Research Projects
Using archived cells to determine if particles will move from the nasal passage to the olfactory bulb and into the main parts of the brain in a mouse
Through looking at different cells, the paths that air pollutants take through the body when they are breathed in can be determined. This project tracks the cells and the pollutants that are in mice to see if the brain will be affected by air pollution.
The biosynthesis of enzymes that create antigens for various diseases such as cancer
Our is working in a biochemistry lab utilizing modern biotechnology methods to create an enzyme that can synthesize antigens for diseases. Utilizing bacteria as a medium, he will alter its DNA so that it will be induced into synthesizing the essential enzymes. After the enzyme has been synthesized successfully, the gene may need to be modified through mutation in order to achieve over expression in the creation of this enzyme.
The health effects of ambient air particles on the pulmonary and immune systems w
Mice were exposed to air pollution from California’s San Joaquin Valley in concentrated forms, and their lungs were observed to have higher levels of neutrophils, indicators of lung inflammation. In this project, cross sections of lung tissue will be stained in order to locate neutrophils, and next, a test will be performed to evaluate the level of a specific protein in these neutrophils. These protein levels will be correlated with the neutrophil level in the lungs and compared to that of mice exposed to clean air.
Exploring what causes some grapes to crack and change color during the ripening process.
On this project, we are working on a project to explore how different levels sugar and hormones influence to percentage of grapes that crack and change color during ripening. This project involves testing many grapes in several mixtures of sugar and abscissic acid (a plant hormone) and calculating the percentage of grapes lost to cracking. At the end of the project, grape samples from the beginning will be compared to the grapes form the end to understand what genes the different sugar-hormone mixtures are activating.
Studying Vitamin A and Beta Cryptoxanthin metabolism in relation to nutrition
This project will test and research the best method for extracting Beta Cryptoxanthin from different parts of gerbils. Beta Cryptoxanthin produces an essential vitamin called vitamin A. Through this experiment he will learn more about the benefits of Beta Cryptoxanthin in human nutrition, which can lead to helping prevent the problem of vitamin A deficiency more effectively around the world.
Determining the legitimacy of the claims that Headline Fungicide F500 fungicide helps draught toleration in deciduous fruit trees.
The project will be conducted on a plot containing four deciduous fruit trees (apple, nectarine, cherry, and almond) that are subjected to various conditions. Two trees of each species will be measured over time for each condition, either control or sprayed with the fungicide, in either dry or wet soil. Each tree’s growth will be measured and the water stress level taken with a pressure pump, and the results will be analyzed to determine the results of spraying Headline Fungicide on draught resistance.
Tyrosine Sulfation
Tyrosine is an amino acid, and adding sulfate makes it a sulfated tyrosine. These sulfated tyrosines are located in many receptors throughout the body and allow for cell signaling and for viruses to enter the cell. By studying sites with sulfated tyrosines, one can learn more about its effects on the body.
Air quality control and air sample analysis
Design, construction, testing, and perfecting of a machine that takes surface soil samples, resuspends the particles into the air, and collects the airborn particles in a usable form. The air samples will be analyzed by machines to determine the composition of their suspended particles and then the results will be applied to determine the possible negative or dangerous effects of the particles when they settle.
How one of the essential amino acids effects the function of liver mitochondria of rats.
Using a computer program called Cytoscape and bioinformatics software, to visualize interactions between genes and protein. The research will map different pathways of proteins for cholesterol and bile synthesis, which are all ultimately affected by threonine.
Measurement and analysis of plant oxylipin metabolites by gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry
Plants, like humans, have hormones that regulate growth and development; specifically, plants respond to invaders and damage by releasing chemical compounds with defense functions. Gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry allows researchers to separate and identify chemical compounds by their chemical characteristics and composition. Using that technique, scientists measure and analyze plant-defense hormones in transgenic plants.