The Drosophila life cycle has 3 distinct phases: larva, pupa, and adult, each with unique motor functions. Metamorphosis, the transition from larva to adult, is when the most significant reorganization of the nervous system occurs, to accommodate a shift in locomotor function to the thorax, and gain of reproductive functions in the abdomen. Over the […]
B09: RNAi v. CRISPR: Comparing Efficiency of Loss-of-Function Analysis
RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR/Cas9-genome editing have revolutionized biology by enabling loss-of-function analyses with relatively simple procedures. Although both RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 lead to functional loss of the targeted gene, these two methods are fundamentally different. RNAi targets mRNA at the post-transcriptional level, leading to the reduction (i.e. knockdown) of the target gene function. On […]
B10: Microplastic ingestion may prime rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) immune response
Preview in new tab As plastic waste is entering aquatic ecosystems and breaking down via chemical and physical processes, microplastic ingestion is an increasing threat to water-dwelling species. In this experiment, 180 rainbow trout consumed diets containing nylon fibers, nylon particles, or no plastic. Half of each treatment group was dosed with infectious hematopoietic necrosis […]
B11: Gaining Insights into the World of Freshwater Isopods
Isopod crustaceans of the family Asellidae are one of the most widespread freshwater crustacean groups. Members of the family occur throughout North America, and occupy a wide range of habitats (wetlands, streams, surface springs, caves). However, they are not well studied, with very little known about their evolutionary history and biogeography. Here we aim to […]
B12: Dual Activity and Synaptic Plasticity in Muscles
We study the nervous system, specifically communication between neurons and muscles at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), in the Jonah crab (Cancer borealis). We asked whether p7, a pyloric (food filtering behavior) muscle, and gm3, a gastric mill (chewing behavior) muscle, can follow the dual-network activity pattern of the LPG neuron which innervates them. LPG switches […]
B13: Where You Are and Who You’re With: Evaluating Interactions between Anuran Species across a Leaf Litter Gradient
The competition-colonization tradeoff hypothesis predicts that good colonizers are poor competitors. The Blanchard’s cricket frog (Acris blanchardi) is an effective colonizer of young ponds in wetland habitats, but this species faces range contractions. Previous studies suggest that green frogs (Lithobates clamitans) can outcompete cricket frogs and decrease their survival to metamorphosis. This study examined interactions […]
B14: Studying Optic Glioma and Plexiform Neurofibroma in Neurofibromatosis Type-1
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]