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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
B35: Tunable Polymer Networks Using Chemically Fueled Dissipative Assembly and Metal-Ligand Coordination
This research is in the area of polymer chemistry, and this specific research is on the effects different metal ion ligands will cause on synthetically crafted polymerized materials. This was done through the testing of the materials through a rheological frequency sweep of the materials upon addition of the metal ligand, finding the stress modulus […]
B36: Comparing Ratiometric and Phasor Analysis Approaches for Sensing Calcium Ion Concentration Using Indo-1 Dye
Metabolic ions like calcium are important signaling ions that are involved in many cellular functions such as muscle control, signal transmissions, and gene transcription. Calcium ion concentrations are implicated in medical conditions like hypercalcemia, which can lead to bone and kidney disease. Intracellular ion levels can be sensed using fluorescence indicators. This means we can […]
B43: Exploring New Analyses in Drinking Behavior
Previous research has revealed that mu opioid receptors (MOR) located on cholinergic interneurons play a role in the mechanisms of reward and inhibition. By utilizing new analyses in drinking behavior, we hope to examine these mechanisms and consumption patterns in greater detail than we have previously. Through the usage of lickometry, we are able to […]
B49: Binding of Tryptamines in Psilocybin-Containing Mushrooms to the 5HT2A Receptor
The purpose of this study is to determine if psilocybin-related tryptamines bind to the 5-HT2A receptor through molecular calcium imaging. We hypothesized that psilocybin-related tryptamines would bind to the 5-HT2A receptor with appreciable affinity.5HT2A receptors have gained popularity in research due to their suspected role in mental health, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar […]