimmer

Biology Department Faculty Articles

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly used by students in higher education, yet little is known about how they are applied when reading primary scientific literature. This study investigated how undergraduate biology students use AI while engaging with primary research articles and how such use influences confidence, engagement, and perceived learning. Using a mixed-methods design across two institutions, we collected pre-course surveys assessing prior AI experience and attitudes, weekly self-reported AI usage logs during a semester-long primary literature–based course, and post-course surveys evaluating changes in practices and perceptions. Students entered the course with broad familiarity with generative AI but expressed …

Behavioral And Molecular Effects Of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Exposure In Planarians, Emily Pintilie

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

The widespread use of pesticides, such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), raises serious concerns about their effects on non-target aquatic organisms. In vertebrates, 2,4-D has been associated with neurotoxic outcomes. Planarians offer a valuable system for toxicological studies because of their well-characterized nervous system, regenerative capacity, and measurable behavioral responses. This study investigated the neurotoxic effects of 2,4-D exposure in the planarian species Girardia dorotocephala, including the assessment of nociceptive behaviors, survival rate, phototactic responses, and DNA methylation. Worms were exposed to various concentrations of 2,4-D (0–100 mg/L) at multiple time points. Nociceptive responses, such as scrunching, C-shapes, and seizures, …

The Detection Of Forever Chemicals From Paper Cups Using Colorimetry, Sara Miller

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals added to food packaging products to increase water-resistance and durability. PFAS are a growing concern due to their migration into beverages and foods and have been linked to cancer, immunotoxicity, and thyroid disturbances. The purpose of this study was to quantify PFAS migration from paper cups into water and evaluate toxic effects using planarians. PFAS detection was performed using a colorimetric assay, which forms a colored complex with PFAS, on: perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), heptadeca fluorooctane sulfonic acid potassium salt (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFNA and PFOS showed absorbance at 640 nm, while …

Apoe Ε2 Potential Protection Against Long-Term Consequences Of Traumatic Brain Injury, Rebecca Faith Mesidort

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can alter the quality of life, often resulting in cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, or death. There have been no biological advances to resolve the long-term consequences of TBI. The APOE ε2 gene is well known as a neuroprotectant against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. However, the biological mechanisms of how APOE ε2 protects against neurodegeneration are unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate APOE ε2’s response to an environmental stimulus that leads to neurodegeneration, TBI, and further investigate APOE ε2’s biological mechanisms. After inflicting blunt force trauma to our model organism, …

The Effects Of Water Quality On The Physiological Responses Of Daphnia Magna, Sara Al Shekha, Alexis Avila-Hernandez

COD Library Student Research and Award Symposium

After conducting research on the effects of water quality on the physiological response of Daphnia magna, a common freshwater invertebrate, the biological stress response significantly differed in heart rates among groups, which differed from the original hypothesis after exposing the invertebrates to various samples of local pond water.

Faculty Sponsor:  Professor Lynda Randa

Virtualizing Practical Science Education: A Sociological Analysis Of Undergraduate Teaching And Learning, Sina J. Fakoyede, Femi E. Babalola, Oluwatoyin T. Obateru, Oluwayemisi D. Akomolafe, Deborah O. Alabi, Stella K. Ekundayo

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: The study aims to investigate the perspectives of university teachers and students on integrating practical science teaching with virtual learning in a multicultural and diverse society, specifically within the context of southwestern Nigeria.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving data collection from 100 university lecturers and 400 undergraduate students across 10 universities. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with lecturers and focus group discussions with students. Quantitative data were obtained via structured questionnaires, allowing for triangulation and comprehensive analysis.

Results: Findings revealed that certain lecturers showed preferential support influenced by students’ cultural backgrounds or academic behavior during …

Cell Cycle Inhibition: Illudin S And Its Effects On Cdk2 In Ewing Sarcoma, Stephanie Diez, Natalie Flores, Alexandria Hernandez, Viviana Palacios, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Ewing Sarcomas are aggressive round cell mesenchymal neoplasmas that have a high occurrence in children and young adults. CDK2 is a protein that is involved in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, which promotes the transition to the S phase. CDK2 kinase activation is mainly observed in the G1/S-phase transition.3 CDK2 binds to Cyclin proteins is responsible for entry and progression, thereby leading to maximal apoptosis activity in the S-phase. Illudin S is a drug that has been known to target cancer-specific cells, such as leukemia. Illudin S, in general are a cytotoxic metabolite that comes from plants, specifically …

Yap1 Knockdown And Panobinostat Treatment Increase Apoptotic Response And Decrease Gene Expression In Ewing Sarcoma Cells, Luna Collazo-Garcia, Alejandra Favela Santos, Madeline Torres-Salazar, Isabella Toscano, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is considered to be one of the most aggressive pediatric malignancies, often characterized by its dysregulated gene expression driven by oncogenic fusion proteins. The Hippo signaling effector Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) has been known in promoting cell proliferation, survival, and therapeutic resistance in multiple cancers. However, its role in Ewing sarcoma response to treatment remains unclear. This study investigated whether YAP1 knockdown enhances the sensitivity of Ewing sarcoma cells to the histone deacetylase inhibitor Panobinostat. Ewing sarcoma, ES8, cells were transfected with a YAP1-targeting siRNA (siYAP1) or a non-targeting control (siControl) and treated with DMSO, 0.1 μM, …

Everolimus Treatment Combined With Akt1 Knockdown Increased Apoptosis And Decreased Cell Proliferation In Ewing Sarcoma Cells, Arisha Arif, Alfie Barcenez, Sophia Ruter, Nicole Vanegas-Riddick, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

The purpose of this study is to use the gene AKT1, due to the interest in AKT1’s role in cancer cell proliferation, and the drug Everolimus, to determine if combined targeted therapy works as a more efficient therapeutic approach. Ewing Sarcoma has been connected to chromosomal translocations and is most common in pediatric patients. It is most often treated with chemotherapy and local treatments. It may be connected to the gene AKT1 due to how it regulates cell metabolism, growth, and proliferation. The gene mTOR is similarly connected to cell metabolism and proliferation, and is inhibited by the drug Everolimus. …

Sirna Knockdown Of Rptor Reduces Rptor Expression, Increases Brd4 Expression, And Alters Proliferation And Apoptosis In Ewing's Sarcoma Cells, Sergio Cipriano, David Leavitt, Michael Olivia, Liam Valdez, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Ewing sarcoma is a highly aggressive cancer that primarily affects children and young adults. Although treatment options exist, many patients do not respond effectively, showing the need for improved targeted therapies. RPTOR is a key in mTORC1 complex which regulates cell growth, proliferation, and survival. LY2874455 is a selective pan-FGFR inhibitor that targets growth factor signaling pathways involved in tumor progression, and FGFR signaling interacts with pathways such as mTOR, making it a potential target for combination therapies. We hypothesized that silencing RPTOR in Ewing sarcoma cells would disrupt mTOR signaling and alter expression of genes linked to cell survival …

Everolimus And Sirna-Mediated Mtor Inhibition Reduces Proliferation And Promotes Apoptosis In Ewing Sarcoma Cells, Dylan Calvert, Malorie Martinez, Alexa Miner, Ellis Quiroga, Terry Jo Shackleford

Cell and Molecular Methods

Ewing Sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive pediatric bone cancer characterized by rapid cell proliferation and poor prognosis, making the identification of therapeutic targets critical. One of  the mechanistic targets is rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, which is critical for regulating cell growth, proliferation, and survival. Abnormal activation of the mTOR signaling pathway has been linked to the progression of ES, as it drives uncontrolled cell growth and apoptosis resistance. Because mTOR represents a promising therapeutic target for ES treatment, we hypothesized that inhibiting mTOR activity through an siRNA-mediated knockdown or through Everolimus drug treatment, would reduce cell proliferation and promote ES …

The Influence Of Prosthetic Obturators On Quality Of Life In Individuals With Maxillectomy Defects, Minseok Kim

Oral Health

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, there has been a growing focus on understanding the impact of oral cancer on patients' quality of life. Prosthetic rehabilitation techniques, such as maxillary obturators, often in conjunction with reconstructive surgery, have emerged as interventions to address the challenges posed by post-maxillectomy abnormalities.

Objective: This study aims to systematically review and evaluate the effectiveness of maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation using obturators in enhancing the quality of life of patients following maxillectomy.

Methodology: Systematic review of identified literature spanning the timeframe from 2000 to 2020 was used. The comprehensive search encompassed widely recognized databases including PubMed, …

Identifying And Coping With Failure In Human Anatomy & Physiology I And Ii Students, Annie R. Mueller

Honors Theses

Human Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) is a two-semester course that focuses on the structure and function of the human body systems. For many students, A&P could be their first challenging undergraduate course and their first experience with academic difficulty. Students must learn to adapt their study habits and respond productively to academic failure. The purpose of this study was to examine how students in the A&P courses at the University of Mississippi perceive and cope with academic failure, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention method. Students enrolled in BISC 206 and BISC 207 participated in three …

Bio 340 Final Project: Effects Of Zoning On Fish Density Along The Great Barrier Reef, Mary Lamoriello

Biology Student Scholarship

Mary Lamoriello - Environmental Biology '27

Over the years, there have been many marine parks and restricted fishing zones established along the Great Barrier Reef to maintain biodiversity and coral health. The goal of these zones is to create an ”undisturbed” area, where species can flourish. Many different species reside in this reef and play important ecological roles. Parrotfish help maintain coral health by grazing on algae, and the presence of carnivores often indicate a diverse and healthy ecosystem. This project aims to examine the differences in species distribution between zones along the Magnetic Island, by looking at carnivorous and …

Bio 340 Final Project: Rural Population Structure And Food Production Interact To Shape Global Undernourishment, Ava Ripanti

Biology Student Scholarship

Ava Ripanti - Environmental Biology '27

Undernourishment remains a major global public health challenge, reflecting the proportion of a population lacking sufficient dietary energy intake. While food availability is central to food security, undernourishment is also shaped by structural and socioeconomic factors such as population distribution and access to resources. Although rural populations are closely tied to agriculture, they often experience higher food insecurity due to limited infrastructure, market access, and healthcare. Prior research emphasizes that broader determinants, particularly inequality and development, are stronger predictors of undernourishment than agricultural output alone, that food insecurity exists in both rural and urban …

Bio 340 Final Project: Effects Of Light Pollution On Bat Activity, Cael Schneider

Biology Student Scholarship

Cael Schneider - Environmental Biology ‘28

Artificial light at night (light pollution) is an increasing consequence of urbanization and can disrupt nocturnal wildlife. Bats are especially susceptible, as they rely on dark skies for navigation, predator avoidance, and foraging. The effects of artificial light may vary among species due to differences in foraging strategies, habitat use, and light tolerance.  Previous research has documented negative effects of artificial light on bat foraging, roosting, breeding, and hibernation. However, some species, such as red bats, may forage near artificial lights where insects are abundant. Species including the big brown bat, hoary bat, and …

Bio 340 Final Project: A Comparative Analysis Of German And French Energy Policy, Adam Garies

Biology Student Scholarship

Adam Garies - Environmental Biology ‘28

European energy systems have undergone rapid transformation over the past two decades, with countries adopting different strategies to reduce carbon emissions. This divergence is particularly evident between Germany and France. Following the Fukushima disaster in 2011, Germany accelerated its nuclear phase-out, while France has declared its commitment to nuclear energy. Nuclear energy however, is an important step towards reducing carbon emissions. Excluding nuclear energy from energy plans will lead to a rise in reliance on potent fossil fuels like coal and natural gas, resulting in greater carbon emissions, even with an emphasis on expanding …

Life Histories Of Two Sgcn Procambarus Species In East Texas, Mckenzie A. Adkins

Biology Theses

Within freshwater systems, crayfish play notable roles by shaping habitats and linking food web levels. Yet even with such influence, knowledge about numerous species is incomplete, which hinders protection strategies. Found only in the Neches River basin in eastern Texas, Procambarus nechesae and Procambarus nigrocinctus have different conservation statuses, mainly because data on their life history remains sparse. These two species are not closely related and are analyzed independently in this study. Research into traits tied to survival and environmental preferences was carried out so that informed decisions on conservation efforts can be made for these species. The goal of …

Bio 340 Final Project: Artificial Reef Effects On Fishing Productivity, Griffin Gouck

Biology Student Scholarship

Griffin Gouck - Environmental Biology '26

A slew of artificial reefs can be seen dotting the Gulf of America. Some result from catastrophic shipwrecks and others from construction dumping; however, all provide an opportunity for the development of marine ecosystems. The question of how artificial reefs effect local fish populations is an expansive concept extremely hard to simplify down to a basic relationship. The development of reefs is a delicate process taking place over many years of growth. Previous studies utilized a combination of resources like theoretical models, field data and comparisons to natural reefs to study how these artificial …

Impacts Of Salinity On Microbial Enzyme Activity In Coastal Waters, Natali Ariyoshi

Honors Theses

Microbial extracellular enzymes are critical for the breakdown of organic matter and nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems. Extracellular enzyme activity serves as an indicator of nutrient turnover rates, metabolic states, and nutrient limitations within an ecosystem. Coastal ecosystems are especially dynamic as the influx of freshwater from inland runoff or seawater intrusion from storm surges can lead to fluctuations in salinity which can restructure microbial communities and alter enzymatic activity. Despite the ecological significance of these changes, few studies have explored the effects of short-term salinity shifts on microbial extracellular enzyme activity in coastal waters. This study investigated the effects …

Proximity Data And Social Networks: A Validation Study Of Two Models Of Mobile Dataloggers In The Semi-Fossorial And Social Rodent, Octodon Degus, L. D. Hayes, A. A. Maldonado-Chaparro, Jessica Morales Valenzuela, L. Platt, L. A. Ebensperger

Biology Faculty Works

The use of mobile dataloggers to gather proximity data has generated novel insights into the social network structure of animals. The performance of mobile dataloggers may be impacted by different environmental and social conditions. Thus, validation studies that account for species-specific habitat use and behavior are essential. We conducted a series of validation studies of two brands of mobile dataloggers (Gipsy6, Technosmart, Italy; ProxLog, IoSA, Belgium) on the semi-fossorial rodent, Octodon degus. First, we determined the sensitivity of both types of dataloggers to track position and closeness in different habitats (Experiments 1 and 2). To determine if the structure …

Ecological Drift And Host Filtering Jointly Structure Foliar Endophytes During Ecosystem Development., Caio César Pires De Paula, Petr Macek, Milan Varsadiya, Jakub Borovec, Mehmet A. Balkan, Brett S. Younginger, Daniel J. Ballhorn, Tomáš Picek, Tomáš Hájek, Jan Frouz, Jiří Bárta, Dagmara Sirová

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Foliar endophytes contribute to plant nutrient acquisition, stress tolerance, and pathogen resistance, yet their responses to ecosystem-level processes remain poorly understood. Using a space-for-time substitution design, we investigated bacterial and fungal community dynamics in the foliar endosphere of four phylogenetically distinct plant hosts across a well-characterized successional chronosequence.

Studying More, Not Less: Rethinking Test Anxiety In Undergraduate Biology Courses, Kailey E. Reeves

Honors Theses

This study investigates the relationships among test anxiety, study behaviors, and metacognitive evaluation in undergraduate biology courses. While prior research has established that study strategies and metacognition influence academic performance, less is known about how these factors interact with test anxiety in undergraduate Biology courses. Guided by the student approaches to learning (SAL) and metacognition frameworks, this study examines whether test anxiety is associated with the type and number of study strategies students use, as well as their ability to evaluate their own learning and preparedness. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, data was collected from 205 students enrolled in …