The size of a population and its diversity are important aspects of a healthy population. The critically imperiled species Mimulus gemmiparus reproduces asexually by mode of the bulbil, a novel structure that is a combination of an axillary meristem and leaf not found in its sister species, Mimulus guttatus. Asexual reproduction may lead to decreased […]
A04: Differential Expression of Cysteine Proteases in Carica papaya
Papain-Like Cysteine Proteases (PLCPs) are a family of protein degrading enzymes with similar structures and functions, thirty-three of which are found in Carica papaya (C. papaya). Papain, the namesake of the enzyme family, is extensively used in industry and harvested from the latex of un-ripened C. papaya fruits. In addition to its industrial importance, papain, […]
A05: Distinguishing Species-Specific Pollen Differences in Genus Vasconcellea of the Papaya Family
Palynology, or the study of pollen/spores is a functional field that informs physical and evolutionary relationships of plants. This field helps augment historical, archeological, and environmental studies dealing with plant identification based on pollen morphology and can infer global plant diversity and evolutionary patterns in pollen and pollen/pollinator interactions. Previous work on pollen morphology in […]
A07: Comparing Social Dynamics Between Three Troops of Captive Western Lowland Gorillas
My general research area is biological anthropology. I observed eleven individuals across three troops of western lowland gorillas (gorilla gorilla) at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden between 2022 and 2023 (N = 105 hrs). Behavioral data were collected under the context of focal animal sampling to assess differences in social interactions and spatial proximity […]
CSIV-01: Estimating Deer Population and Impacts in Miami University Natural Areas
In recent history, deer populations have increased due to the near extinction of natural predators and an increase in available food from agriculture. We need to understand the impact that overabundant deer have on ecosystems in our Miami University Natural Areas. Deer browse causes damage to seedlings, and when seedlings are depleted few become saplings, […]
C25: Regenerative Hallmarks of Aging: Insights Through the Lens of Pleurodeles Waltl
Cataracts can cause blindness and affects mostly older individuals. Traditionally, treatment for cataracts is an invasive ophthalmological procedure in which the lens of the eye is replaced by a physician. However, exploration of regeneration-competent vertebrates, such as the newt Pleurodeles waltl (P. waltl) has offered exciting models to study natural, in vivo lens regeneration. Regarded […]
C24: Role of Nitric Oxide and Cricket’s Agonistic Behavior
Agonistic behavior is a critical aspect of animal behavior that is essential for survival and reproduction. Nitric oxide (NO) is a key neurotransmitter that has been shown to regulate a wide range of behaviors in both insects and mammals. In insects, NO has been demonstrated to modulate aggression, mating, feeding, and many other behaviors. In […]
C22: Phenotypic characterization of Foxe3 knockouts and a streamlined protocol for fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)
Foxe3 is a DNA-transcription factor (TF) that is vital to the normal development of the lens. The lens is a structural component of the eye that is responsible for transmitting and focusing light onto the retina. Here we examine the role that Foxe3 plays in regulating networks of genes that are essential for cellular differentiation. […]
C21: Changes in Interior Alaskan Flying Insect Biomass
In recent decades, there has been a notable decline in flying insect biomass levels. Since insects act as key contributors to various ecosystem services, it is important to understand changes in biomass levels for conservation purposes. Unfortunately, areas around the globe lack historical data on flying insect populations. This study attempts to establish a baseline […]
C19: Regulation of Lysozyme Expression and Activity by the Fragile X Mental Retardation Gene
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), a genetic disorder involving mutation of the Fragile X mental retardation (FMR1) gene, accounts for up to 50% of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) cases. While many studies have examined cognitive deficits associated with FXS, effects on the immune system have not been well-researched. ASD patients are reported to have increased blood […]