Category: Type: Poster

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Saccade Vigor in Schizophrenia

2021 MSUFCU Runner up History, Philosophy, and Sociology of Science presentation for the Lyman Briggs Research Showcase
Saccade Vigor in Individuals with Schizophrenia
Zeeba Ali , 2nd-year

Abstract:

Schizophrenia is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that is associated with huge personal and societal costs. Along with hallucinations and delusions, individuals with schizophrenia often experience profound amotivation and anhedonia—the inability to seek out activities and to derive pleasure. These so-called negative symptoms are gravely impairing and are more predictive of meaningful functional outcome measures, like employment and relationships, than the florid psychosis that is more commonly associated with schizophrenia.
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Ovarian Follicular Structures and Infertility

Ovarian Follicular Structures in Mexican Wolves: Clues to Infertility
Heather Sayles, 2nd year

Abstract

Mexican wolves are carefully monitored and their reproduction controlled because of their endangered status. The genetic variability in this species is low due to inbreeding, which lowers their reproductive success and overall population health. In humans and other species, premature ovarian senescence has been linked to infertility. To better understand the reproductive problems plaguing this species, ovaries are collected from Mexican wolves after death or elective sterilization and evaluated grossly and microscopically in order to identify abnormalities.
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College Students Supporting Healthy Eating

2021 MSUFCU Outreach Award for the Lyman Briggs Research Showcase

Investigating College-Aged Students as Agents of Change to Support Healthy Eating Among Their Families and Friends

Lasya Marla, 2nd-year

Background:  10.5% of Americans adults have Type 2 Diabetes which costs $237B in medical costs annually (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) . Additionally, 25% of American adult deaths are a result of cardiovascular disease which costs $219B in medical costs annually (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
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Computational Experiments Using MS

Computational Experiments to Investigate Biological Questions Using ms
Maria Pacifico, 2nd year

Abstract

Programs have been developed for comparative genomics and the creation of phylogenetic trees using algorithms. Within the program ms (Hudson, 2002), we are studying population genetics and phylogenetics. Ms generates a simple sample model according to the Wright-Fisher neutral model based on chosen parameters.
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Presence of E.Coli in Differing Water Sources

The Presence of Escherichia Coli in Stagnant vs Flowing Water Sources

Aidan Gard, 2nd year
Nandini Koneru, 2nd year
Vira Mehta, 2nd year
Emma Topacio, 2nd year

 

Abstract

In this project we set out to investigate the presence of Esceheria Coli in Stagnant versus running water. After noticing how prevalent issues with water quality and safety are across the country and world, obtaining safe drinkable water was an issue we wanted to look into. The ongoing Flint Water Crisis was our prime example in which the citizens’ main source of water was contaminated with lead and deemed unsafe. We used two types of water sources: stagnant water sources and flowing water sources.
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Antioxidant Content of Grass and Grain

Comparison of Antioxidant Content in Complex Pasture vs. Conventional Feed for Beef Cattle by Time

Esha Garg, 2nd year
Viji Jambunathan, 2nd year
Srikar Kesamneni, 3rd year
Humza Ali, 4th year

Abstract

Grass-finished beef is generally considered healthier than grain finished beef in part because the omega-6/omega-3 ratio is reported to be lower. However, complex pasture mixtures are also purported to contain higher concentrations of plant secondary metabolites; the consumption of which is thought to be important for human health. The objective of this study was to compare the carotenoids and chlorophyll in complex pasture vs conventional feed.
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COVID-19 Impact on Low-Income Families

The COVID-19 Pandemic Negatively Affected Low-Income Families’ Lives: A Descriptive Study

Nandini Koneru, 2nd Year and Meghana Jalagam, 2nd Year

Abstract

First documented in December 2019, the SARS-CoV-2, also known as COVID-19, has spread across the world rapidly to cause a massive global pandemic. In addition to the health crisis, families are facing challenges to their everyday life, specifically families under the poverty level. However, limited studies were conducted among low-income families with young children; thus, this study aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 on low-income families’ lives.
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Vertebrate CtBP C-Terminal Conservation

Structural and Sequence Conservation of the CtBP Corepressor C-Terminal Domain Across Vertebrate Species

Kalynn Bird, 3rd year
Madeline Niblock, 3rd year

Abstract

The C-terminal Binding Protein (CtBP) is a transcriptional corepressor that regulates gene expression and functions as a tumor suppressor. The CtBP catalytic core resembles an NAD(H)-dependent dehydrogenase, and binding to the NAD(H) cofactor enables formation of dimers and tetramers. The less conserved C-terminal domain (CTD) has not been structurally characterized and a functional role remains elusive. Some organisms, like Drosophila, have a single CtBP gene with multiple splice isoforms that encode variant “short” and “long” CTDs. Vertebrates encode two paralogous genes, CtBP1 and CtBP2.
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Oxybenzone and Mammary Gland Development

2021 MSUFCU Honorable Mention Award for the Lyman Briggs Research Showcase
Effects of Oxybenzone on Epithelial Ductal Development in Murine Mammary Glands
Calista Busch, 2nd year

Abstract

Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3; BP-3) is a putative endocrine disrupting chemical, and common ingredient in sunscreens and many personal care products. Endocrine disrupting chemicals can interfere with the normal action of reproductive hormones. BP-3 is found in the urine of as much as 98% of the U.S. population.
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Structuring Synthetic Communities

Directed Spatial Structure and Patterning in Synthetic Communities

Daniel Ducat, Principal Investigator
Lisa Yun, Ph.D. Candidate
Kimberly Watson, 4th year

Abstract

Microbial communities play a foundational role in system regulation. The spatial structure of these natural communities in the environment is something that cannot be controlled in synthetic cultures yet. In order to achieve this, the adhesin pair of SpyTag and SpyCatcher was used. In Synechococcus elongatus (S. elongatus), SpyTag-FLAG was used for immunofluorescence, confirming the expression, transport, and display of the protein on the outer membrane (OM) via SomA.
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