Canceling the noise helps: The effects of noise canceling headphones. 

Objectives

My objective was to see if the use of noise-canceling headphones has an effect on student's test scores. To do this, I administered a multiplication test to 10 students, where half of them wore noise-canceling headphones and the other group did not. These results will indicate how noise affects students all over the world, and a way to prevent or lower the chance of students losing focus because of external noise.

Materials and Methods 

My experiment required a pair of OnHear noise canceling headphones, 10 pencils and a 100 question multiplication test. I tested students one at a time in an empty classroom. Five students took the test without using headphones, while 5 students took the test with noise-canceling headphones. Both groups were given 2 minutes to complete the multiplication test or as many questions as possible.

Results 

The data showed the noise-canceling headphone group scored an average test score of  50.4%, while the group with no noise-canceling headphones scored an average of 33.4%. The students who used the noise-canceling headphones scored 17% higher than the students who didn't.

Conclusion

From the data we can conclude that the noise-canceling headphones have a positive effect on the student’s test score. We saw that the students who used noise-canceling headphones performed better than students who did not. This supports my hypothesis.

Material vs Matter: a study of what materials can best block secondhand smoke inhalation

Objectives 

Our objective was to find the most easily accessible and effective material for filtering two of secondhand smoke’s harmful components, particulate matter and carbon dioxide. Our data has a global impact because smoking exposes a large percentage of the population to secondhand smoke, and its detrimental health effects.

Methods 

The tested materials were: surgical mask, n95 mask, carbon filter, HEPA filter, cotton, and polyester. We constructed a “smoke simulator” using pvc pipes, a slip joint, funnels, and a hand pump. Next, materials were placed inside the simulator systematically. We used the program Logger Pro to track how much CO2 was able to pass through each material. A light sensor was used to measure the amount of particulate matter that permeated each material.

Results

Our results were based on the average CO2 and particulate matter that could pass through each material within our simulator. We found: the n95 mask was best at filtering CO2, the HEPA filter was best at filtering particulate matter. Compared to our other data, the n95 was 51 ppm higher than its nearest competitor (carbon filter), the HEPA filter was approximately 12 lux away from its nearest competitor (n95 mask).

Conclusion 

In conclusion, a n95 mask is the most applicable and successful material for real life situations. The mask was most proficient at filtering CO2, and second best, but still effective at trapping particulate matter. This disproves our hypothesis, because we hypothesized that the HEPA filter would be the most effective.

I’ve Got Your Bac: What part of the bathroom has the most bacteria?

Objectives

My objective was to see which area of school restrooms have the most bacterial growth. This could help schools know which areas to clean more frequently to prevent diseases from spreading in school restrooms.  

Materials and Methods 

My experiment used 25 petri dishes, 10 grams of LB agar, and 250 mL of distilled water. I combined the 10 grams of agar with 250 mL of distilled water. I then put agar into the autoclave for 25 minutes and poured my plates. The agar then sat for 24 hours undisturbed so it could harden. While testing, I swabbed each of my surfaces five times to get an accurate result and then swabbed each of those swabs on 5 different petri dishes. The petri dishes were then incubated for 48 hours at 37 degrees Celsius and the colonies were counted.  

Results 

The results were based on the average number of bacterial colonies. The door handle had an average of 9, the stall lock had 0.8, the toilet flush and sink had 0, and the soap dispenser had 0.4.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the door handle grew the most bacteria. This could be a result of students touching the handle often when entering and exiting. This experiment has national implications because this information can help schools keep bacteria-prone areas cleaner and stop the spread of diseases. This supports my hypothesis in which I hypothesized that the door handle would have the most bacterial growth.

Testing and Stressing: How taking a test affects a student’s heart rate

Objectives

My objective was to see if taking a math test affects someone's heart rate. To do this, I administered a test to my subjects and measured their heart rate before and after.

Materials and Methods 

My experiment used a pulse oximeter, pencils, a timer, a 9th grade math test, and 14 test subjects. I created and distributed a consent form to 14 participants, and then scheduled a time to test my subjects. I then administered the 5-minute 30-page test to all 7 of my experimental group subjects, testing their heart rates before and after. I then tested all 7 control group subjects by taking their heart rate before and after they sat still for 5 minutes. I then found averages and compared my data. 

Results 

The results were based on the average increase in heart rate of the experimental group (students who took the test) compared to the average rise in heart rate of the control group (students who didn’t take the test). The average rise of the experimental group’s heart rate (+9.57 bpm) was greater than the average rise of the heart rate of the control group (-5.29 bpm). The p-value of my experiment was <0.01.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the students who took the test had a greater change in heart rate. This supports my hypothesis, because I hypothesized the test would cause students’ heart rates to rise.  This means students are being put in danger of possible heart problems due to stress from tests.

Organic vs. Inorganic: The Effect of Organic Soap on Algae Growth 

Objectives: 

The objective was to investigate if organic soap does not cause algae growth. Inorganic soaps contain nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, that increase growth in algae. I hypothesized that if organic soap (Dr. Bronners) and inorganic soap (Dawn) are added to a chlorella vulgaris culture, then the samples with organic soap will not create an algae bloom.  

Methods: 

The culturing setup included 9 flasks with 3 ml chlorella vulgaris algae, 100 ml of distilled water, and 100 ml of Alga-Gro. In addition, treatments were added to the flasks: 2.5 ml of organic soap, 2.5 ml of inorganic soap and no  treatment. Air pumps were added to each flask. Through out the experiment, samples were placed in a spectrometer. I measured the transmittance of the algae, which helped determine the growth rate of the algae. 

Results: 

The average final transmittance of the control group was 74.67%, while the organic soap samples had an average of 113.87%. The flasks with inorganic soap bubbled up and the samples were lost, so no data was collected. When comparing the remaining samples, the flasks without soap (control) produced a higher growth rate of algae. 

Conclusion: 

Due to an error I made, I cannot support or deny my hypothesis. The inorganic soap samples were lost, so I was unable to collect any data from these flasks. From the data that was collected, I observed a higher rate of algae in growth in the control group.

Sunny side up: What effect do different SPFs (30, 50, 75) have on preventing yeast colony growth?

Objectives

The objective of this experiment was to determine which level of SPF (No SPF, SPF 30, SPF 50, SPF 70) reduces DNA damage of a UV sensitive yeast strain that is exposed to UV rays. This will determine which is the best method to protect yourself against cancer causing UV radiation

Materials and Methods 

We tested this by making different dilutions (1:10, 1:100, 1:1000, 1:10000, and 1: 100000) of a UV sensitive yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae and streaking these yeast on 72 YED agar plates in a dark room. SPF 30, 50, and 70 was applied to saran wrap and placed on the petri dishes.  The sunscreen protected petri dishes were exposed to UVB light for 6 minutes within a dark room. After, the petri dishes were kept at room temperature in a dark room for 2 days. The petri dishes were then analyzed for how many yeast colonies each petri dish grew. 

Results 

The 1:10 dilution, 1:00 dilution, 1:1000, and the 1:100000 the results did not increase linearly with the increase of sunscreen. The results for the 1:10000 dilution decreased linearly with the increase of sunscreen. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, our data was inconsistent. Each dilution did not follow the linear trend in which the number of colonies increased with the SPF protection like we were expecting, which led us to conclude we do not know which SPF worked the most in protecting the yeast cells and preventing DNA damage.

Don’t Cry Over Spoiled Milk: The study of bacteria growth in organic pasteurized milk, raw milk, and Lactaid milk after their expiration date. 

Objectives

Our goal was to see the bacterial growth within milks after their expiration date that are manufactured via different methods. To do this we had three different types of milk; raw milk (straight from the farm), organic milk (cows fed organically), and Lactaid (preserved). This research is fundamental because it allows milk users to make educated decisions when it comes to milk purchases and uses.

Materials and Methods 

First, LB agar plates were prepared by heating agar in a microwave and pouring it into the plates. 1 ml of different dilutions of each milk was then added to the petri dishes. Dilutions of 1/1, 1/10, 1/100,1/1000,1/10000,1/1000000 were used. The plates were then allowed to harden and incubated for 5 days. After incubation the bacterial colonies were counted in each plate.

Results 

Our results were inconclusive due to the overwhelming amount of TNTCs in our data. In total there were 41 TNTC plates. We believe this is because we put the plates in the incubator for 5 days making the bacteria grow too much.

Conclusion

We hypothesized that the raw milk would create the most bacteria, because there are no preservatives, additives, etc. to cause bacteria minimization. In conclusion our results do not support our hypothesis because we cannot see if there was more bacteria in raw milk or not. We have learned that in order to get usable, accurate data, we must pay attention to the incubation time, as to not over-incubate bacteria.

Iron you mad planaria are struggling: How Heavy Metals Impact Planarian Regeneration 

Objectives 

My objective was to see if heavy metal pollution affects planarian regeneration rates. Heavy metal pollution is a real issue that is affecting environments around the world. My intention is to show the harm these metals are doing and educate people on the effects.

Materials and Methods 

Planaria were exposed to different heavy metals Iron III Chloride, Aluminum sulfate, and no heavy metals. Ten petri dishes were each filled with a stock solution of each variable: Iron III chloride, aluminum sulfate, no heavy metals. A regeneration assay was performed on 30 planaria. Ten planaria were then sorted into each group.  Measurements of the length of the heads and tails were taken every day possible for 192 hours.

Results 

The results were based on the regeneration rate and average growth of each of the planerias head or tail. The control group grew the best (heads-6.65mm, tails-5.75mm), while the Iron III chloride grew the second best (tails-4.94mm, heads-4mm), and the aluminum sulfate grew the worst (Heads-3.6mm, tails-2.44mm).

Conclusion

In conclusion the control group that contained no heavy metals grew the most and had the highest regeneration rates while the groups containing heavy metals grew significantly less and had much lower regeneration rates. With aluminum having the greatest effect on regeneration. This proves my hypothesis in which I hypothesized that the Aluminium sulfate group would grow the least. In conclusion my evidence shows the negative effects that heavy metals have on the environment.

AMP Up the Bacterial Resistance: How does Ampicillin and Bacteriophage T4 Impact Antibiotic Resistant E.coli

Objectives

To find out if applying Bacteriophage T4 with Ampicillin will be effective at reducing antibiotic resistance of an E. coli B strain that is resistant to Ampicillin.

Materials and Methods 

Ampicillin resistant E. coli were created by swabbing the border of the zone of inhibition from petri dishes grown with a disc of Ampicillin, then transferring the E. coli onto new dishes over several rounds. Through three rounds of transfers the E. coli began building resistance to Ampicillin. Once resistance had been built, I diluted 1 mL of Bacteriophages into 10 mL of dilution buffer and applied .1 mL on an Ampicillin disc with the goal of reducing resistance. The zone of inhibitions were then measured one final time.

Results 

The zone of inhibition decreased during the three rounds of resistance development, the averages being 9.5 mm, 5.2 mm, and 4.9 mm showing the E. coli had gained resistance to Ampicillin. The final round with Ampicillin and Bacteriophage T4, showed the highest zone of inhibition, with a 9.9 mm average, showing the reduction of the antibiotic resistant E. coli through the phages. My P-value of <0.01 shows that the data is statistically significant.

Conclusion

The decrease of the zone of inhibition in three rounds of E. coli and an increase with phage application supports my hypothesis. Bacteriophage application with Ampicillin is effective at killing E. coli that are antibiotic resistant to Ampicillin, helping contribute to treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Unbe-leaf-able: Application of methylcellulose aqueous solution to a decellularized spinach leaf

Objectives

My objective was to decellularize a spinach leaf, and add cellulose to the process to attempt to make the end product a higher quality. A higher quality decellularized spinach leaf would allow for a better foundation for the expansion of research involving the farming of transplants through decellularized plant matrices. 

Materials and Methods 

15 beakers were set up with a circular mesh net at the bottom with strings to support the leaf. 1 spinach leaf was put into each beaker and decellularized using 0.5% SLS for 7 days. Three leaves were soaked in water for 7 days for the control. After 7 days of being decellularized, the light transmitted and reflected through the decellularized spinach leaves was measured with a light meter. Cellulose was then added to 6 leaves after decellularization and after 7 days the light transmitted and reflected was measured in these leaves.

Results 

The leaves with cellulose had a higher transmittance averaging 149.2 lux compared to the leaves without cellulose, with 49.3 lux. The leaves with cellulose had a higher reflection rate, averaging 52.7 lux compared to  the leaves without cellulose, with 29.7 lux. Showing the leaves with cellulose were more decellularized. Unfortunately, strength measurements were unable to be taken. 

Conclusion

My results partially support my hypothesis because I know that adding cellulose made the leaves more decellularized, however I cannot prove if the cellulose made them stronger. In the future, I would use a penetrometer to test the strength required to penetrate the leaf.

Rise of Resistance: Influence of Natural vs. Prescribed Antibiotics on E. coli

Objectives

The objective of my experiment was to study alternative approaches to treating bacterial infections other than commonly used antibiotics due to the rising problem of antibiotic resistance.

Materials and Methods

To conduct this experiment, I obtained fifty plates and swabbed them with E. coli. I divided the plates into five groups of ten: a control group treated with distilled water and four experimental groups treated with penicillin, erythromycin, peppermint essential oil and pure garlic extract. I applied the treatment via discs that contained the treatment to the designated plates. I then incubated all plates for 48 hours and collected data based on the radius of the zone of inhibition for each plate.

Results

The results were determined by the average zone of inhibition for all plates. The average zone of inhibition for the control group was 0.1mm, the average for the penicillin group was 1mm, erythromycin was 2.1mm, peppermint essential oil was 2.44mm, and pure garlic extract was 2.6mm. Overall, the E. coli plates receiving natural antibiotics had greater zones of inhibition.

Conclusion

My hypothesis was not supported, as I hypothesized that the peppermint essential oil plates would inhibit the most bacteria, but the pure garlic extract plates worked the best. I can conclude that the natural antibiotic pure garlic extract is an effective remedy against E. coli. Therefore, individuals should use pure garlic extract to treat their bacterial infections rather than antibiotics to decrease the number of antibiotics in use creating antibiotic resistance.

Digital Distractions Impact on Short-Term Memory

Objectives

My objective was to see if visual or auditory distractions affect your short-term memory. I tested this by having participants attempt to remember trigrams while there were distractions. Online distractions are everywhere in our daily lives, so it’s important to see how they are impacting memory.

Methods 

My experiment tested if auditory and visual distractions affected your short-term memory by having a video play with trigrams (3 letter consonants) on the screen for the participant to remember. If they had visual distractions, ads would pop up throughout the video. If they had auditory distractions, a phone would ring 2 times through the course of the video. I measured the amount of trigrams they wrote down after we counted backwards from 10 

Results 

The results were based on how many trigrams each group remembered on average. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the average trigrams remembered in each group. An average of 1.7 trigrams remembered for the control group, 2.6 for the auditory group, and 2.1 for the visual distractions group.

Conclusion

Overall, this means that online visual and auditory distractions do not impact your short-term memory significantly. This was confirmed when a Graph Driven Test was completed to determine the p-value. My p-value was 0.48, which is of little to no significance between the groups. This does not make sense because ads and the ringing of a phone are designed to draw your attention to them, but my data counters that.

PD Investigation: The effects over-the-counter medications (Apigenin, Dopamine and Fisetin) have on reducing Parkinson's Disease symptoms over time 

Objectives

My objective was to see which over the counter medication (Apigenin, Fisetin or Dopamine) decreased Parkinson’s Disease symptoms in a Parkinson’s Drosophila Model most effectively. 

Materials and Methods 

My experiment used 4 groups of Parkinson's Drosophila Models. 3 groups were given different over the counter medications: Apigenin, Fisetin and Dopamine. The other group was not treated with any medication. The flies consumed the treatment for 4 days, and they were transferred to a Fly Activity Monitor with the same food for 2 days. A Fly Activity Monitor was used to track how many times the fly crossed the middle of the tube. 

Results 

The results were based on the average times the fly crossed the middle of the tube within 2 days. The Dopamine group had the greatest movement (Avg. 1.275 crosses in 2 days). The Fisetin flies averaged at 0.965 moves, the Apigenin flies at 1, while the control group averaged at 0.069 times. This data shows that Dopamine is the most effective at reducing PD Symptoms in a Parkisnon’s Drosophila Model. 

Conclusion

All the experimental groups decreased the PD symptoms more effectively than the control, however, Dopamine worked the best. This supports my hypothesis. I hypothesized that the flies treated with Dopamine would show the least amount of PD symptoms after 2 days. Many patients don’t have the resources to get prescriptions, and I showed that over-the- counter medications, like Dopamine, are effective in lowering PD symptoms. 

Unveiling the Future of Algae Carbon Sequestration and Biofuel Breakthroughs: Determining which algae sequesters the most carbon and produces the most oil that can be used for biofuel

Objectives 

The objective of my experiment was to determine which algae species (Chlorella Vulgaris, Scenedesmus Species, and Dunaliella) sequestered the most carbon from its environment and then later produces the most oil for biofuel production.

Methods

All algae species were cultured in 100 ml of water (seawater or springwater), 100ml of alga gro, and 0.1g of baking soda per flask. I planned to perform a dissolved carbon dioxide measurement test once a week for four weeks to determine which culture sequestered the most carbon. After this month, I planned to take 2g of algae from each flask to be dried in a 100°C oven for 30 minutes before being mixed with 10 ml of isopropanol and acetone. I would then distill each flask to determine which species was best for biofuel production by the amount of oil produced.

Results

Based on my lack of results, I am only able to interpret ways to change my procedural design for the future: 1. The dissolved carbon dioxide testing kit I used required too high a ppm to determine which algae species sequestered the most carbon. 2. The carbon dioxide application method I used was not effective. 3. The algae I chose to work with had insufficient growth. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, to determine carbon sequestration and biofuel production in algae, a kit with a 0-100pm range is desirable, as is avoiding these specific species of algae and finding a different way to apply carbon to the environment.

Mission Decomposition: Building a Microbial Fuel Cell for Landfill Composting

Objectives 

My objective was to create a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) that could potentially aid in landfill decomposition whilst creating electricity. I investigated different fuels and how they performed in a cascading MFC.

Methods 

I tested four fuels in the MFC: soil, homemade compost, general waste scraps, and fermented waste scraps. To conduct the experiment, I set up the MFC by building a stair-like stand with steps at 26cm, 30cm, 36cm, and 40cm. I cultured two microbes, Pestalotiopsis Microspora and Pleurotus Ostreatus var Columbinus, and added them to the cell chambers. After that, I placed a fuel cell on each step, adding a chamber for added microbes in between the first, second, and third steps. I ran the cell rotation once with each type of fuel, collecting readings at each cell level after letting it sit overnight. 

Results:

Overall, soil created the most electricity (573 mV), but each cell was successful in increasing millivoltage, as it flowed through the cell.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, each trial was successful, supporting my hypothesis. I hypothesized that each trial would produce an adequate amount of electricity in the cell. This proves that this technology could help reduce landfill waste globally. Moreover, this MFC could be introduced to landfills to aid in decomposition, while also extracting electricity from waste piles.

The effects of different diets on neurological function; Implications for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. 

Objectives

The objective of my experiment was to test the effect different diets (high sugar or keto) have on neurodegenerative diseases by measuring basal slowing rate in C. elegans which have been fed these diets in their culture medium. 

Methods 

To test this, 2, 10, and 20mM of beta-hydroxybutyrate (mimics a keto-diet) and 20, 40, and 80mM of glucose (mimics high sugar diet) were applied separately to the agar medium that the C. elegans were cultured in. The C. elegans were cultured in their treatments for 24 hours, and then the basal slowing rate was calculated after 8, 24, and 48 hours of culturing. Basal slowing rate was determined by counting the amount of bends a C. elegan had in the span of 20 seconds. 

Results 

There was a linear increase in the BSR as the concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate increased. By contrast, my groups given glucose had a linear decrease in BSR as the concentrations got higher. The highest average BSR was in the group with the highest dose of beta-hydroxybutyrate (22.13), and the lowest average BSR was in the group with the highest dosage of glucose (12.87). The control group had an average BSR of 16.93 bends, showing glucose decreased it and beta-hydroxybutyrate significantly increased it.

Conclusion

My results show that a diet high in glucose can potentially increase the chances of dopaminergic degeneration, which can lead to neurodegenerative disease. Keto-diets, however, will improve dopaminergic function and decrease the chances of a neurodegenerative disease developing.

From Microplastics to Microbes: The Effects of PET Microplastics in B. Subtilis Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance

Objectives

The objective was to study impacts of PET microplastics on growth and antibiotic resistance of B. Subtilis biofilm. With over 52,000 microplastics consumed annually and more in the ecosystem, it’s paramount to study microplastics, so our research focused on microplastics’ influence on biofilms.

Methods 

3 groups of B. Subtilis biofilms were grown with different concentrations of PET microplastics (0.1g, 0.05g, 0g). The cultures were transferred to petri dishes and a microplate to incubate for 2 days. We added 1 antibiotic disc  (chloramphenicol) per petri dish. Post incubation, the biofilm growth was measured by staining the biofilm with crystal violet and measuring the absorbance (AU) with a microplate reader (590 nm). Additionally, the zone of inhibition was measured within the petri dishes.

Results 

The results for biofilm growth were based on the average absorbance units (AU) of crystal violet; 0g: 0.0707 AU, 0.05g: 0.0618 AU, and 0.1g: 0.0799 AU. The 0.05g microplastic group had the least amount of biofilm growth. The results for antibiotic resistance were based on the average zone of inhibition (mm) for each group; 0g: 8.87 mm, 0.05g: 10.05, and 0.1g: 8.64 mm. The zone of inhibition for the 0.1 g microplastic group reveals that it had the most antibiotic resistance.

Conclusion

As a result of no linear trends within the data, no definitive conclusions can be made. More data and trials are needed to make a confident conclusion.

Oceans Rise, Algae Falls (will they see each other through it all?)

Objectives

My objective was to see how ocean acidification affects the process of photosynthesis in Dunaliella Salina by measuring the dissolved oxygen in their growth environment. Increased amounts of CO2 in the air has gradually increased the acidity of the ocean, which frequently suffocates marine life due to decreased oxygen levels.  

Methods 

Nine culture mediums were set up for Dunaliella, with AlgaeGro, Seawater Medium, and air pumps. Each culture medium received different environmental conditions: a control group and four groups that had their pH adjusted to varying levels (7 pH, 6 pH, 5 pH, and 4 pH). I then measured the dissolved oxygen (mg/L) in each culture medium over 14 days.  

Results 

The results were based on the amount of dissolved oxygen the Dunaliella Salina produced in each group. The algae in the acidic environments produced the most oxygen (on Day 5, the 4 pH group on average produced 3.5 mg/L) compared to the control group (produced 3.0 mg/L) and groups with high pH (7 pH produced an average of 3.3 mg/L). Additionally, in all the groups, the amount of dissolved oxygen that the algae produced generally decreased overtime. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dunaliella Salina produced the most oxygen at lower pH levels and when they were first introduced to acidic water conditions. This opposes my hypothesis, as I hypothesized that higher pH levels would correspond to higher quantities of oxygen produced because ocean acidification frequently impedes growth and reproduction of marine life.

Dissecting the Dissection: A Ribbiting Comparison between Perserved vs. Synthetic Frog Dissections

Objectives

The objective was to see if students learn better from synthetic dissections over real dissections. Students dissected either a synthetic or preserved frog, and then took a survey and quiz to demonstrate understanding and engagement. This research is important because individuals, students and educators, will understand that dissecting preserved animals is unethical, toxic, and ineffective for learning, and therefore will consider using synthetic alternatives. My research will also help the preservation and survival of animal populations used for dissections. 

Methods 

Students dissected a synthetic frog and preserved frog. The preserved frog served as the control group. Ten students dissected the synthetic frog and nine dissected the preserved frog. After the students dissected the frogs, they completed a short quiz and survey which measured how well each group learned from their dissection and how engaged they were in their dissections.

Results 

The results were based on the average scores on the quiz and 2 prompts on the survey. The results showed that the students who dissected the synthetic frog learned more (75.5%) than the control groups (41.6%). Additionally, the experimental groups felt equally as engaged dissecting their frogs as the control groups (both 3.8). 

Conclusion

In conclusion, compared to the control groups, the students learned better from the synthetic frog dissections. This supports my hypothesis, because I hypothesized, the students who dissected the synthetic frogs would learn more from their dissections. I suggest schools consider switching to synthetic dissections instead of having students dissect preserved animals.

Coral’s Lost Photosynthesizers: The effect of oxybenzone on coral bleaching. 

Objectives

In coral reefs across the world, coral bleaching has become an increasing problem. This bleaching is exacerbated by a chemical common in sunscreen, called oxybenzone. Coral bleaching occurs when coral is stressed due to various things, and it expels symbiotic microalgae, called zooxanthellae, living in its pores. The zooxanthellae, provides nutrients and photosynthesis for the coral. When the algae is expelled, the coral is left more vulnerable, and more likely to die. 

Materials and Methods 

Three concentrations of oxybenzone (100µg/L, 10µg/L, 1µg/L, 0.1µg/L) solubilized in DMSO were applied to 200mL cultures of a dinoflagellate mixture containing three genuses of microalgae. The study was conducted over 5 days, with measurements taken each day. The concentration of algae was determined through transmittance (%) with a spectrometer. The study contained control and vehicle control groups for the DMSO solvent. 

Results 

The results were based on the mean transmittance of 3 trials for each group. The control group consistently had the lowest transmittance, meaning the most growth. However, the experimental groups’ transmittance fluctuated from day to day, regardless of concentration. 

Conclusion

There were no significant trends across experimental groups, as the dinoflagellates’ growth in those groups appeared to not be impacted by the presence of oxybenzone based on data collected.

Movies to Brains: Finding Synchronization Between Brains When Watching Movies Clips  

Objectives: 

The objective is to test the effects that movies have on our brains and how our brains are able to become synchronized between band frequencies when our attention and engagement is heavily active. The purpose of this project was not only to measure the effects that movies have on our brains, but to also show the correlation of art and science. This can help filmmakers craft their movies and trailers with the knowledge of cognitive science to understand the effect it will have on their viewers. 

Materials and Methods 

Two trials with three test subjects each were conducted. The groups watched different 4 minute movie clips. One clip was a heavily choreographed fight sequence from “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon”. The other clip was a scene of two men discussing theater at dinner from “My Dinner With Andre”. To measure the test subjects brainwaves, an EPOCX EEG headset was used that showed the raw EEG data as well as Band Frequency. My measurements were taken at each minute of the clip. 

The data from each recording was then put through the analyzer of the EMOTIVPRO software. 

Conclusion

The analyzation of the raw EEG is still in progress. The results will be shown and presented at LACSEF. 

The Effects of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) and Nano-EGCG on Cadmium Chloride and Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate Induced Cancerous Tumors within a Planaria Model  

Objectives

The objective of this project is to determine if EGCG and nano-EGCG can eliminate tumors within a planaria model, and if so, which is more effective. If EGCG can eliminate tumors within planaria, it can possibly become a cost effective, non-invasive cancer treatment in humans. 

Materials and Methods 

To test this, 60 planaria were split into 4 groups. Control group: spring water (PAM), Group 2: carcinogens (CdCl2 (3.3 µM ) + TPA (0.2 µM )), Group 3: carcinogens + EGCG, Group 4: carcinogens + nano-EGCG. For 14 days, planaria in Group 1 were exposed to PAM while Group 2-4 were exposed to carcinogens. Then planaria were viewed under a microscope and the amount of tumors were recorded. For another 14 days planaria in Group 1-2 were exposed to PAM, Group 3 was exposed to EGCG, and Group 4 was exposed to self-made nano-EGCG. After this planaria were once again viewed under a microscope and the amount of tumors were recorded and compared to the initial amount. 

Results 

The experiment found that tumors treated with EGCG decreased 63.3% (p-value 0.01), while tumors left untreated decreased 6.8% (p-value 0.78). Planaria treated with nano-EGCG died shortly after exposure. Planaria in control developed no tumors.   

Conclusion

In conclusion, EGCG is in fact effective at eliminating tumors, however due to its poor bioavailability, tumors were only decreased by 63.3%. Due to this, exploring new methods of increasing the stability of EGCG (such as other nanocarriers) is crucial.  

Light It Up: The Effect of Fluorescent Thermoset Amino-Formaldehyde Polymers (~5µm) on the Behavior of Planarian Flatworms

Objectives

The objective was to observe the effects of microplastics on planarians. The research of the effects of microplastics is important due to the rise of microplastics in our ecosystems. 

Materials and Methods 

1g of egg yolk (planarian food source) was inoculated with varying concentrations of fluorescent thermoset amino-formaldehyde polymers (0µg, 400µg, 600µg, 800µg, or 1000µg). Each inoculated egg yolk was fed to 5 groups of planaria each week for 5 weeks. Before each feeding the behavior of the planarians and the number of microplastics found in their digestive systems under a fluorescent microscope was recorded.

Results 

I hypothesized that the group receiving 1000µg of microplastics (greatest concentration) would consume the most microplastics and have the greatest difference in behavior from the control group. In terms of results, my hypothesis is somewhat supported, as the group that consumed the most microplastics (after week 3) was the group given 1000µg, however there was not a significant relationship between eating and behavior. Prior to week 3, microplastics were not found in the digestive systems of the planarians across all groups because they did not have an appetite.

Conclusion

In conclusion, microplastics were consumed by the planarians and observed in the digestive systems of the planarians, showing microplastics can potentially move up the food chain, as animals that prey on them would indirectly consume them, continuing this pattern throughout our ecosystems.

Shining a light on epilepsy: How different frequencies of light can exacerbate seizures in bang-sensitive drosophila melanogaster. 

Objectives: 

My objective was to determine how different frequencies of light exacerbate seizures in bang sensitive drosophila melanogaster. It’s estimated that about 1.2% of the total US population have epilepsy, therefore it’s important to research what triggers epileptic seizures so epileptic patients can take precautions.  

Materials and Methods:

My experiment consisted of 4 groups: Group 1 was my control group - wild-type flies (n=1), Group 2 - wild-type flies (n=7), Group 3 - easily shocked (eas) flies (n=2), Group 4 - easily shocked (eas) flies (n=7). All groups were placed in vials containing 1.5 ounces of instant drosophila medium for culturing. During experimentation each fly was placed under a frequency of 4.455 (1014) Hz for 3 minutes. They were then vortexed for 10 seconds at maximum speed. These steps were repeated with frequencies of 6.66 (1014) Hz (blue light) and 7.50 (1014) Hz (ultraviolet light) for all groups. I then recorded the number of times the flies exhibited paralysis by falling to the bottom of the vial.   

Results 

The results were based on the average number of times the flies displayed paralysis by falling to the bottom of the vial. All groups under ultraviolet lights displayed the least seizures (group 1 average - 0.4; group 2 average - 0.4; group 3 average - 0; group 4 average -2). 

Conclusion

In conclusion, red light exacerbated seizures the greatest in both wild-type and eas flies. I do not support my hypothesis, because I hypothesized that red light would cause the least seizures. Therefore, epileptic patients should be cautious of the amount of time they spend in red light with a frequency of 4.455 (1014 Hz).