Tag: Allee P

Andrea Gloss

Impacts of Feral Cats and Dogs in Communities

Feral cats and dogs across the United States can have negative impacts in communities because of overpopulation and the spread of diseases among them as well as other animals in the wild. Issues like pet abandonment, costs of treatments, and funding for shelters and trap and release programs are all factors that can affect feral cats’ and dogs’ impact in communities. Although the total population of feral cats and dogs can be a difficult issue to solve, there are some ways that communities attempt to alleviate the negative impacts. Ways that communities and veterinary professionals have gotten involved in the issue of feral cat and dog populations are implementing capture and spay/neuter and release programs, along with giving other medical attention like vaccinations while they are captured. They also have advocated for the capture and adoption of feral cats and dogs. Although there are negative impacts in communities from feral cats and dogs, there are solutions available to help alleviate these issues. 

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

L204

2:30 – 3:00 PM

Emily Kaelin

Effects of Four Botanical Products on Pathogenic and Probiotic Bacteria

Current research suggests that natural antimicrobial agents have the potential to help mitigate problems associated with traditional antibiotics, such as antibiotic resistance and damage to beneficial bacteria. The purpose of this project was to investigate the effects of selected plant products on pathogenic and probiotic bacteria. Oregano essential oil, oregano extract, cayenne extract, and hops extract were tested against several strains of bacteria, using disk diffusion and incorporation into incubating yogurt. The results were compared to results obtained from standard antibiotics. Oregano extract appeared to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, while not inhibiting probiotic bacteria. Hops extract also appeared to affect the growth of pathogenic bacteria, but not probiotic bacteria. Oregano oil appeared to affect both types of bacteria, while cayenne extract did not inhibit any of the bacteria. Further research is needed to confirm the results, but the data obtained from the tests of oregano extract and hops extract appear to be promising.

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

L204

1:00 – 1:30 PM

Brandon Lotts

Anthophila: Beeyond the Sting

Anthophila, more commonly known as bees, are a species that are encountered nearly every day, yet, are taken for granted. While they are often over looked or feared due to the reputation of their deadly cousin, the African Honey Bee, bees are relatively unprotected when compared to other nearly endangered species. Bees play a vital role in our ecosystem by directly pollinating one-third of the food consumed today. Habitat loss, rising temperatures, disease, and the overuse of pesticides world–wide have led to a decline in bee populations as well as other imperative pollinators. These human inflicted changes pose an insurmountable task bees currently face on their own. As a keystone species, bees play an indispensable role in both the world’s environments and economies. Preventative and restoration measures such as habitat rehabilitation, addressing global climate change, and restricting the overuse and abuse of pesticides are all viable ways in which the population decline can be slowed and eventually ceased. 

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

L204

1:30 – 2:00 PM

Danielle Schneider

Humans’ Effect on Waterbody Quality and the Impact on Fish Health

Since the dawn of time, humans have used rivers and lakes as a natural resource; utilizing the abundant life found there as a source of food. For the last two hundred years, however, the health of these waterbodies has dropped dramatically. As we have put in dams and changed the flow of the rivers, we have also inadvertently blocked fish off from their natural habitats and spawning grounds. The number of fish, as a result, has decreased dramatically with some species classified as endangered. Numerous restoration projects have focused on returning our lakes and streams to their former glory. Some projects have had resounding success; for example the Oregon Chub is the first fish to be delisted from the endangered species list. This presentation will be a look at rivers and how their healthy vs unhealthy environment affects fish, as well as restoration attempts and the possible benefits. 

BIOL 499, Capstone

Allee

L204

2:00 – 2:30 PM

Tysen Buhler

Algae Biodiesel: Alternative Fuel in an Era of Crisis

The world is in an energy crisis. Fossil fuels are quickly running out even with the invention of new drilling techniques. A time is coming when there will be a dire need for an alternative energy source. Algae may be the source on the horizon humanity has been looking for. Using oil extracted from Algae, biofuel is being made that could replace fossil fuels permanently. Algae biofuel lacks the drawbacks other biofuels have such as required land and water use. Production of algae biofuel also is cost competitive and helps to mitigate atmospheric CO2.With new genetic engineering strategies available new metabolic pathways are being created that will increase lipid production and along with developing technology for harvesting, drying, and extracting, these new advances have really given algae a leg up. There are a few setbacks in industrial production, which are being discussed, but right now the new technology is looking very promising. This paper focuses on the need for the new technology and the technology itself, discussing the pros and cons of this possible new industry. 

BIOL 499 Capstone

Paul Allee

P114

1 PM