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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
The Bio-Light; Increasing Auto-Bioluminescence, Paul Rodriguez, Lane Law
The Bio-Light; Increasing Auto-Bioluminescence, Paul Rodriguez, Lane Law
Utah Space Grant Consortium
Bioluminescence is a fascinating capability that has benefited society in a number of ways. One way bioluminescence has been used is in the medical field, where researchers use it to mark cancer cells in animal models. However, bioluminescence could be harnessed for another application. In this project, we will generate bioluminescent E.coli that can produce unnatural amounts of light. These auto-bioluminescent bacteria could rival NASA low activity lights on shuttles, that produce 20 to 300 lux of light. To achieve the minimum of 20 lux in a liquid culture of E.coli, we must first introduce a plasmid that contains the …
How Is A Clean Environment Making Astronauts Sick?, Mia Sheneman, Lane Law
How Is A Clean Environment Making Astronauts Sick?, Mia Sheneman, Lane Law
Utah Space Grant Consortium
Are astronauts deprived of bacteria? The irradiation process used to prepare astronaut food wipes out all harmful bacteria- as well as all beneficial bacteria found in their food. The stress of space travel can decrease the quality of GI bacteria due to low gravity, radiation, and a contained sterile environment. Is it important for astronauts to be eating probiotics?
Photodegradation Of Self-Immolating Polymers As A Potential Solution To Optical Scattering, Alex Gallion, Sydney Mcfarland, David Allred, Walter Paxton
Photodegradation Of Self-Immolating Polymers As A Potential Solution To Optical Scattering, Alex Gallion, Sydney Mcfarland, David Allred, Walter Paxton
Utah Space Grant Consortium
Starshades and other sensitive optical devices require dust mitigation techniques to protect their surfaces. We investigate coating these surfaces with a photodegradable polymer film that will vaporize when exposed to ultraviolet light. A series of experiments was conducted in which we studied this phenomenon in vacuum after applying a photo-depolymerizing coating. Poly (2-methyl, 1-pentene) sulfone is shown to degrade in vacuum when exposed to 172 nm UV light. Future studies will examine whether the coating can be used to remove dust contaminants from sensitive optical devices upon photoirradiation..
Collisional Losses In A Vasimr (Variable Specific-Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket), Benjamin Miera, Philip Matheson
Collisional Losses In A Vasimr (Variable Specific-Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket), Benjamin Miera, Philip Matheson
Utah Space Grant Consortium
A VASIMR (Variable Specific-Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket) engine is an electrically-powered engine that uses plasma as a propellant for accelerating spacecraft in the vacuum of space. The VASIMR engine is designed to provide higher specific impulse and greater thrust efficiency compared to traditional chemical rockets. The engine works by ionizing a gas, such as argon or hydrogen, and heating it to extremely high temperatures to create a plasma. This plasma is then accelerated and ejected out of the engine at high speeds, producing thrust. VASIMR is seen as a promising technology for future deep space missions due to its potential to …
Characterization, Comparison And Confirmation: Atmospheric Composition Of Wasp-39b With Jwst, Brian Seamons, Joshua Lothringer
Characterization, Comparison And Confirmation: Atmospheric Composition Of Wasp-39b With Jwst, Brian Seamons, Joshua Lothringer
Utah Space Grant Consortium
In late 2022, astronomers from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Transiting Exoplanet Community Early Release Science Team (ERS) observed WASP-39b, an ultra hot (1200 K) planet with a Jupiter-like radius and Saturn-like mass using the JWST Near InfraRed Spectrograph (NIRSpec), which provides broad-wavelength observations between (0.5 and 5.5 μm). Zafar Rustamkulov et al. 2023 revealed that they had not only confirmed previous characterizations of WASP-39b’s atmosphere by the Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes, but found strong evidence for multiple chemicals, such as Na, H2O, CO2, CO, and surprisingly, SO2 .
A Generative Adversarial Network For Image Reconstruction, Jeremy Tait, Eliza Ballantyne, Ellie Evans, Vern Hart
A Generative Adversarial Network For Image Reconstruction, Jeremy Tait, Eliza Ballantyne, Ellie Evans, Vern Hart
Utah Space Grant Consortium
Survival rates for most cancers have increased steadily over the past few decades as new technologies have led to better treatment outcomes. However, this process often relies heavily on the detection of cancer in its earliest stages, before symptoms occur or a tumor is visible in a CT or MR image. This is particularly true for diseases such as pancreatic cancer that exhibit almost no symptoms until very late stages and have extremely low survival rates as a result. Even some commonly treatable diseases, such as breast cancer, become far more problematic in later stages. As such, any efforts to …
Open-Source Antenna Pattern Measurement System - Phase Ii, Matthew Finger, Christian Hearn, Ren Fisher, Justin Knighton
Open-Source Antenna Pattern Measurement System - Phase Ii, Matthew Finger, Christian Hearn, Ren Fisher, Justin Knighton
Utah Space Grant Consortium
No abstract provided.
Spaceport America Cup 2023: Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition, Zachary Foster, Xavier Kipping, Tyler Gardner, Jorge Hernandez Ramiro, Xander Summers, Jonathon Thomsen, Sam Murdock
Spaceport America Cup 2023: Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition, Zachary Foster, Xavier Kipping, Tyler Gardner, Jorge Hernandez Ramiro, Xander Summers, Jonathon Thomsen, Sam Murdock
Utah Space Grant Consortium
USU entered this year’s Spaceport America Cup with a team of Seven Mechanical Engineering Seniors supported by a team from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department to design and build a payload. The competition is to design and build a rocket capable of launching an 8.8 lb payload to an altitude of 10,000 ft. The competition will take place in White Sands, New Mexico on June 19th - 24th.
Nasa Big Idea Project: Production Of Steel From Lunar Regolith Through Carbonyl Iron Refining (Cir), Collin T. Andersen, John F. Otero, Jordan R. Contreras, Jarom Chamberlin, Hong Y. Sohn
Nasa Big Idea Project: Production Of Steel From Lunar Regolith Through Carbonyl Iron Refining (Cir), Collin T. Andersen, John F. Otero, Jordan R. Contreras, Jarom Chamberlin, Hong Y. Sohn
Utah Space Grant Consortium
Transporting equipment to the moon is extremely cost prohibitive and competition is fierce over a limited cargo volume. However, the moon’s surface is relatively rich in metals. Carbonyl Iron Refining (CIR) is a promising avenue to extract iron from reduced lunar regolith and refine it into a high purity powder product. The process is two-stage. First, iron oxide in lunar regolith is reduced with hydrogen or carbon monoxide. Second, the disparate iron particles are refined via the formation and subsequent decomposition of Fe(CO)5(g). Stand out characteristics of the concept are its native synergy with oxygen production and additive manufacturing and …
Muon Shielding: Effects Of Moon Shielding By Lead, Polyethylene, And Water, Teagan Della Cerra
Muon Shielding: Effects Of Moon Shielding By Lead, Polyethylene, And Water, Teagan Della Cerra
Utah Space Grant Consortium
My goal was to explore how muon counts are affected under shielding of different materials at various thicknesses. The materials used were lead, polyethylene, and water. These trials consisted of using two muon detectors in coincidence mode and running a trial for roughly 15 minuets (900s ± 5s), and were all taken in the bottom floor of Tracy Hall located in Ogden, UT.
Cosmic Watch Muon Detector Case Builds And Radiation Event Counts, Mary Ghita
Cosmic Watch Muon Detector Case Builds And Radiation Event Counts, Mary Ghita
Utah Space Grant Consortium
In this experiment, as a student in an advanced lab at Weber State University an opportunity was given to verify whether making cases of different materials in a 3D printer will have the same amount of muon counts as an Aluminum case. The material used in the 3D printer consists of a non-glow in the dark material and a glow in the dark material. These cases were made in a Lego brick shape and are a little bigger than a typical Aluminum muon detector case. The experiment is also taken with one muon detector board for each separate event experiment. …
Cosmic Ray Muons & True Random Numbers, Ryan Gardner
Cosmic Ray Muons & True Random Numbers, Ryan Gardner
Utah Space Grant Consortium
The Earth is under a constant barrage of high-energy protons that smash into upper-atmospheric nuclei, such as oxygen and nitrogen, triggering a chain reaction of subatomic particles that rain down onto the planet’s surface. This process is entirely random with a high degree of entropy – a perfect system for harvesting true random numbers.
Measuring Solar Activity With Cosmicwatch Muon Detectors, Jade Marchant
Measuring Solar Activity With Cosmicwatch Muon Detectors, Jade Marchant
Utah Space Grant Consortium
To expand upon the knowledge gained from the construction of the CosmicWatch detectors, we conducted an experiment that had specific aims to measure the correlation between muon detection and current solar activity. This was done by taking daily muon count measurements and comparing it to daily sunspot and solar flare activity data retrieved from various space weather agencies. This experiment allowed us to test the capabilities of the detectors while also exploring fascinating astrophysical phenomena. Our results indicate that muon detection through the CosmicWatch detectors does not correlate with changes in daily solar activity.
Using Projected Sound To Create Specified Objects, Isaac Bentley, Noel Philips, Austin Everingham
Using Projected Sound To Create Specified Objects, Isaac Bentley, Noel Philips, Austin Everingham
Utah Space Grant Consortium
Light projection using sound creates unique circular shapes that are dictated by the frequency used. We attempt to characterize these relationships in order to determine a correlation between the individual frequency and the combination of multiple frequencies to predict and dictate the shape and rotation of the image presented. We are doing this through experimentation and research to optimize our results. We hope to develop this to aid in the creation of holograms and sound interaction analysis.
Supplementation Of Martian Regolith Media For Sustained Cyanobacterial Growth, Alix Elliston
Supplementation Of Martian Regolith Media For Sustained Cyanobacterial Growth, Alix Elliston
Utah Space Grant Consortium
Cyanobacteria have been referred to as the architects of Earth’s atmosphere and are widely credited with being the planet’s first oxygenators. While it is speculated that cyanobacteria could similarly be utilized to oxygenate the atmosphere of Mars, one constraint is resource scarcity on the planet. Studies have shown that certain cyanobacteria can survive at least short term in media comprised of Martian regolith; however, their ability to thrive long term in such nutrient-deprived conditions is questionable. This study aims to investigate whether a cyanobacterial culture grown in a nutrient-deprived medium can be supplemented with urine and certain vitamin-producing bacteria to …
Reducing Carbon Dioxide Levels On Mars Using Cyanobacteria, Lonnie Ernst
Reducing Carbon Dioxide Levels On Mars Using Cyanobacteria, Lonnie Ernst
Utah Space Grant Consortium
Cyanobacteria are the largest contributor to oxygen production on earth and play a substantial role in making earth a viable place to live. With increasing interest in the colonization of Mars, this project aims to use cyanobacteria to terraform the atmosphere of Mars. Carbon dioxide constitutes 98% of the Martian atmosphere making it uninhabitable for most forms of life. An emulation of the Martian atmosphere will be created using an anaerobic chamber, putting the pressure under vacuum, and supplementing the air with carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas. Cyanobacteria will be grown in a photobioreactor under these conditions and the oxygen …
Rover Propulsion In Frozen Environments, Kyler Ingles
Rover Propulsion In Frozen Environments, Kyler Ingles
Utah Space Grant Consortium
The goal of this study is to find the optimal propulsion system for a rover on snowy terrain. The purpose of the study is to test multiple methods of driving a rover in deep fresh snow to later be used when designing a rover intended to traverse steep snowy terrain on other planets. The exploration of this topic is important for our study of other celestial bodies. A significant portion of the planets and moons in our solar system has a surface covered in frozen substances like carbon dioxide, methane, and oxygen. This research will help create a rover to …
Synthesis Of Optically Active Chiral Compounds Using Co2, Antonio Ruiz
Synthesis Of Optically Active Chiral Compounds Using Co2, Antonio Ruiz
Utah Space Grant Consortium
The proposed project aims to synthesize optically active chiral compounds. The current selected procedure for synthesizing chiral molecules utilizes carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that is harmful to the environment, as a feedstock to produce high value organic electronics for use on aboard spacecraft. These resulting chiral molecules offer a range of functional properties that can enhance device performance and reliability, critical for space applications. The procedure for synthesizing the compounds is currently under review to validate the method as reproducible and scalable. Ultimately, the project can have a significant impact on space exploration and technology by providing a sustainable …
Optimization Of Nozzle Profiles To Achieve Higher Thrust Performance And Lowering Manufacturing Costs, Chandler Taylor
Optimization Of Nozzle Profiles To Achieve Higher Thrust Performance And Lowering Manufacturing Costs, Chandler Taylor
Utah Space Grant Consortium
With the growing popularity in high-powered rockery the question of cost and performance is on every rocketeer’s mind. Then paired with the interest of flying higher and breaking records for armature rocketry flight the question is proposed, how does one make a rocket motor to increase its performance and lower its costs? In this we intend to answer that question. We will design a test for ammonium perchlorate motors and define methods to increase the performance and lower the cost. The way we can achieve this is testing in computer simulations with focused being on nozzle and materials optimization. Computer …
The Influence Of Mycorrhizal Associations On Monoterpene And Isoprene Emissions In Plants, Luis Valdez, Lane Law
The Influence Of Mycorrhizal Associations On Monoterpene And Isoprene Emissions In Plants, Luis Valdez, Lane Law
Utah Space Grant Consortium
The Purpose of this research is to determine the extent of the influence of AMF symbiosis can exert on the VOC emissions profiles of plants, particularly whether AMF symbiosis has a positive or negative effect on isoprene and monoterpene emissions.
Magnetically-Stabilized Let Joints For Origami-Based Space Arrays, Hunter Pruett, Spencer Magleby
Magnetically-Stabilized Let Joints For Origami-Based Space Arrays, Hunter Pruett, Spencer Magleby
Utah Space Grant Consortium
A review of surrogate folds is presented. From said review, a concept set of surrogate folds is generated and concept selection criteria are generated. The surrogate fold concept set is refined and the LET array is selected with justification. Novel stress considerations are presented for LET arrays seeking to minimize panel thickness and be as proximate as possible in the stowed state. The MaNO hinge is introduced, and the MaLDO, MaLO, and MaNO hinges are successfully incorporated into LET arrays demonstrating viable options for actuation and stabilization of origami-inspired mechanisms and arrays.
Development Of A Nano-Encapsulation Platform With A Novel Antioxidant Indigoidine For The Mitigation Of Space Radiation, Kyle Jackson, Jie Ren, Jixun Zhan, Yu Huang
Development Of A Nano-Encapsulation Platform With A Novel Antioxidant Indigoidine For The Mitigation Of Space Radiation, Kyle Jackson, Jie Ren, Jixun Zhan, Yu Huang
Utah Space Grant Consortium
Space includes many hazards to the human species, one of the most detrimental to us is the biological damage from radiation. Loading an astronaut's immune system with free radical scavenging molecules as a potential shield from this damage is one method to prevent biologically relevant damage that has only been slightly explored. Unfortunately, the pharmacological potential of many antioxidants is severely restricted because of their low solubility/absorption. Here, I characterize a powerful delivery system that can deliver many different hydrophobic antioxidants to the cell, increasing their bioavailability. The novel antioxidant Indigoidine has been explored in this delivery system. It has …
Ultra-Low Power Adcs For Space Sensors And Instruments, Shea Smith, Wood Chiang
Ultra-Low Power Adcs For Space Sensors And Instruments, Shea Smith, Wood Chiang
Utah Space Grant Consortium
A 28nm 0.1V 10-bit 20kS/s time domain ADC with 225Hz bandwidth is proposed. This design opens the doors to both low supply and low power space sensors and instruments. Due to the stringent voltage supply, unique challenges arise that are met with innovation in the sample switch and the quantizer design. These components of the ADC architecture are aggressively optimized to perform successfully at a 0.1V supply with a sample rate suitable for most sensor applications.
Advances In Noninvasive Urine Oxygen Monitoring For Detection Of Acute Kidney Injury, Lars Lofgren, Kai Kück, Natalie Silverton
Advances In Noninvasive Urine Oxygen Monitoring For Detection Of Acute Kidney Injury, Lars Lofgren, Kai Kück, Natalie Silverton
Utah Space Grant Consortium
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of cardiac surgery that is associated with increased hospital length of stay and mortality risk. The most common diagnostic criteria come from the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Guidelines. These criteria rely on detecting changes in serum creatinine relative to a baseline measurement and decreased urine output. These markers are meant to capture a decrease in the overall filtration rate. However, the filtration rate may or may not change depending on the baseline health of the individual patient and the type and severity of the injury. In addition, these markers are influenced …
Notes Of Black Holes, A. B. Chanson
Notes Of Black Holes, A. B. Chanson
Utah Space Grant Consortium
Fully leveraging Analysis onto physics proves fruitful, as a number of results are displayed; in particular, emergent symmetries are, generally, categorized as information symmetries; together with Noether’s theorems, these laws are found dual to the Laws of Thermodynamics as well as the Three Isomorphism Theories (alongside the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra). Most remarkably, the fine structure constant is analytically derived (using monodromy techniques), the cosmological hierarchy problem is resolved (using thermodynamic techniques), and a new duality between quantum information, celestial holography, and black holes is exhibited and exploited to resolve the Arrow of Time.
Aerodynamic Effects Of Phase Offset Between Synchronized Propellers In Hover, Nathan Welker, Daniel Maynes
Aerodynamic Effects Of Phase Offset Between Synchronized Propellers In Hover, Nathan Welker, Daniel Maynes
Utah Space Grant Consortium
Emerging advances in electric-propulsion technology are enabling aircraft to use distributed electric propulsion (DEP) to increase performance and maneuverability. Distributed electric propulsion can also provide unique take-off and landing abilities which are not commonly found on traditional aircraft. The implementation of DEP effectively decreases the spacing between propellers, introducing complex aerodynamic interactions that are not well understood. This study aims to present the findings of the effects of phase offset on the flow fields of synchronized propellers at close-proximity using a particle image velocimetry system. The tip vortex locations and peak vorticities were tracked and plotted for various phase offset …
Modeling The Effects Of Space Travel On The Cardiovascular System Using A Bio-Mimetic In Vitro Hagfish Protein Model Of The Myocardium, Emilee Rickabaugh, Elizabeth Vargis
Modeling The Effects Of Space Travel On The Cardiovascular System Using A Bio-Mimetic In Vitro Hagfish Protein Model Of The Myocardium, Emilee Rickabaugh, Elizabeth Vargis
Utah Space Grant Consortium
Long-term space travel is a harsh experience for the human body. Astronauts exposed to the effects of space travel often experience bone and muscle loss, as well as an increased risk of diseases, including heart disease[1]. While the human heart has shown an impressive ability to adapt to spaceflight, many of the long-term effects on cardiovascular health are unknown [2]. To plan for missions requiring longer flight durations, understanding these effects is neccessary to assess the risk to the astronauts undertaking these missions. However, evaluating these risks is difficult due to the lack of a sufficiently accurate model. While animal …
Steering Colloids Using Chemical Gradients And Model Predictive Control, Mark N. Mcdonald, Cameron K. Peterson, Douglas R. Tree
Steering Colloids Using Chemical Gradients And Model Predictive Control, Mark N. Mcdonald, Cameron K. Peterson, Douglas R. Tree
Utah Space Grant Consortium
Creating the next generation of dynamic colloidal materials that change their structure based on external stimuli may require the capability to precisely manipulate colloidal particles. Colloidal particles can be manipulated using a variety of forces, such as electric, magnetic, and optical, but so far chemical reactions have been neglected. We consider here a novel paradigm for using chemical gradients to precisely manipulate colloidal particles in a microfluidic device. Specifically, we show in simulation that model predictive control can be applied to a set of spatially localized chemical reactions to move a small number of colloidal particles on a circular trajectory.
Using Landsat And Sentinel To Investigate Drivers Of Algal Growth In Utah Lake, Kaylee B. Tanner
Using Landsat And Sentinel To Investigate Drivers Of Algal Growth In Utah Lake, Kaylee B. Tanner
Utah Space Grant Consortium
Earth observation satellites provide a valuable opportunity to study spatial and temporal water quality trends in ways that are not possible with research based on in-situ water sampling. We used data from Sentinel 2 and the Landsat missions to analyze algae blooms on Utah Lake, a large, shallow, freshwater lake in Utah that is experiencing water quality challenges. We found that algae blooms mainly occur in the shallow bays and along the eastern shoreline of the lake, and are correlated with water temperature and turbidity. Our results suggest a need for further research and use of remote sensing data to …
Principles And Categorization Of Compliant Surrogate Folds For Deployable Origami-Inspired Mechanical Systems, Ivyann O. Running, Phebe Ramsdell, Spencer Magleby
Principles And Categorization Of Compliant Surrogate Folds For Deployable Origami-Inspired Mechanical Systems, Ivyann O. Running, Phebe Ramsdell, Spencer Magleby
Utah Space Grant Consortium
Origami principles, patterns, and thickness accommodation techniques have been explored and tested for engineering applications in many fields. Two of the main difficulties of transferring a design from folded paper to thicker, stiffer materials are accommodating thickness and replicating folding motion with surrogate folds. While literature reviews exist for thickness accommodation, it is difficult for a designer to survey and assess work that has been on the subject of surrogate folds. Currently, many engineering origami instances limit themselves to using pin hinges, adjusting all other design parameters to accommodate pure revolute motion. The possibilities for origami design and application are …