Proteins are biological macromolecules that serve a variety of roles in the body, such as providing structural support, transporting molecules around the body, supporting immune function, and facilitating muscle contraction. For these proteins to perform their role, they must fold properly. Some proteins fold spontaneously while others require the help of specialized proteins known as […]
A22: Does Condensed Tannin Protect Zein Nanoparticles From Digestion?
Zein, the primary storage protein found in corn (maize) grain, forms nanoparticles on a carbonate scaffold under anti-solvent conditions. These zein nanoparticles may be useful for drug delivery systems but the instability and digestibility of the particles limits their potential use. Tannins are high molecular weight polyphenols made by a variety of plants in leaves, […]
A33: Foldamer Synthesis and Potential Applications
The general area our lab researches is organic chemistry. The purpose of our research is to create a foldamer capable of switching on in the presence of a chemical fuel. A foldamer is a discrete chain molecule that folds into a conformationally ordered state in solution. They are artificial molecules that mimic the ability of […]
A34: Determining the Function of Pentapeptide Repeat Proteins in Cyanobacteria During Diurnal Light Cycling and Nitrogen Starvation
Cyanobacteria, among the oldest organisms on Earth, played a crucial role in the development of complex life by oxygenating the Earth’s atmosphere. Cyanobacteria are promising candidates for use in biotechnology applications, including the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and other valuable chemicals, so studying these organisms can result in new ways to harness their potential. By […]
A35: Investigating the Role Gut Microbes Play in Triggering Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an incurable autoimmune disease that drastically affects one’s life. People who have T1D do not make insulin or do not make enough of it. This is due to a deficiency in pancreatic ꞵ-cells. The gut microbiome contains many microbes within it. Some microbes such as Bacteriodetes and Firmicutes are hypothesized […]
A37: What’s in the Water? Developing a Selective PFAS Sensing Platform Using Novel ssDNA Aptazymes
PFAS (per/polyfluoroalkyl substances) encompass a group of roughly 12,000 man-made chemicals that are incredibly stable. Because of its widespread use and the fact that it degrades very slowly, PFAS exists practically everywhere in the environment. Concerningly, consumption of PFAS compounds due to environmental contamination has been correlated with many illnesses, prompting research into detection methods […]
A39: Do Charged Residues in Grp94 Facilitate Client Binding: Insights into Chaperone Function
The Hsp90 family of chaperones functions to target misfolded proteins, prevent aggregate formation and bind to specific substrates for proper folding. Paralogs of the Hsp90 family exist in the cytoplasm (Hsp90), in the mitochondria (TRAP1) and in the endoplasmic reticulum (Grp94). The ER paralog Grp94 is of particular interest to this investigation since it is […]
A40: Gut Microbes Affect the Onset of Type 1 Diabetes
The Type 1 Diabetes research group focuses on how bacteria in the intestines affect the onset of Diabetes in non-obese Diabetic Mice(NOD). Histology is the main focus of our research which is used to see in to these organs to visualize the bacteria and what is happening within tissue cells. Many stains and antibodies are […]
A64: Living to Serve: Dimensions of Service in Low-Income Communities
Food banks are the primary form of addressing food insecurity in low socioeconomic communities across high-income countries. Because positive feedback of food banks is mostly associated with volunteers, this poses a question of what qualities are associated with high-quality volunteerism or service. The SERVQUAL model (1988) is used as the standard for food pantries, financial […]
B03: Optimizing Growth Conditions of Chlamydomonas Strains, Chlamydomonas malina and Chlamydomonas klinobasis
Understanding the growth characteristics and adaptive responses of psychrophilic organisms to varying environmental conditions is crucial for clarifying their ecological niche and potential applications in biotechnology. Psychrophilic organisms exhibit a preference for growth at 4ºC. Chlamydomonas malina originates from the Beaufort Sea and Chlamydomonas klinobasis originates from Svalbard, Norway. C. malina is a marine alga […]