Neurofibromatosis type one (NF1) is one of the most common genetic conditions affecting 1 in 3000 people. 95% of NF1 patients have cutaneous nerve neurofibromas, benign tumors that grow under the skin and appear as bumps. 50% have plexiform neurofibromas, tumors that form in the tissue of NF1 patients. These are typically benign, but some […]
B15: Uncovering the Northern Migration of Lyme Disease in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan
White footed deer mice (Peromyscus leucopus) serve as the primary natural host for the Lyme disease organism, Borrelia burgdorferi. The Lower Peninsula (LP) of Michigan is not yet completely colonized by B. burgdorferi; even though P. leucopus is present in every county of the state, infected mice have only been found in the southern and […]
B16: The Role of Inflammation on Newt Lens Regeneration
Tissue regeneration is a fascinating, scar-free healing response that can be found in varying degrees across the animal kingdom. Previous studies have shown that macrophages play an important role in regeneration, including lens regeneration in the Pleurodeles waltl. We wanted to explore the unique dynamics between inflammation and macrophages during the lens regeneration process.Lens removal […]
B17:Genetic Inheritance of Susceptibility to Borrelia burgdorferi infection among white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus novaboracensis) in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula
The Lower Peninsula of Michigan is inhabited by the white-footed deer mouse Peromyscus leucopus, which has been identified as the reservoir host for the Lyme disease-causing bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, due to its ability to maintain the bacterial infection for long periods of time. The vector for B. burgdorferi transmission between hosts is the deer tick, […]
B18: Regulation of Lysozyme Expression and Lytic Activity by the Fragile X Mental Retardation Gene
Our lab uses the Acheta domesticus cricket to study the Fragile X mental retardation (FMR1) gene. FMR1 is associated with Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a genetic disorder, which is the single leading cause of intellectual disability and the primary cause of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). FXS often presents with developmental delays, learning disabilities, and social […]
B19: Role of the Neurotrophic Factor MANF in Neuroprotection following Cold Stress
Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) is a recently discovered protein responsible for the regulation and survival of neurons. Studies have shown MANF to be a protective agent that prevents and repairs damaged nervous system tissue, however, how MANF achieves this effect is still poorly understood. We previously found that exposing A. domesticus crickets to a […]
B20: Effects of Reduced NOS Expression on Cricket Agonistic Behavior
Nitric oxide (NO) is an immune signaling molecule secreted primarily by blood cells of animals and plays a role in the inflammatory response. But NO also functions as a brain neurotransmitter and can regulate behaviors, including aggression, mating, and feeding. In mammals, NO is associated with learning, memory and social behavior; however, its role in […]
B21: Japanese 2.5D Musicals: Another Disney-on-Broadway effort to bring 2-dimensional pictures to life?
2.5D musicals refers to 3-dimensional theatrical adaptations of 2-dimensional animations, comics, and games (ACG) in Japan. 2.5D musical is a part of the 2.5D culture, which, according to Joel Gn, facilitates the dissemination of fictional content from Japanese ACG products (2D) to physical reality (3D) via intermedia communication (2023). Within the broader spectrum of 2.5D […]
B22: Soldiers of Two Nations – Reactions to Native American military service in the First World War
This project aimed to provide a deeper understanding of how Native American soldiers of the First World War were perceived by the world around them. Primary source materials, ranging from military reports, government publications, newspapers, and were compiled utilizing both physical and digital archives; they were then analyzed with the intent of better understanding how […]
B23: Contemporary Podcasting: Producing Authenticity & Shaping Fandom
Podcasts have become a popular medium where celebrities and media creators are able to engage in free-flowing conversations and express themselves authentically. Llinares et al. states that podcasting possesses “the advantages of the internet while expelling some of the pitfalls.” (2018) To analyze this idea further, it’s necessary to examine the opportunities and constraints of […]