Category: Biological Sciences
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The Effects of Estrous Stage on Voluntary Wheel Running and Anxious Behavior in Female CD-1 Mice
By Abigail Algeier and Emily Landry Faculty Mentor: Parrish Waters Abstract Women report having anxiety and other mood disorders at nearly twice the rate of men. The female menstrual cycle involves fluctuations in pituitary hormones, estrogen, and progesterone. Each of these hormones are psychoactive and can potently affect mood state, both acutely and chronically. In…
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Characterizing developmental gene expression in Arabidopsis Thaliana
By Mark Murray Faculty Mentor: Dr. April Wynn Abstract Through this semester I have been analyzing expression of multiple genes in Arabidopsis Thaliana. Using several methods I have grown several plants I have isolated their DNA from RNA and measured their gene expression.
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The Effect of Social Isolation on Depression-like Symptoms in Mice
By Dylan Crann Faculty Mentor: Dr. Parrish Waters Abstract Humans who experience social isolation are at risk of developing depression disorders, such as Major Depression Disorder. This disorder can be typified by stress and forgetfulness. This study combines behavioral and physiological approaches to understand the effects of social isolation in a model organism, being mice.…
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The Relationship between the 5-HT1B gene and Drosophila melanogaster
By Jasmyne Watkins and Serenity Baumgardner Faculty Mentor: Dr. Morriss Abstract Serotonin is a hormone that is responsible for mood, sleep, digestion, and other key body functions. It is a neurotransmitter that carries messages between the body and the brain also known as monoamine (5-HT). Alterations to the level of serotonin in the body can…
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The Effect of Phage Resistance on Bacillus thuringiensis subps. kurstaki on Virulence to Manduca sexta Larvae
By Marianne Beaulieu Faculty Mentor: Dr. Lynn Lewis Abstract Phage therapy is the practice of treating bacterial infections with bacteriophages, viruses that are virulent to bacterial hosts. Phage therapy is a promising solution to the growing issue of treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, bacteria develop resistance to phages as well. There is literature to suggest that…
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Differential Gene Expression in Myotonic Dystrophy
By Anna Harris Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ginny Morriss Abstract Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disorder that progressively decreases muscle function in approximately 1 in 8,000 individuals worldwide. Expansion of CTG repeats in the 3’ untranslated region of Dystrophia Myotonica-Protein Kinase (DMPK) gene is ultimately responsible for the skeletal muscle wasting phenotype in…
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Drosophila melanogaster para gene knockdown and lithium effects on symptoms
By Natasha Lebert, Jessica Agbeve, Asifa Mossavi Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ginny Morriss Abstract The purpose of this research is to find out whether or not LiCl will reduce seizure symptoms in flies with a para gene knockdown. Certain gene mutations and gene knockdowns in Drosophila melanogaster give rise to symptoms that resemble epilepsy. Previous studies…
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The effects of nutrient pollution on macroinvertebrate communities in Accokeek Creek and Potomac Creek
By Mika Bishton Faculty Mentor: Abbie Tomba Abstract Agricultural practices and suburban development can contribute to excess nutrients entering freshwater systems and negatively impact biodiversity. Tidal streams, due to high surface area to volume ratios, are more susceptible effects of excess nutrients, thus making them useful water quality indicators for larger watersheds. Macroinvertebrates are good…
