Evaluating Network Phylogenetic Reconstruction Methods Using Computer Simulations

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Steven Woolley and Dr Keith Crandall, Integrative Biology In my quest to evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of currently used phylogenetic network reconstruction methods, I have learned several valuable lessons applicable to nearly any research endeavor. I have successfully elucidated some of the conditions that affect the accuracy of two popular software programs for intraspecific […]

Anti-Cancer and Anti-Microbial Activity of Selected Hawaiian and Sonoran Desert Plant Species

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Christopher Wickstrom and Dr. Rex Cates Integrative Biology Background Previous research into the anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties of certain plant species provided the basis of this project. Plants from various parts of Hawaii and the Sonoran Desert in Arizona had been obtained through interviewing of traditional medicinal practitioners in those areas. The plants were then […]

Spatial Analysis Predictive Model Map for Reintroduced Bighorn Sheep Winter Range Areas along the Wasatch Front Mountains

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Jericho C. Whiting and Dr. Jerran T. Flinders, Integrative Biology Department Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) are native to the central and northern mountain ranges in Utah. They were historically abundant and extensively used by the resident Native Americans. Due to various anthropological influences, most northern populations were presumed extinct by the 1930s […]

Chemical Disinfection of Mycobacterium ulcerous

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Brandon John Webb and Dr. Richard Robison, Microbiology and Molecular Biology Mycobacterium ulcerans is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, a disfiguring disease of the skin and muscle tissue, whose prevalence has grown exponentially in recent decades. An ulcerative disease similar to leprosy, Buruli ulcer is characterized by a superficial infection of the subcutaneous fat […]

MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY OF THE RODENT GENUS LIOMYS: EVIDENCE FROM THE MITOCHONDRIAL CYTOCHROME B GENE

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Victoria L. Vance and Dr. Duke S. Rogers, Integrative Biology The number of species described in the world greatly underestimates its biodiversity, especially in some of the areas more rich in diversity such as Mexico. Once the biodiversity in a region is understood, the issues of management and conservation can be addressed. Spiny pocket mice […]

Can a Flea See? An Investigation of Flea Opsin (Flopsin)

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Sean David Taylor and Dr. Michael F. Whiting, Integrative Biology Visual pigments are responsible for conferring visual perceptual abilities to animals. Various pigments are tuned to absorb light of different wavelengths and to provide contrast and movement perception. All pigments consist of an opsin protein and a chromophore molecule, usually a carotene derivative. Interactions between […]

An Exploration of the Genotoxic Effects of Ellagic Acid on Human HepG2 Cells and Its Potential Impact on Cancer Prevention

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Amanda Stevens and Dr. Kim O’Neill, Microbiology and Molecular Biology Over the past few years, cancer prevention has become a more important focus for research in the fight against cancer. Recent studies suggest that perhaps as much as 70-80 % of all cancers could be prevented by diet alone. Ellagic acid is a compound found […]

Phosphorylation dependent Conformational changes of PhoB in Escherichia coli

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Allison Sparks and Dr. William McCleary, Microbiology All bacteria must have a way to control cell functions when their outside environment changes. E.coli uses a phosphate signaling pathway to accomplish this. In the bacterial cell membrane, there are proteins that take up phosphate from the environment, transports it into the cell, and triggers transcription of […]

Chondrogenic Differentiation of Adult Hepatic Stem Cells: Investigating Candidates for Osteoarthritis Treatment

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Jaron Coombs and David Sonntag with Dr. Laura Bridgewater, Molecular and Microbiology Osteoarthritis is a painful disease associated with the breakdown of articular cartilage, the protective protein coating of the major joints of the body. Over 20 million Americans are affected by this pervasive disease which is associated with the overuse of joints and aging. […]