Category: Biology

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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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Total Fat Quantification

Total Fat Quantification of Grass-Fed vs Conventional Grain-Fed Cattle
Taya Smith, 4th year

Abstract

Health-conscious consumers are becoming increasingly concerned with the amount of fat present in foods. The current trend towards “low fat” foods can be found in any grocery store across the country. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) has been proposed as a more efficient method of determining total fat content.
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Functional Analysis of Endothelin Genes

Functional Analysis of Endothelin Ligand Genes in the Development of the Zebrafish Neural Crest Cell Population
Cameron Bennett, 4th year

Abstract

Neural crest cells (NCC) are an embryonic cell population that differentiates into many tissues including e.g. heart, pigment cells, neurons, and craniofacial skeleton. Unique to the vertebrates like fish and humans, the neural crest forms along the dorsal neural tube before migrating throughout the embryonic body. The endothelin (Edn) signaling system is a key molecular regulator in cell fate determination, migration, and differentiation into different NCC derivatives.
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Pose Estimation Program Use with Infants

Using 3D markerless pose estimation programs to determine fear reactivity in human infants.

Samantha Finkbeiner, 5th year; William Quackenbush, 5th year; Charlotte Best, 1st year

Abstract

Infancy is a key period in the development of fear, an essential emotion involving recognizing and responding to threatening stimuli. Researchers studying infant fear rely on parental reports and direct assessment of child behavior either in the home or structured laboratory settings. The objective of our study is to develop automated approaches for direct assessment of infant behavior.
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Microbiota Composition Effect on Bone

Examining the Influence of Different Microbiota Compositions on Male Mouse Bone Density and Architecture using Microcomputed Tomography

Soumya Chennupati, 2nd year
Sandra O’Reilly, Ph.D.
Ho Jun Kang, Graduate Student
Narayanan Parameswaran, BVSc., Ph.D.
Laura McCabe, Ph.D.

Abstract

Osteoporosis, a disease that results in bone loss, affects more than 10 million Americans.1 Bones provide structure, allow for locomotion, and are a storage site for minerals and marrow as an essential organ in the human body. Bones consist of two components: cortical (compact outside shell) and trabecular (cancellous inner region).
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DHA Suppression of Inflammation

2021 MSUFCU Best Biology poster for the Lyman Briggs Research Showcase
Omega-3-Fatty Acid Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Suppresses Silica-triggered Cathepsin B release, Cell Death, and Proinflammatory Cytokine/Chemokine Secretion in Alveolar Macrophage-like MPI cells

Adrianna Kirby, 3rd year

Abstract:

Respiratory exposure to crystalline silica (cSiO2), an occupational toxicant, leads to the development of pulmonary inflammation, which can contribute to the autoimmune disease lupus. Alveolar macrophages (AM) phagocytose cSiO2 which induces a cycle of phagolysosomal permeabilization, inflammasome activation, proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine release, and cell death. These actions generate initial unresolved pulmonary inflammation and subsequent systemic autoimmunity in genetically susceptible individuals.
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