Dr. Richard Robison, Department of Microbiology & Molecular Biology The Specific aims for the project were as follows Develop q-PCR reactions for specific target genes of bacterial pathogens Primer generation software will be used to design primer and probe sequences that will theoretically perform optimally in PCR reactions. All sequences will be subjected to BLAST […]
Cytokine Signaling in the Microenvironment May Aid in Tumor Development and Progression
Dr. Kim O’Neill, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology Studies have indicated that in breast tumors a high number of tumor associated macrophages (TAM’s) is indicative of a poor prognosis. TAM’s in the breast tumor microenvironment generally have a compromised immune response and focus their energy toward tissue repair which leads to angiogenesis, tumor growth, […]
A Randomized-Controlled Trial of the Effects of Resistance Training on Body Composition, Strength, Physical Activity, and Body Satisfaction in Postpartum Women
Dr. James LeCheminant, Department of Exercise Sciences Evaluation of how well the academic objectives of the proposal were met The purpose of this study, as submitted to the IRB, was to determine the effects of flexibility or resistance training on body composition, strength, spontaneous physical activity, cardiovascular disease risk factors, bone density, and body satisfaction, […]
BYU Students identify Genetic Factors that Modulate Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein Levels and Influence Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
Dr. John Kauwe, Department of Biology Project Justification and Overview Successful enrollment in and completion of graduate programs requires a constellation of skills. Students must be prepared to plan and execute experiments, present their findings both verbally and in manuscript form and interact effectively with senior scientists in the field of their choice. In this […]
Using Cooperative Learning Groups to Research Speciation in Central American Fishes: Integrating Field Work, Molecular Phylogeography, and Video-Playback Behavior Assays
Dr. Jerry Johnson, Department of Biology This mentoring environment grant was awarded in 2010 and was intended to spent over a two year period. The purpose of the project was to provide up to six students with an opportunity to participate in three different research aspects of a single research problem related to understanding speciation. […]
Endocannabinoid Enzyme Expression in the Hippocampus
Dr. Jeff Edwards, Department of Physiology & Developmental Biology Evaluation of academic objectives of the proposal The objectives of this award were met, especially in regard to the mentoring focus of the award. The students have been mentored and trained in an effective manner as outlined below. Using this mentoring environment and the experiences gained […]
A Novel Nuclear Variant of nBMP-2: Role in Ca2+ Transport
Dr. Laura Bridgewater, Department of Microbiology & Molecular Biology The goal of this project was to elucidate the role that nBMP-2 plays in Ca2+ transport. In the previous year, we demonstrated that mice that have no nBMP-2 in the nuclei of their cells exhibit delays in the transport of Ca2+ back into the sarcoplasmic reticulum […]
Changes in Membrane Physical Properties during Chemotherapy
Dr. John Bell, Department of Physiology & Developmental Biology Abstract of original proposal Many chemotherapeutic agents treat cancer by inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis) in the tumor. One of the consequences of apoptosis is changes in the physical properties of the cell membrane. Some of these changes are important for other phagocytic cells to recognize […]
Beetle Tree of Life project
Dr. Michael Whiting, Department of Biology Funding was received from the BYU ORCA mentorship program during 2010 to support undergraduates performing research in my lab, under the mentorship of postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and myself. During 2010, this funding provided direct support for 8 undergraduates who are in various stages of completing research projects. The […]
Receptors for Advanced Glycation End-Products (RAGE) Mediates Particulate Matter-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation
Dr. Paul Reynolds, Department of Physiology & Developmental Biology Academic Objectives Met and Results Observed Funding available through this MEG award has provided an opportunity for me to meet many academic objectives I’ve determined to be important in the early stages of my faculty appointment at BYU. First of all, I have been able to […]