Research Projects
Determining the optimal hatching conditions of ostracods under differing environments
The research currently being conducted in the lab can be divided into two main parts: first, ostracod eggs collected from vernal pools around California are being hatched under varying conditions (i.e. to mimic natural seasonal changes). The conditions that yield the highest hatching rates will be studied more extensively to determine factors that contribute to such rates. The second part of the project relates to a study of the biological diversity in vernal pools (pools that are created and disappear annually) and how abiotic and biotic factors play a role in such diversity.
Nutrient resorption in the wetland marshes
Nutrient resorption is the process that certain plants undergo to provide the rest of the plant with nutrients where these nutrients are not readily available. In nitrogen limited areas, plants will in a sense split themselves in half and allow one side to live and the other to die or naturally senesce. Through nutrient resorption this provides the living portion of the plant with the nitrogen from the dying part so that part of the plant will live instead of the whole plant dying of nutrient starvation.
Using theories of cognitive neuroscience to explain how attention and visual perception works in humans
We are trying to measure thoughts of people through the principles of Dodner and his theory called the subtractive method. Using this method he will use human volunteers to help figure out which brain waves and what part of the brain are involved in the use of attention.
The effects of a sulfate being attached to an amino acid named tyrosine.
Sometimes an amino acid named tyrosine is attached to a sulfate, or SO3, thus strengthening the binding power of the tyrosine. Through research, it is possible to find out which tyrosines have a sulfate, so we can know which tyrosines are the strongest. With this information, we can hopefully better fight diseases and understand the immune system.
Synthesis of gold nanoparticles and attachments containing amine or carboxyl functional groups.
When gold nanoparticles are x-rayed, they emit electrons that can cause damage in a localized area. The goal of this study is to tweak the nanoparticles and their attachments so that they may destroy the DNA of cancerous cells in a localized area. As a result, the healthy cells around the cancerous cells will remain alive, whereas in previous studies, they too were killed along with the cancerous cells in cancer radiation treatments.
Optimization of incubating conditions
This research involves all the steps of human protein production through plant cells. This economically viable method of protein production will dramatically decrease the medical bills of patients who suffer diseases from various protein deficiencies.
investigating the effects of mutations in troponin associated with hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy
Mutations in cardiac troponin, a protein in muscle, can result in enlarged hearts. We arestudying one specific mutation in one of the subunits of troponin to determine its effect on the regulation of muscle contraction in the heart.
The molecular basis of circadian rhythms
Circadian systems, or internal clocks, provide many evolutionary advantages to organisms. For example, the circadian system in humans is known to regulate metabolism and lower the chances of getting certain diseases. Consequently, since it can be assumed that the circadian system plays an important role in all organisms, the understanding of the circadian system is likely to lead the way to many medical advancements.
Investigating the effects of mutations of troponin on cardiac health, especially as cause of hypertonic cardiomyopathy
Mutations in troponin, a protein in cardiac muscle that regulates heart contractions, could lead to enlarged hearts or sudden cardiac arrests. Our lab seeks to analyze the effects of a mutation in one form of troponin, thus enabling doctors to assess the risk of hereditary heart diseases for patients with such a genetic anomaly.
Biodiversity and genetic diversity in vernal pool crustaceans.
Vernal pools are essentially puddles, and they teem with many different kinds of life - some of which we don’t even have scientfic names for. Although we know how most of the organisms function individually, we have little understanding of the greater ecological relationships. Kairav’s project lays the framework for future hypothesis-based research through extensive surveying of vernal pools, and also enables to determine some correlations between environmental factor, diversity, and reproductive success in vernal pool organisms.