Model
Digital Document
Publisher
IRSC Department of Biological Sciences
Description
The Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit’s mission is, “To inspire appreciation and understanding of the importance and complexity of marine ecosystems and the process of science through engaging exhibits, meaningful education, and the dissemination of Smithsonian Marine Station research.” Starting from the bottom of the food web, the exhibit recreates habitats for their resident organisms. Healthy phytoplankton cultures feed the oysters’ and their reefs’ filter feeding inhabitants like feather duster worms, sponges, and tunicates. Phytoplankton also plays a key role in maintaining water quality by consuming nitrates and phosphorous. This project focused on and tested different light sources in order to maximize phytoplankton production. Successful maintenance of Isochrysis galbana made it possible to replicate and thoroughly test phytoplankton production in relation to the light spectrum. Nannochloropsis oculata and Chaetocerous gracilis were unsustainable and must be further assessed for harmful cellular organisms specific to these species, contamination, and other variables that may be attributing to cell culture crashing.
Model
Digital Document
Publisher
IRSC Department of Biological Sciences
Description
<i>Agama agama africana</i> is a lizard originally found in sub-Saharan Africa. Typically, it is found in urban and suburban areas and certain wildlands of Africa. This lizard was first noted in 1983 in Florida by L. D. William and L. Portis. It is believed that the Florida populations of these lizards are a result of intentional release and from damage done to exotic reptile businesses during Hurricane Andrew. Other researchers have documented that this species of lizard has a territory range that it aggressively defends against when other males challenge the territory. The behavior of the lizard was the focus for this study. Data was collected in areas throughout Jensen Beach and Stuart, Florida where populations are prevalent. Five males of A. a. africana were caught, marked with nail polished, and measured. Once released, three of these males and one uncaught male were observed from a distance while their movement and activity were recorded. Measurements were then taken of the lizards’ movement and the total area was calculated using an online irregular polygon calculator. Due to the small sample size, the results were inconclusive for a relationship between lizard size and home range area.
Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Indian River State College
Description
Through research done on causes of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a link has been made between the amyloid-beta protein and the APOE ε4 allele. Not only do they play a major role in leading to AD, they also result in an increased risk of brain injury. Looking at studies done on patients with traumatic brain injuries, with an emphasis on injuries received while boxing, the possibility exists that having the APOE ε4 allele can lead to being more at risk for having a traumatic brain injury than non-carriers. Currently, there is no screening for the APOE ε4 allele in prospective athletes. The topic of potential screening should be further discussed as well as additional research done to be better equipped for educating the public on possible risks.
Model
Digital Document
Publisher
IRSC Department of Biological Sciences
Description
Two issues affecting health today are metabolic syndrome and trans fats. Metabolic syndrome is a common condition that has no single known cause. Trans fats are fatty acids that can be artificially made and added to food, or can naturally occur in ruminant-derived foods. There has been speculation that metabolic syndrome and trans fats are correlated. Studies indicate both positive and negative correlations between metabolic syndrome and the consumption of trans fats.
Model
Digital Document
Publisher
IRSC Department of Biological Sciences
Description
Dental pulp stem cell research has provided new understanding regarding the subtle differences from the more commonly studied mesenchymal stem cells. The ability to differentiate into various types of cells, the ease of extraction, and ability to maintain clonogenic properties in cell cultures have led dental pulp stem cells to be an attractive alternative focus in stem cell therapeutic research. The recent research advancements that have led an endeavor for application in medicine and therapeutics are reviewed.