Research Methods in Life Sciences Commons^™

Targeting Neuropeptides To Bone Fractures For Accelerated Healing, Nicholas A. Young, Jeffery J. Nielsen, Philip S. Low

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

In patients over the age of 65 especially, bone fractures represent a significant disease burden. Non-invasive drug therapies are not available for bone fractures which represents a problem for this population. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP), two neuromodulator peptides in the glucagon superfamily, have demonstrated positive regulation of osteoblast proliferation and activity. Using acidic oligopeptides, we have developed ligands that target to and accumulate at fracture sites. These targeting ligands can be synthesized in sequence with bone anabolic peptides to minimize off target effects and increase potency at the fracture site to create safer and …

Developing New Apparatus For In-Situ Vermicomposting And Varying Diet Parameters To Understand Optimal Conditions For Soil Fertilization., Nataliya Ryzhenko

Lesley University Community of Scholars Day

Vermicomposting is the process of decomposing vegetable and other food waste using earthworms.

We investigate apparatus for in-situ vermicomposting and vary diet parameters to understand optimal conditions for soil fertilization.

As a pilot project, we created a small in-situ vermicomposting apparatus which can be used in a home or at a small farm. In this setting, we need to ensure that the setup does not produce repulsive odor, since it is meant to be kept indoors. Also, the setup should be easily maintained: the food waste easily added, and the bedding kept moist.

Based on results seen, in-situ vermicomposting farm …