Category: College of Arts & Sciences
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Observing HSPG Subtype Interactions with Tau Fibril
By Samantha Mitzel, Gracie F Faculty Mentor: Dr. Deborah O’Dell Abstract Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating, neurodegenerative disease that is diagnosed with the build-up of neurofibrillary tangles(NFTs) and amyloid plaques. Various studies on Alzheimer’s investigate mechanisms that can prevent NFT build-up, including the micropinocytosis of fibril. Heparin Sulfate Proteoglycans(HSPGs) have been observed to be a…
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The Effects of PFOS Exposure on Zebrafish Dopaminergic Neurodevelopment
By Allison Fletcher Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dianne Baker Abstract Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of environmental contaminants that have been found to cause disruptions to the nervous and endocrine systems. One PFAS, perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) is considered one of the most disruptive PFAS to the nervous system. PFOS has been found to disrupt…
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Artemisinin and Artesunate Decrease Inflammatory Effects in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages
By Sierra Williams, Amara Zavala Faculty Mentor: Dr. Laura Sipe Abstract Artemisinin, and its derivative, artesunate, are compounds extracted from the plant Artemisia annua. They are both known for their use as antimalarials, however, artesunate is a more widely used treatment due to its higher levels of bioavailability. In previous literature, both treatments were shown…
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Analysis of Mapped Breccias in Oasis Valley, Nevada
By Carter Bussey Faculty Mentor: Prof. Sarah Morealli Abstract Oasis Valley, NV, is located within the Basin and Range Province of the United States, part of a zone of continental rifting. This region is distinguished by alternating mountain ranges and valleys that form as blocks of rock drop due to the crust stretching. Valleys formed…
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Discovering Gene Function in Phage Zapner
By Lucca Muta, Emily Wills Faculty Mentor: Dr. Theresa Grana Abstract SEA-GENES, a Howard Hughes research initiative, is an evolution of the SEA-PHAGES project, which sequenced and annotated the genomes of many bacteriophages. SEA-GENES expands on this project to determine the functions of genes coded by specific phages. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to…
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Excess Fructose in High-Fructose Corn Syrup Reduces Cell Viability & Promotes Nitric Oxide Release in RAW 264.7 Macrophages
By Renzo Galarza, Edward Villegas Faculty Mentor: Dr. Laura Sipe Abstract High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is an artificial sweetener that contains slightly higher concentrations of free fructose compared to standard sucrose. It has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease. While both HFCS and sucrose…
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Inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation does not induce pro-inflammatory macrophage function
By Max De La Cruz Morrobel, Katriana Meiman Faculty Mentor: Dr. Laura Sipe Abstract After infection, SARS-CoV-2 can leave patients with long-term inflammatory cytokine release and connective tissue damage. Studies suggest that this is due to viral infection inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation in macrophages, polarizing them into the inflammatory M1 phenotype and releasing an extracellular-matrix cleaving…
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Effects of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) in Vascular Degeneration
By Jessica Bronski, Madison Bauserman Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ginny Morriss Abstract Myotonic dystrophy 1 (DM1) is a genetic disease that affects multiple organ systems including skeletal musculature, in which it causes muscle wasting. DM1 is caused by expanded CTG repeats in the 3’ untranslated region of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) gene. Capillaries are…
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3D Printed Solar Still
By Emilee Leaman Faculty Mentor: Dr. Desmond Villalba Abstract The focus of this project is the desalination of water through solar distillation. Over half the population of the earth suffers from water scarcity, yet the world’s oceans contain more than enough water. This project aims to work towards developing a small scale solar still that…
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Restricting Methionine Decreases Cancer Cell Proliferation, In Part Due to Its Role in DNA Methylation and Tumor Suppressor Gene Expression
By Loren N. Delgadillo Llano, Carolina Brooks, Ella Schmidt Faculty Mentor: Dr. Laura Sipe Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with a 66% five-year survival rate when it spreads to nearby structures or lymph nodes, emphasizing the need for better treatments. One strategy involves depriving TNBC cells of methionine, an essential amino…
