Tag: BIOL

Scholar Lunch

Come to L203 at noon. If you’re one of the first to arrive, you can have free pizza. The meal’s entertainment consists of five minute talks by representatives from majors and minors across campus. Speakers will take a single idea they learned from their major or minor coursework, explain it, explain why it’s useful or beautiful, and explain why they personally love it. Scheduled speakers:

  • Angela Cusano, Spanish
  • Mitchell Davis, Bible & Ministry
  • Kristyn Dodge, History
  • Garrett Kraal, Exercise Science
  • Payton Martin, Mathematics
  • Kaleb Miles, Biology
  • Alaina Thomson, Psychology
  • McKenzie Wirth, Communication

L203

Noon – 1 PM

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Benjamin Drach

CRISPR: The Healing Tool of the Future

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats; 9 nuclease (CRISPR/Cas9) is a new tool based upon a bacterial protein that is associated with CRISPR. Cas9 comes from Streptococcus pyogenes. CRISPR’s functions and associated genes are essential in adaptive immunity in archaea and bacteria, enabling them to respond and eliminate invading genetic materials. The goal of many scientists and their communities is to apply this adaptive immunity to the human race. CRISPR/Cas9 can also be used to remove genetic diseases and even affect future generations of humans. By researching and analysing CRISPR/Cas9 further, humanity could be free from disease, disorders, and even aging. This paper reviews what CRISPR/Cas9 is and its possible future effects it will have upon humanity.

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

P114

10:30 – 11 AM

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Jordan Weinkauf

Ebola, A Threat Assessment

Hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola have been in the news over the last several years as severe outbreaks have sprung up in West Africa.  It has captured our imagination due to its extremely virulent nature and by the spectacularly gruesome way in which kills those it infects.  In addition its origin is relatively unknown which furthers the myth of this virus.  Understandably the American public became incredibly worried, with large portions of the population concerned that the pandemic would spread to our shores.  But was all this hype really worth it?  Sure, Ebola is very deadly.  In fact in some cases it kills up to 90% of those infected.  What’s even more incredible is that it is not the virus that ultimately kills you, but rather your own immune system.  Through viral trickery, the Ebola virus silences and short circuits your immune cells causing massive internal bleeding and organ failure.  Also it can last relatively long periods on common hospital surfaces and still remain viable.  However while it is quite destructive on the individual level it seems to be relatively impotent on a global level.  Outbreaks have been severe but still remain locked to a relatively small area.  This becomes very evident if we look at the R0 number and other infection factors of the virus and we can see that it has less teeth than originally thought.  Therefore, I believe Ebola is not the harbinger of some future apocalypse, but it is an incredibly complex and fascinating virus that deserves future study.

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

P114

11 – 11:30 AM

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Scholar Lunch

Come to L203 at noon. If you’re one of the first to arrive, you can have free pizza. The meal’s entertainment consists of five minute talks by representatives from majors and minors across campus. Speakers will take a single idea they learned from their major or minor coursework, explain it, explain why it’s useful or beautiful, and explain why they personally love it. Scheduled speakers:

  • Calvin Anderson, Christian Ministry
  • Austin Dame, Business
  • Ben Drach, Biology
  • Colby Hanson, Communication
  • Zoe Herron, English
  • Delaney McMahon, Music & Worship Arts
  • Sam Nervino, Exercise Science
  • Chelsea Taylor, Psychology

L203

Noon – 1 PM

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Michelle Fletcher

Dental Caries: A review of pathogenesis and genetically linked predispositions

Bacteria are small unicellular organisms that can cause an array of human diseases. They can take on a variety of shapes and sizes and can infect through many different modes of transfer. Streptococcus mutans is a spherical, Gram-positive bacterium that is responsible for causing dental caries. This disease is characterized by the breakdown of calcified tooth tissue, and is known more commonly as “cavities”. Studying and understanding the pathogenesis of a disease such as dental caries is helpful for medical professionals to recognize and treat the disease.

Besides understanding the exact mechanisms through which S. mutans invades and infects, it is also worth exploring any genetic predispositions for dental caries. The completion of the Human Genome Project has allowed researchers to sequence complete human gene extracts. With this information, researchers have been able to determine which genes and proteins are responsible for resistance or susceptibility to caries. Alterations to protein expression can lead to modifications in enamel structure, immune response, and sugar metabolism. Any of these modifications make one increasingly susceptible to disease.

Understanding pathogenesis and knowing genetic risk factors for diseases are two powerful weapons in combatting against them. Preventative measures should be taken when fighting against dental caries. Vaccines have been developed with some success, but perhaps the greatest method of prevention rests in low sugar diets and the daily practice of brushing.

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

P103

10 – 10:30 AM

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Emily Sanders

Engaging Students at the Junior High Level: How to Overcome Biological Hindrances to Learning and Foster a Prosperous Classroom Environment for a Student’s Ultimate Success

In the teenage years, as one undergoes puberty, many biological changes are occurring. In order, to understand how to teach students at this level, teachers should be aware of how their brain works and the ways in which they learn. Taking a look at the process of myelination and examining different hormones, grasping the effects of poverty on the brain, and seeing how those with disabilities differ in the learning process provides insight into the effects on learning. In schools today there are various types of learners. Some learn through visual means, some auditory, and some kinesthetic. Through understanding these types of learners, a teacher can construct a classroom that accommodates students and pushes them to their highest potential. With the background knowledge of brain structures and functions, it becomes easier to limit distractions in the classroom, build lesson plans which collaborate and invent, and enforce classroom structure and discipline. This also informs how technology is used in the classroom and what type of relationship a teacher should have with students. All of these components construct a complete view of how a classroom can cater towards students and assist them to reach success, no matter the biological hindrances.

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

P103

10:30 – 11 AM

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Cassidy Winters

Food and People: a Review of the Western Diet and Implications for Human Health

The need for food is something that all humans have in common and is something that has not changed since we have started walking the Earth. What has shifted, however, is the way that we obtain food. Immense change has occurred at various levels of the food chain, from the crops grown, to raising meat, all the way to how we eat. Known as the “western diet” our way of eating today looks far different from our hunter-gatherer days, with highly processed foods full of refined sugar, fat, and grains comprising over half of our energy intake. With the emergence of the western diet phenomenon, so have “western diseases”, which are understood to be noninfectious chronic diseases common to developed societies, including type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and various types of cancer, not to mention obesity.  Wherever people have shifted towards a westernized way of eating, western diseases have seemed to follow. As eating and food becomes more simplified, it seems that our health continues to get more complicated.

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

P103

11 – 11:30 AM

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Scholar Lunch

Come to L203 at noon. If you’re one of the first to arrive, you can have free pizza. The meal’s entertainment consists of five minute talks by representatives from majors and minors across campus. Speakers will take a single idea they learned from their major or minor coursework, explain it, explain why it’s useful or beautiful, and explain why they personally love it. Scheduled speakers:

  • Brady Box, Education
  • Haley Cochell, Psychology and Philosophy
  • Alleya Harris, Exercise Science
  • Josh Higashi, Communication
  • Zeph Hollins, Biology
  • Delia House-Lopez, Music
  • Marina Irish, Business
  • Gabrielle Morales, English
  • Rosa Schmidt, Math

L203

Noon – 1 PM.

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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

Tyler Fox

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic, long-term inflammatory disease of the respiratory system that affects over twenty-five million people in the United States alone.2 Currently, it is unknown why & how Asthma begins in patients, however, the symptoms of Asthma are able to be controlled through maintenance & medication. When allergens come into contact with the body, the immune response triggers the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchiole tubes in the lungs to contract. This contraction tightens the airways in the lungs & complicates breathing. Asthma can be a severe disease if untreated.

BIOL 312

Tracy Vermilyea

P103

10 – 10:30 AM

Danae Laufer

Airway Malacia

Airway malacia is a physiological disorder that most commonly effects infants & children. Malacia of the trachea, bronchi, & larynx involves softening of the cartilages that play an important role in structure & function. Typically, airway malacia disappears on its own as the cartilage hardens overtime. During the malacia, however, respiration & sometimes digestion can be negatively affected & special considerations & actions must be taken. Using multiple, credible sources, including websites, journals, articles & a college course textbook, we can take a look at what is involved medically, physiologically, & religiously in with airway malacia. 

BIOL 312

Tracy Vermilyea

P103

10:30 – 11 AM

Danielle Schneider

Arteriovenous Malformation

Arteriovenous malformation, or AVM, is a physiological disorder affecting the connection between the arteries and veins. Instead of arteries connecting first to capillaries and then to veins, the arteries connect directly to the veins. This creates a weaker connection and is capable of hemorrhaging which can put a person’s life in danger. Detection of an AVM requires an MRI scan and treatments vary, but can include radiation and surgery. A Christian response to this disorder would be to treat the affected person with kindness, and providing amenities that would make it easier to be in public environments.

BIOL 312

Tracy Vermilyea

Banquet Room

1 – 3 PM

Tysen Buhler & Brandon Lotts

Improving the Nutritional Value of Golden Rice Through Increased Provitamin A Content

The Article “Improving the Nutritional Value of Golden Rice Through Increased Pro-vitamin A Content” was assessed. In the article, primary research was done in an attempt to increase vitamin A output in Golden rice. The researchers hypothesized a switch from daffodil to Maize genes would increase vitamin A output. Their hypothesis was proven correct. A significant aspect of the paper was that the black Mexican sweet corn genes were best because they showed the most vitamin expression. After assessing the paper we suggested that using less specialized vocabulary and a better explanation of methodology could improve the paper.

BIOL 201

Tracy Vermilyea

Banquet Room

9 – 11 AM

Makenzie Endresen, Emily Kaelin & Danielle Schneider

An Assessment of a Study on the Toxicity of GM Corn and Roundup Herbicide

The article “Long Term Toxicity of a Roundup Herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant Genetically Modified Maize” was evaluated. The article describes a two-year study of the effects of genetically modified (GM) corn on rats’ health. When rats were fed GM corn or Roundup, they developed more tumors, and had a higher mortality rate, than other rats. The authors concluded that transgenes in GM corn disrupted essential biochemical pathways. Although the methodology could be improved by increasing the number of rats tested, the conclusions seemed reasonable. This is the most detailed study to report long-term effects of GMOs on mammalian health. 

BIOL 201

Tracy Vermilyea

Banquet Room

9 – 11 AM

Patricia Martinez & Emily O’Neal

Bean Growth in Accordance t Light and Water Quality

Soil makers and fertilizer producers are always promoting their product as the most beneficial factor for plant growth, but what other factors play into promoting healthy plants? One major factor that deals with plant growth is environment, such as light and dark, that factors into the amount of photosynthesis which can take place. Another factor that is important to consider is the quality of water being fed to the plants. This poster will attempt to show the difference that light and water have on plant growth and conclude why each source produced each result.

BIOL 200

Tracy Vermilyea

Banquet Room

1 – 3 PM

Breanna Schmidt & Melyssa Weber

Metabolism of Different Types of Sugars by Yeast

Yeast metabolizes sugars and carbohydrates forming carbon dioxide thus allowing the bread to rise. Our first trial was observing the amount of foam created by the sugar and yeast reacting. Our second trial was observing how much the bread rose before and after being baked. Then we compared the results with the first trial.

BIOL 200

Tracy Vermilyea

Banquet Room

1 – 3 PM

Kayla Hansen, Sierra Schorer-Noll & Amy Stanton

Adding Sugar to Snapdragon Plants

This experiment was designed to see the effects that different kinds of sugars had on the photosynthesis of snapdragon plants. The control plant received water. The experimental plants were given a sugar or sugar substitute mixed into water. The second plant received brown sugar, the third received regular sugar, and the fourth plant received sucralose. We predicted that the sugars would improve plant growth and that the sucralose would inhibit plant growth. Plant growth in order of most to least occurred with the brown sugar sucralose (unexpected), water, and finally the regular sugar.

BIOL 200

Tracy Mullins

Banquet Room

9 – 11 AM

Cameron Marshall

Life with Prostate Cancer

Poster will include information about what prostate cancer is. It will talk about the causes and treatments. It will discuss what happens physiologically to the body when prostate cancer is present. It will also address how Christian attitudes are toward diseases and the importance of family support.

BIOL 312

Tracy Mullins

Banquet Room

9 – 11 AM

Riley Swanson, Lindsey Young & Blair Wilkinson

Lactic Acid Fermentation

The focus of this experiment is to investigate the rate at which different sugar solutions will digest and turn acidic the quickest when introduced to the bacterium. The four sugar solutions used consist of glucose, sucrose, lactose, and maltose, along with a positive and negative control group. Within each sugar solution is bacteria (yogurt), base, pH indicator, and KOH. After each solution is made they are placed in an incubator for 48 hours to ferment. The final result of this experiment showed that sucrose was the most active sugar compared to glucose, lactose, or maltose. The negative and positive controls changed as they should have.

BIOL 200

Tracy Mullins

Banquet Room

9 – 11 AM

Ryan Thamm

Insomnia

Insomnia is defined as having difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep. Sleep deprivation is a huge problem throughout America because without sleep the body doesn’t function as well as it could. Approximately 60 million adults in the United States have this condition. There are three kinds of insomnia: transient, acute, and chronic. Also, there are different patterns of insomnia. Some causes can be from the diet the person is eating, a hormone shift in their body, mental disorders, or some drugs. There are some treatments available to treat insomnia. It is a growing issue in the United States because of how busy our society is and when people can’t sleep they lose performance the next day.

BIOL 312

Tracy Mullins

Banquet Room

9 – 11 AM

Ryan Thamm & Brittney Yip

Effects of Fluid Supplementation on Plant Growth

The goal was to study the growth of plants using different drinks (vitamin enriched water, black coffee, and a water protein supplement). We had a positive control and negative control group and three other groups. We did different tests, one that lasted one week and another that lasted two weeks. Both of the control groups died, and out of the three other groups we had, two outlasted the control groups. They were coffee and vitamin water.

BIOL 200

Tracy Mullins

Banquet Room

9 – 11 AM

Lissa Hatefi, Jeneca Hoidal & Kara Nelson

Response of Yeast to Wheat Flour versus White Flour

This lab was designed to see if whole wheat flour would provide a more efficient cell division than refined white flour.  Our hypothesis was that is would.  Through research, we found that whole wheat flour contains more nutrients, such as protein; which may speed up mitosis.  Our hypothesis was correct.

Tracy Mullins

Banquet Room

9 AM – 11 AM

Brandon Kundert & Cameron Marshall

Apple Pigment Separation Lab

The lab we conducted was to test if the pigment of a red  delicious apple was lipid soluble or water soluble.  The lab took two different trials and tests to come up with the result.  We used two types of solvents—isopropyl alcohol, and 92% petroleum ether with 8% acetone solution.  Using these two types of solvents we then conducted a chromatography test to make a conclusion on if the red apple pigment was lipid soluble or water soluble.

Tracy Mullins

Banquet Room

9 AM – 11 AM