Month: April 2021

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Goats’ Responses in Relation to Humans

Determining Behavioral Response of Goats To Physical Cues In Relation To Humans

Anthony Tundo, 2nd year
Troy Todd, 2nd year
Julia Coffman, 1st year
Jade Lim, 2nd year

Abstract

Both humans and boer goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) process physical cues using the neurons plasticised by the FMR1 gene (Bretherick et al, 2020). The purpose of this study was to document the behavior of goats and humans after receiving physical cues in order to make a decision that would result in a reward, indicating the use of FMR1 as a homologous gene in both species.
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Modifying the PBS12SF Cell Line for Vaccines

 

CRISPR/CAS9 Knockout of IFNα Receptor Mediated Antiviral Response in PBS-12SF Cell Line

Noah Lubben, 4th-year

Abstract: 

Viruses such influenza viruses and coronaviruses are some of the most widely spread infectious diseases in humans and animals. Many such diseases can be prevented through vaccination. Large-scale vaccination requires generation of massive quantities of vaccines both efficiently and rapidly. Cell lines offer a means to quickly generate large quantities of virus safely and provide an adaptable method for various viruses. Our lab has developed the PBS-12SF cell line that supports replication of many viruses, including avian and human influenza viruses. Viral infection of cells triggers the interferon (IFN) response carried out by type I IFNs via the IFN cell surface receptor and eliciting an antiviral response. Continue reading “Modifying the PBS12SF Cell Line for Vaccines”

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Effects of Ethylene Gas on Spinach Growth

Significant Growth of Spinach Leaf Length with Ethylene Gas Supplementation

Sandy Lin, 2nd year
Julia Matalon, 2nd year
Sarah Okeke, 2nd year
Scarlett Shaman, 2nd year

Research Question: How does ethylene gas from apples impact the growth of crop plants?

Hypothesis: If ethylene does promote maturing fruit and was compared with a control group and a group of apples surrounding the spinach plant, given the growth was accessed in millimeter per day, we would expect the spinach plants surrounded by apples to promote plant maturation.


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Narrative Processing of Music

Narrative Processing of Music: How Culture Influences Our Perception of Music

Tushya Mehta, 2nd year
Grace Bonnema, 2nd year

Abstract:

This presentation explores parts of a larger NSF-funded interdisciplinary study conducted at Michigan State (McAuley, TAP Lab; Phillips, DHLC lab), Princeton University (Lisa Margulis), and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Patrick Wong). The study investigated if and when people imagine and/or hear stories when they listen to musical stimuli. Continue reading “Narrative Processing of Music”

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Context Changes the Content of Student Models

Prompt Context Changes the Content of Students’ Model-Based Responses

Joshua Marwede, 2nd year

Abstract

In biological science, instructors use system models to help students connect concepts and demonstrate their mastery of topics covered in class. When constructing system models, students place core concepts (components) in boxes and link them together with arrows to show relationships between components.
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Novel Sliding Motility in Erwinia Amylovora

Characterization of sliding motility driven by exopolysaccharides amylovoran and levan in the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora

Lauren Eldred, 4th-year

Abstract:

Erwinia amylovora is a gram-negative plant pathogen that causes fire blight in rosaceous plants. This bacterium colonizes the flower stigma and utilizes a flagellum-dependent swimming motility to migrate from the stigma tip to the hypanthium, in which it enters the xylem through natural openings.
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Muscle Contraction Effects on Embryo Movement

Effects of modulating muscle contractions on embryo movement in early mouse pregnancy

Madeline Dawson, 3rd-year

Abstract:

Early-stage mammalian embryos rely on physical and biological interactions with the maternal environment (uterine niche) to arrive at their site of attachment. In the mouse during early pregnancy, embryos first move unidirectionally, as a cluster, away from the oviduct towards the center of the uterine horn. Next, the embryos spread out bidirectionally towards the oviduct and the cervix until they space equally and attach.
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Intake of Allergens in Michigan Children

Intake of Big 8 Allergens by Young Children in a Michigan Cohort
Natalie JaBaay, 4th year

Abstract

Over 5.6 million children in the United States are diagnosed with a food allergy and pediatric allergists are desperately searching for nutritional interventions and prevention strategies. As the recommendations for when to consume allergens change, it is unclear whether healthcare providers and parents are adapting to these changes.
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Degradation of “Disposable” Face Masks

2021 MSUFCU Runner up Biology poster for the Lyman Briggs Research Showcase
Degradation of Single Use “Disposable” Face Masks as It Relates to Effectiveness in Disease Prevention and Associated Mask Hygiene

Erika L. Buhk, 2nd-year

Abstract:

Due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic, many Americans are wearing face covering in public to reduce the spread and prevent further outbreak. As a result, controversy has spread regarding the effectiveness and usage of such face coverings.
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