The tryptamine psilocybin exerts its hallucinogenic effects primarily through agonism of 5-HT2A receptors. 5-HT2A receptor expression fluctuates across the estrous cycle, driven by variation in estradiol level. Therefore, it is likely that the hallucinogenic effects of the drug may also vary across the estrous cycle. The head twitch response, also called wet dog shake, can […]
A60: Success in Student Fosterment of LGBTQ+ Identities at Miami University
In this project, the area of research we are specifically interested in involves the focus group of LGBTQ+ identifying students in college. Using a specific set of guidelines, we developed a research question that would honor the diversity and success of students. Specifically, we are interested in how successful student led organizations have been in […]
A55: The Impact of Methylation on the Epigenetic Regulation of the SLC9B1 gene
DNA methylation is a critical mechanism for the epigenetic control of tissue differentiation in organisms, particularly when it comes to the development of sperm and testes. There is little information, however, concerning specific methylation patterns and their effects on these regions. One gene of interest is SLC9B1, which codes for NHA1, a sodium-hydrogen exchanger that […]
A54: Characterizing the Role of NHE11 in Mammalian Sperm Physiology Using CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Edited Mice
Sodium Hydrogen Exchangers (NHEs) are a family of proteins which are important for maintaining the pH of a cell. A few NHEs have been found to be essential for the function and fertility of sperm cells. One of these in particular, NHE11, is exclusively expressed in the sperm and testes. NHE11 is also the only […]
A52: Retina Regeneration in the Spanish Newt
Millions of Americans suffer from visual impairment diseases including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. These diseases affect the retina, a layer of cells in the posterior portion of the eye that is responsible for transmitting signals to your brain through photoreceptors that allow you to see. Our lab focuses on regenerating the retina and […]
A51: Comparison of a Dual-Task and Typical Exercise Program on Physical and Cognitive Function in Adults
Introduction: Benefits of physical activity on cognitive function in adults are well established as are “brain games”- cognitive activities that are fun and stimulating. Exercise programs that combine both physical and cognitive activities, called dual-task training (DT), have the potential to efficiently and effectively enhance both physical and cognitive function. Purpose: The purpose of this […]
A50: Effect of Humidity on Foraging Success and Web Structure in Two Invasive Species of Cellar Spiders (Araneae: Pholcidae)
The coexistence of two ecologically similar species could be explained by differential use of microhabitats. This study investigated factors that influence foraging and web building behavior of two invasive species of arthropod predators in the family Pholcidae. Both are well-adapted to human dwellings, with Pholcus phalangioides, the larger species, undergoing displacement in Southwest Ohio by […]
A49: Carnitine Degradation in an Isolated Strain of the Gut Bacterium Citrobacter amalonaticus
The gut microbiome is home to several species of bacteria and other microorganisms that play an essential role in human health. For example, the normal bacteria in our gut provide resistance to pathogenic species and directly impact nutrient metabolism, such as the production of vitamin K. Carnitine, which is a molecule commonly found in seafood […]
A48: Seeing a Future Together: The Potential for Health Programs to Reduce Avoidable Blindness in Rural Communities
My project is about avoidable blindness in rural areas of the United States and is analyzed through the lens of global health. The work was conducted with a mix of in-field work and academic work. My immersion experience involved spending 7 weeks immersed in rural Honduras. During this time I shadowed physicians and community health […]
B17: Heat Recovery from Aerated Static Composting Systems
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections approached our senior design team with the idea of capturing heat from compost piles for use in heating water or buildings. Their facility is roughly half a football field in size, containing agricultural and food waste. Compost piles are able to reach temperatures upwards of 160°F, to the […]