Polystyrene In Embryos

• Using different concentrations of polystyrene (density) with concentrations of 100Um, 300Um, and 500Um. We obtained these concentrations by diluting from original source of 5 μm, and the density is 1.064 g/cm3  of polystyrene. 

• By injecting with an insulin syringe size of (size of the syringe) after sterilization with ethanol, different concentrations were injected

• The eggs will be opened and observed for the presence of abnormalities in the eyes, heart, and vasculature

• weight, length, heartbeat, and mortality will also be recorded

• The data collected from the observations will be compared (comparison of the different concentrations)

A common observation we found as we increased the concentration of polyesterene is how the veins seemed to be a lot redder and more present. The veins of the embryo tend to be regular bright red surrounding the embryo for the control group. The experimental however, had more erratic veins and some were connected to the shell. Also in some instances, the higher concentration of embryos had more pale bodies and underdeveloped eyes, and also the yolk seemed more thicker and darker than usual at certain points.

We initially predicted a negative relationship between the concentration of MPs and chicken embryo length and weight. However, based on our data, the embryo weight and length at 7 days old showed no relationship with the concentration of MPs. Similarly, embryo weight at 14 days old showed no relationship with concentration. However, embryo length at 14 days indicated some positive relationship with concentration which goes against our initial hypothesis. One reason why embryo length at 14 days old and concentration had some positive relationship might be because we only had 2 control embryos, which could skew the results. Furthermore, it could be possible that MPs increase embryo weight. Overall, it is important to note that we had different sample sizes across all 4 graphs. Most data seemed to be inconclusive or needing more research but one data that came to be different was the change in decreased weight from day 1 to when the egg was opened.  All eggs naturally decreased in weight, but this data in the change in decreased weight (g) vs. Concentration of MPs shows the difference between the decrease in weight comparing the varying concentrations of polystyrene. From the data, it is confirmed that there could be some relationship between the two variables 

Some limitations or weaknesses could have been the effectiveness of technique we performed when opening the egg to observe the embryo as it was difficult to measure heartbeat to obtain as data. Some other limitations were how we were not able to do a double-blind experiment due to time limitations which could have skewed our observations. In the future, having a set number of data points for both 7 days and 14 days and equal control and experimental data points for both days would be beneficial. Additionally, having a larger sample size could result in more accurate results.  

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