Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Human Health Through Long-Distance Space Travel, Alex Robertson

Osmosis Magazine

Throughout the second half of the 20th century, the USA and Soviet Union spearheaded humanity’s push into space, driven partly by curiosity and mostly by political ego. The Space Race saw humanity’s first space-bound launches take place, sending out satellites equipped with payloads containing everything from scientific instruments to monkeys and dogs.

Letter To The Editor, Andrew Watts

Osmosis Magazine

Dear Reader,

Thank you for opening Osmosis Magazine. We are excited to bring you more accessible, intriguing stories in science and technology spanning the disciplines of chemistry, environmental science, psychology, and mathematics. In addition to this edition’s science articles, we are excited to introduce faculty interviews, which chronicle select faculty members’ journeys into science and some of their passions outside of it. Our goal as a magazine is to share the joy of science with the UR community in an accessible and entertaining fashion. We hope that you enjoy reading this Fall edition of Osmosis Magazine.

Happy reading, Andrew Watts …

Osmosis Magazine - Spring 2024

Osmosis Magazine

Osmosis is a student read, led, and written publication from the University of Richmond, focusing on all aspects of healthcare and science.

“Faculty Interview: Dr. Leo”, Paxton Mills

Osmosis Magazine

Originally from Yorktown, Virginia, Dr. Michael Leopold, Floyd D. and Elisabeth S. Gottwald Professor of Chemistry, came to the University of Richmond with a mission: to show the world that undergraduates are capable of doing R1 research. He was drawn to the University for its vision of “combining scholarship with excellent teaching” and the Chemistry Department’s mentorship of undergraduates in non-traditional classrooms (i.e., research laboratories).

Pixels Of Our Universe, Kritim K. Rijal

Osmosis Magazine

The notion of humans living in a simulation gets tossed

around quite often in general conversations. From sci-fi movies to advanced video games, we experience the gist of a simulated world in various forms. From there questioning the “reality” of our own worldly experience is but a mere step away. The perpetual advancement in the field of AI, which has continued to predict, imitate, and almost create experiences that seem previously intrinsic to humans alone, has not helped the case for conspiracy theorists. However, all of this is observational. Its basis is on human intuition alone.

“The Algebraic Background Of Error-Correcting Code”, Aiden Hills

Osmosis Magazine

Imagine a scenario where mission control on Earth must communicate with a satellite as it orbits Mars, nearly 240 million miles away. This communication relies on binary commands, where a simple digit, '0' or '1', can dictate critical actions. For instance, '0' might instruct the satellite to capture vital images of the surface of Mars, while '1' could command it to maintain its trajectory.

Rat Ultrasonic Vocalizations And Their Implication In Limiting Anthropomorphizing In Animal Research, Isabel Dilandro

Osmosis Magazine

Emotions in humans are very difficult to measure in a scientifically responsible manner.They are fickle, difficult to define, and even more difficult still to attach numerical value to as a subjective, malleable thing. If affective science, also known as the study of emotion, is difficult to fully grasp with participants that can talk back to us, effectively providing verbal insight to the inner workings of their cognition and self-reporting their thoughts and feelings for interpretation, then what are researchers meant to do when it comes time to measure the same responses in subjects that cannot provide them with any of …

“How Neonicotinoids In Pesticides Impact Bee Behavior And Ecological Interactions”, Jack Dupuy

Osmosis Magazine

Animal pollination, primarily facilitated by bees, represents a crucial ecosystem service, benefiting nearly 90 percent of flowering plants and contributing to the prosperity of 75 percent of the world's most prevalent crops.

Unraveling Adar Expression And Rna Editing Activity In Adult And Embryonic Tissue In The Squid Euprymna Berryi, Kayla Friedman, Gjendine Voss, Joshua Rosenthal

Osmosis Magazine

RNA editing by adenosine deamination gives an organism the ability to alter its protein-coding sequences, resulting in an overall change in protein structure and function. Adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) convert specific adenosines (A) into inosines (I) that are interpreted as guanosines (G) by the translational machinery. Coleoid cephalopods (octopus, squid, and cuttlefish), like vertebrates, possess two catalytically active ADAR enzymes, sqADAR1 and sqADAR2, but unlike any other organism, cephalopods recode transcripts by A-to-I RNA editing to an extraordinary extent, particularly in neuronal tissue.

“How Shape Affects Drug Action”, Andrew Watts

Osmosis Magazine

There are innumerable factors that influence the development and efficacy of pharmaceutical agents, but one of the most crucial considerations is the shape of the drug. Yes – the shape. Drugs come in all different shapes and sizes

Letter From The Editor, Andrew Watts

Osmosis Magazine

Dear Reader,

Thank you for opening Osmosis Magazine. We are excited to bring you more accessible, intriguing stories in science and technology spanning the disciplines of chemistry, environmental science, and mathematics. In addition to this edition’s science articles, we are excited to introduce faculty interviews, which chronicle select faculty members’ journeys into science and some of their passions outside of it. Interactive components such as crossword puzzles and word searches are also included. Our goal as a magazine is to share the joy of science with the UR community in an accessible and entertaining fashion. We hope that you …

Osmosis Magazine - Fall 2023

Osmosis Magazine

Osmosis is a student read, led, and written publication from the University of Richmond, focusing on all aspects of healthcare and science.

Parkinson’S On The Radar, A Revolution In Disease Diagnosis, Ryan Cvelbar

Osmosis Magazine

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Parkinson’s disease is one of the fastest-growing neurological diseases in the world, second only to Alzheimer’s. The National Institute on Aging loosely defines Parkinson’s disease as a brain disorder that develops over the course of several years resulting from nerve cell death in the basal ganglia, a section of the brain that controls movement. These nerve cells are known to produce the neurotransmitter, dopamine, that is necessary for proper movement of your body. As more of these cells die, less dopamine is produced than normal and patients begin to experience symptoms.

Seafood Mislabeling: Molecular Strategies To Identify Fish Species And Rethinking Public Outreach In Taiwan And The U.S., Ping Yen (Jeff) Tsai

Osmosis Magazine

Swapping identical fish with substitutes has been a widespread issue across the globe. Despite the valiant efforts of policymakers, seafood misidentification continues to be pervasive among large and small vendors, from sushi venues to grocery stores in the United States.

A Mini Spark: Casting Light On The Science Of Candy, Isabel Dilandro

Osmosis Magazine

Every day, children experience something for the first time in their lives. In the mind of a child, many naturally occurring phenomena often feel like magic.

The Origins Of Mathematics: Invented Or Discovered?, Andrew Watts

Osmosis Magazine

A divisive subject amongst students of all ages, Mathematics remains an integral part of each student’s educational journey. Why is that? you may wonder. The answer is that Mathematics lies at the center of the natural world.

Chatgpt: A Blessing Or A Curse For Education?, Jack Dupuy

Osmosis Magazine

So what is ChatGPT and how is it changing education for better or worse? ChatGPT is a large language model developed by OpenAI that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to generate human-like responses to natural language questions and statements. It has been trained on a vast amount of data from a diverse range of sources including books, articles, and websites, allowing it to answer a wide range of questions on various topics.

Letter From The Editor, Lily Dickson

Osmosis Magazine

Dear Reader,

Thank you for picking up this semester’s issue of OSMOSIS. We are a student-run magazine filled with all things science! Inside these pages, you will find articles exploring all aspects of science, from straight scientific arguments to philosophical questions regarding mathematics and learning in a world of AI.

We have a talented group of writers, editors, and designers this year, and I cannot wait to share with you our spring issue. It is bittersweet to put together my final issue of OSMOSIS, and little makes me prouder than being a part of this team. Whatever article you choose …

Osmosis Magazine - Spring 2023

Osmosis Magazine

Osmosis is a student read, led, and written publication from the University of Richmond, focusing on all aspects of healthcare and science.

Development Of A Multi-Epitope Peptide Vaccine Against Monkeypox Virus: Immunoinformatics Analysis For South East Asian Hla Alleles, Nelson Chandra, Mochammad Aqilah Herdiansyah, Viol Dhea Kharisma, Arif Nur Muhammad Ansori, Arli Aditya Parikesit

Makara Journal of Science

The monkeypox virus (MPXV), a DNA virus causing zoonotic disease, poses major global public health challenges, with mortality rates between 3%–6%. Although smallpox vaccines provide partial cross-protection, there is a critical need for a dedicated, effective monkeypox (mpox) vaccine. This study aimed to design a multi-epitope peptide-based vaccine specifically adapted to the HLA allele profiles common in Southeast Asian populations, where MPXV cases are rising. Using immunoinformatics, we screened for and detected B and T cell epitopes from the MPXV cell surface antigen and IFN-alpha/beta receptor proteins. The vaccine design was validated through a rigorous evaluation of its antigenicity, immunogenicity, …

Screening For Penicillin G Acylase (Pga)-Producing Bacteria And Gene Cloning Using Degenerate Oligonucleotide Primed-Pcr, Masdalifah Masdalifah, Sri Rezeki Wulandari, Gabriela Christy Sabbathini, Maria Ulfah, Dini Achnafani, Ahmad Wibisana, Feronika Heppy Sriherfyna, Is Helianti, Niknik Nurhayati

Makara Journal of Science

The growing concern over antibiotic resistance has driven global efforts to explore innovative solutions, including the use of Penicillin G acylase (PGA) to produce semisynthetic β-lactam antibiotics. This study screened four potential in-tracellular PGA-producing bacteria: Alcaligenes faecalis InaCC B444 (AfPGA), Kluyvera cryocrescens InaCC B850 (KcPGA), Providencia rettgeri InaCC B25 (Pr25PGA), and P. rettgeri InaCC B466 (Pr466PGA). Penicillin G Acylase encoding genes (pgas) were isolated from them using a Degenerate Oligonucleotide Primed-PCR (DOP-PCR) approach and sequenced. Microbiological assays confirmed all tested crude extracts to exhibit inhibitory effects. Penicillin G was used for evaluating hydrolytic activity and 6-Amino Penicillanic Acid (6-APA) coupled …

Roles Of The Survivin Bir Domain In Cellular Apoptosis And Proliferation: An In Silico Study, Silviatun Nihayah, Septelia Inawati Wanandi, Linda Erlina, Resda Akhra Syahrani

Makara Journal of Science

Survivin is an antiapoptotic protein that is highly expressed in cancer cells. We investigated the dual roles of the Bacu-lovirus IAP Repeats (BIR) domain within survivin, encompassing both apoptosis and proliferation, through an in silico study. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of survivin was analyzed using Cytoscape software. Functional enrichment (FE) analysis and data from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used to identify the implicated signaling pathways. The binding affinity of the BIR domain with the targeted proteins was visualized via molecular docking analysis. Drawing insights from the PPI network and FE analysis, we identified two …

Comparative Evaluation Of Bacterial Adhesion And Biofilm Formation On Contact Lenses, Lina M. Shaker, Wan Nor Roslam Wan Isahak

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

This study evaluates bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (ATCC 25923) colonization on medical and cosmetic contact lenses made from Hilafilcon B and Omafilcon B under simulated ocular conditions. Non-incubated lenses served as controls, and experiments were repeated three times with a variability margin of ±5%, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Results revealed that biofilm growth and bacterial adhesion were influenced by lens material, type, and incubation duration. Cosmetic lenses made from Hilafilcon B exhibited the highest biofilm growth (1.95%) after one day, highlighting their susceptibility to microbial colonization. Conversely, medical lenses made from Hilafilcon B …

Removal Of Cr(Vi) From Aqueous Solution Using Magnetic Activated Carbon Prepared From Waste Shell Of Marigold Flower Straw: Kinetics, Isotherm And Mechanism Studies, Shanmukha Rao Metta, Uttam Kumar Sahu

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

When Cr(VI) was released from industrial waste into water bodies harms aquatic ecosystems and poses risks to human well-being. To reduce risks, it's crucial to lower Cr(VI) levels through the sustainable process. In order to extract Cr(VI) from a liquid, the magnetic activated carbon adsorbent was created for the current investigation. H₃PO₄ was utilised as an activating agent in the thermal procedure to prepare activated carbon from marigold flower straw for the first time. The marigold flower straw activated carbon (MFSAC) was further decorated with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄/MFSAC) in the …

External Jugular Vein Catheterization Technique For Continuous Blood Sampling In Gilts, Preechaphon Taechamaeteekul, Yosua Kristian Adi, Chutikan Srisang, Pirada Virankabutra, Natchanon Dumniem, Jinda Singlor, Padet Tummaruk

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

External jugular vein blood collection is common in gilts and sows, but continuous sampling for hormonal and pharmacokinetic research requires catheterization. The standard protocol has remained largely unchanged for nearly 40 years. This study aimed to develop a modified external jugular vein catheterization technique in gilts. Ten gilts (72.0 ± 3.4 kg) underwent surgery under general anesthesia after 12-hour fasting. Sedation was induced with intramuscular Xylazine (4.4 mg/kg) and Tiletamine–Zolazepam (2.2 mg/kg), followed by intravenous Thiopental sodium (10 mg/kg). Once anesthetized, gilts were placed in dorsal recumbency, and the external jugular fossa was prepared under sterile conditions. A 10 cm …

A Review Of Factors That Contribute To Negative Mental Health Among Health Profession Students And Current Interventions, Faith T. Allison, Acsw, Lindsay Gietzen, Phd, Pa-C

Pacific Journal of Health

The purpose of this literature review is to review literature surrounding behavioral health impacts of education on students seeking bachelor’s degrees or higher in the health care sector. The studies range from individuals in undergraduate programs to individuals in graduate programs such as medical school. This review aimed to identify commonalities in the existing literature pertaining to the contributing factors that have been shown to have a detrimental impact on the mental, emotional and physical well-being of the students. Students that are forced to navigate a complex academic landscape filled with rigor and intense competition may have difficulties coping as …

The Relationship Of Physician Associate Student Satisfaction And Academic Performance, Jed Grant, Nancy Hamler

Pacific Journal of Health

Introduction: Patient and student satisfaction are increasingly important factors in healthcare and higher education, respectively. While satisfaction is important, it may not always correlate directly with outcomes, academic performance, or long-term professional accomplishments. Researchers aim to investigate the relationship between student satisfaction and measures of student success. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 215 students over five PA student cohorts for correlations between student satisfaction and academic performance in core clinical medicine courses, program GPA, and PANCE scores. Statistical analysis was performed by data scientists to test for independence and significance. Results: The systems-based clinical medicine course had a …

Prevalence Study Of Feline Ab Blood Types In Bangkok And Vicinities Of Thailand By Rapid Immunochromatographic Test During 2022-2024, Suwarath Wadeerat, Sinittha Thongwandi, Thitima Tripipat, Teerawut Nedumpun

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The AB blood group system is a key classification for feline blood types, categorizing them as type A, B, or AB based on red blood cell surface antigens. This study aimed to update the prevalence of feline blood types among domestic and pedigreed cats in Bangkok and vicinities from 2022 to 2024. A total of 114 blood samples, including 76 Domestic Shorthairs (DSH) and 38 pedigreed cats, including 10 breeds, were analyzed using the rapid immunochromatographic feline blood typing. Results revealed that blood type A was predominant, present in 93.86% of cats, consistent with global findings. Blood types B and …

Assessing The Feasibility Of Microneedle Patches For Gnrh Immunocontraception In Mixed-Breed Dogs (Canis Familiaris), Ai-Mei Chang, Hsiao-Hui Huang, Ding-Liang Hou, Zi-Yu Lin, Mei-Chin Chen, Chen-Chih Chen, Jai-Wei Lee

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The overpopulation of free-roaming dogs poses significant risks to endemic species, public health, and the environment through predation and disease transmission. While surgical castration is effective, it raises ethical concerns regarding animal welfare. Immuno-castration offers a humane and effective alternative for population control, but a more easily administered and cost-efficient method is needed to enable widespread vaccination efforts. In this study, we aimed to employ self-dissolving microneedle patches for a simple and potentially cost-effective immunization of a recombinant GnRH-based vaccine to control fertility. Eight mongrel dogs were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=4 each) and immunized with the recombinant GnRH-based …

Heterogeneity Of Rna-Binding Protein Dnd1 In G0 Male Germ Cells May Provide A Selection Process For Spermatogonial Stem Cell Development, Kayla Friedman, Talia Hatkevich, Blanche Capel

Osmosis Magazine

The ability to reproduce is dependent upon proper development of the germline. In male Mus musculus, germline development involves male germ cells (MGCs) differentiating into spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), the precursors for male gametes. During this differentiation period, MGCs enter a quiescent phase (G0), an essential stage for SSC development. This G0 phase accompanies changes in transcription as well as chromatin accessibility and re-methylation of DNA.