Unidirectional blood flow, controlled by valves within the heart, is an essential component for proper and efficient heart function. 30% of patients exhibiting a congenital heart defect present with defects in these valves resulting in decreased heart function. In zebrafish, valve formation occurs at the atrioventricular canal (AVC) and outflow tract (OFT). The signaling pathways […]
C03: Investigating the Role of Retinoic Acid Signaling on Establishing Heart Size in Zebrafish
Congenital heart defects are often accompanied by improper blood flow throughout the heart, leading to greater complications in patients born with such defects and often resulting in higher mortality rates. Given the severity of these conditions, it is important to understand more about the development of heart defects and how they specifically impact the cardiovascular […]
B30: Long term trends in suspended sediments and nutrients in Four Mile Creek Watershed
Four Mile Creek watershed is the largest sub watershed that drains into Acton Lake. This is predominantly an agricultural watershed. Seeing recent changes in farming techniques, like the switch to conservation tillage, affects the soil and waterways nearby. The Vanni Lab here at Miami University monitors the effects of non-point source pollution from agriculture in […]
B31: Visualizing Gene Expression to Understand Ocular Development and Regeneration
The embryonic eye is composed of a number of ectoderm-derived structures that ultimately give rise to a diverse array of cell types and complex tissues. Extensive cell-cell communication and precisely coordinated molecular events are necessary to differentiate the associated cell types, including within the retina. Embryonic days 4 and 5 of chicken development encompass a […]
B08: Effects of GASP-1 Protein on Binge-like and Aversion Resistant Drinking in C57 Mice
In the RAD lab, I currently work as an Undergraduate Research Assistant, where we look at the neural pathways involved in addiction. In this study, we look at the effects of knocking out a gene found in the X chromosome in female and male rodents. Previous studies have shown that female rodents drink more alcohol […]
B34: Potential Drivers of Decadal Bluegill Patterns in Turbid Reservoirs
Larval fish population dynamics are influenced by biotic and abiotic factors. Larval stages of planktivorous fish temporally overlap in aquatic systems. In midwestern reservoirs in the USA, larval stages of gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) temporally overlap in early-mid summer. Larval gizzard shad hatch earlier (early May) than bluegill (June) and can […]
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 […]
A31: Effects of Estrogen and Glucose on Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth
Recently in the world, there has been a rapid increase in the prevalence of and mortality from obesity, diabetes mellitus, and colorectal cancer (CRC). Colorectal cancer related deaths have become the second highest category of cancer death in both the U.S. and the world, including roughly 2 million global diagnoses every year and 700,000 CRC […]
A53: Effects of Diet on the Gastric Mill (Chewing) Behavior in the Crab Cancer borealis
Central pattern generators (CPGs) are neuronal circuits that underlie rhythmic movements including breathing and chewing. CPGs are capable of producing complex, rhythmic outputs in the absence of input signals, but are also capable of modifying the pattern in response to sensory feedback. Therefore, investigating the interplay between sensory-regulated and intrinsically controlled output is crucial in […]
C42: Metabolism of Condensed Tannins by Manganese Peroxidase
Tannin is a chemically stable phenolic compound found in plant leaves, fruits, and roots. It enters the soil from plant detritus, but what happens after it enters the soil is unknown. It has biological importance due to its action as an antioxidant and its ability to precipitate proteins. This unique ability to interact with proteins, […]