Category: Biology

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Infection and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Association of Placental Infection with Listeria monocytogenes and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Prachee Pingle, 4th year

Abstract:

Maternal infection caused by an intracellular foodborne pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes, causes listeriosis which can have a detrimental impact on the development of the fetus. The infection triggers an inflammatory response in the pregnant mother which can cause abnormal fetal brain development potentially leading to neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring.
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The Role of DDX5 in HPV-Associated Cancer

Danielle Hohman headshot The Role of DDX5 in HPV-Associated Cancer
Danielle Hohman, 4th year

Abstract

Dead-Box helicase 5 (DDX5) or p68 is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase that is involved in alteration of RNA structures, regulation of splicing, processing small noncoding RNAs, and can act as a coregulator of transcription. It has been found to be dysregulated in many cancers including prostate cancer, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer. DDX5 acts on many metabolic pathways and as a result promotes proliferation and metastasis. Continue reading “The Role of DDX5 in HPV-Associated Cancer”

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Increasing Sucrose in Cyanobacteria

Jaylynn Jones Disentangling the Effect of Two KO Genes and Increasing Sucrose Production in Cyanobacteria
Jaylynn Jones, 3rd year

Abstract

This semester I will be participating in research at the Ducat lab in the DOE-plant research laboratories. My project will include exploring how cyanobacteria, specifically the stain synechococcous elongatus sp. PCC 7942 balances energy between its source and sink. Continue reading “Increasing Sucrose in Cyanobacteria”

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Genome-Wide Associations for Pig Coat Color

Genome-wide associations for coat color traits in a cross of domestic pig breeds

Roshan Patel, 4th year

Abstract

Exploitation of genetic variation through selection is important because it allows desirable alleles to be passed down to future generations, resulting in improved phenotypes. Thus, knowing how genetic variations affect phenotypic traits is beneficial for breeding because it enables artificial selection to be implemented more effectively to improve the performance of livestock populations.
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PPE51 Interactions with Glucose and Glycerol

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Protein PPE51 Interactions with Glucose and Glycerol
Megan Murto, 2nd year

Abstract

Escherichia coli is commonly used in place of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) due to its lower pathogenicity and faster doubling rate, allowing for more convenient BSL-2 laboratory access and a shorter growth window. Previously, it was found that Mtb uses the PPE51 protein to take up disaccharides into the cell. Upon further experimentation, it was found that when glucose was supplemented into minimal media, the growth kinetics were not changed.
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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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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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