February 26, 2016

Microalgae as a Tool for Carbon Dioxide Capture

Microalgae

Phil Sherman '16Rising global temperatures due to increased greenhouse gases have environmental consequences such as rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and an increase in extreme events. This has led to a search for alternative fuels and technologies to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere. Microalgae are one possible solution that have applications in both of these areas as a tool for carbon capture and production of biofuels along with other commercial products. An experiment run at the Candiota II coal plant in Brazil aimed to determine if two species of microalgae, Scenedesmus and Spirulina, were viable tools for CO2 capture from flue gas. Spirulina showed an increased growth rate of 35% and a carbon capture rate of 24% over 40 days while Scenedesmus was ineffective in both areas.

Association of Bacteria and Financial Stress as Possible Explanation for the Disproportionate Distribution of Childhood Cavities

Elise Deringer '16

The purpose of this study was to help understand the disparity that surrounds the frequency of cavities in children from low socioeconomic status. It is known that children from a low socioeconomic suffer more decay than their well-off cohorts so the study looks to find a psychobiological explanation for the inequality. A sample of kindergarteners was taken and their mouths were inspected and swabbed for cortisol and bacteria. They’re parents filled out surveys reporting socioeconomic status and finical stress. The researchers hypothesized that people from low socioeconomic status would have greater levels of bacteria and cortisol leading to increased levels of cavities. They found that the interaction of bacteria and cortisol was the greatest predictor of cavities and both of these were found at increased levels in people from a low socioeconomic background. By identifying the cause of unequal distribution of childhood cavity we can work on finding new ways to change the oral health standard for this demographic by further researching on this topic.