Journal of Undergraduate Research

David Macdonald and Dr. Robert Seegmiller, Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology Articular cartilage is a hard-wearing and specialized form of hyaline cartilage which allows for an almost frictionless surface during joint movement (Ofek et al. 2008). These unique characteristics are primarily due to chondrocyte secretions, and the composition and properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) (Buckwalter and […]

Jacob Hoj and Dr. Marc Hansen, Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology The Rho Kinase Pathway is a cellular pathway that is thought to be involved in cancer metastasis, as previous research has indicated1. As indicated by the name, the Rho group of proteins are central to this pathway. Over the past year, we set […]

Adam Field and Dr. Jeff Edwards, Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology In April of 2012, IACUC committee approved the methods which we had set forth for the carrying out of the experiment. At this point we began gathering the tools and materials needed for the performing of the experiment. Mice were obtained, and the […]

Jason Farrell and Dr. Robert Seegmiller, Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study, as also summarized in the proposal for this research grant, was to analyze the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of mice with a specific collagen defect, Disproportionate Micromelia. Examining these joints was done to provide an […]

Kate Erickson and Dr. Benjamin Bikman, Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology The purpose of this project was to determine the cellular mechanisms that mediate AMPK-induced reductions in lipotoxicity. We predicted that AMPK activation inhibits lipotoxic ceramide biosynthesis via targeted reduction in transcription of a critical, rate-limiting enzyme involved in de novo ceramide synthesis. This […]

Jason Burton and Professor Marc Hansen, Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. This is mostly due to a lack of understanding into the function of cancer and the different mechanisms it uses to spread. The process by which cancer cells detach from the […]

Spencer Bell and Dr. Jeffrey Edwards, Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology Carrying out my research project with my mentor’s assistance has provided valuable experiences and important lessons. At the present time, however, my research has not produced the results we had anticipated. We had hoped to demonstrate that a certain receptor in the brain […]

Trevor Anderson and Professor David Busath, Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology The influenza A virus is a severe ongoing threat to public health, accounting for over 250,000 fatalities worldwide each year. In order to actuate the virus, it is necessary for the M2 proton channel to be activated upon fusion with an endosome. This channel […]