Sigma Xi 2018 Student Research Showcase
Microbiology & Molecular Biology
The Effects of an Applied Electromagnetic Field on Bacterial Transformation
Noreen Hossain, American Heritage School
This investigation attempted to find the relationship between the presence of a magnetic field generated by a solenoid electromagnet, and the number of colonies of E. coli HB101 transformed when using the pGLO plasmid.
Alternative Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment using Protein Therapy
Gabriella Chehaitli, Spruce Creek High School
This research focuses on treating sickle cell anemia with zinc finger proteins by deactivating the mutant form of hemoglobin and activating another form to increase production of healthy red blood cells rather than sickled cells.
The Effect of Common Helpful Bacteria Used to Eliminate Harmful Bacteria Found in Contaminated Water Sources
Illiana Bennett, American Heritage School
My project was designed to see whether or not probiotics such as S. Salivarius, L. Acidophilus, B. Longum or S. Griseus could be used as an alternate way of filtering water. To test this I used the Kirby Bauer method and the Colorimetric method. My results were that S. Griseus and B. Longum were the two probiotics that eliminate the E. Coli with the most effectiveness.
Analyzing the Effects of Low-Calorie Sweeteners on High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Biogenesis
Nithya Kasarla, American Heritage School
As the use of low-calorie sweeteners like Splenda and Stevia increase, it is important to consider their effects on cholesterol, and even more importantly, their impacts on the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to determine the effects of sweeteners on the formation of high density lipoprotein (HDL), known as the "good cholesterol," and whether HDL formation is hindered by such sweeteners, therefore, furthering the spread of heart disease.
Effect of Milk on Bacteriophage T4r
Henry Ingram, Pine Crest School
With antibiotics projected to become obsolete in the next 30 years due to drug-resistant "superbugs," one proposed alternative is bacteriophages, viruses that kill bacteria. Ions in milk are essential to the lytic cycle of lactic acid phages, and this research endeavors to see if this holds true for model bacteriophage T4r, which is related.
From the Sequence to the Field: Working to Understand Cruciviral Origins through Sequence Recovery and Host Elucidation
Ellis Torrance, Portland State University
This study aims to further investigate CruV origin by amassing environmental sequences primarily from peat bog and wetland environments. Once we’ve obtained a CruV sequence from an environment, we can begin to culture potential host candidates from the sample the genome was acquired from.
Utilizing Kefir Bacteria to Target NF-κB of the Bax Gene to Induce Apoptosis in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells
Tushar Shenoy, American Heritage School
This study involves kefir and colon cancer. Colorectal adenocarcinoma is defined as the growth of cancer in areas of the colon or rectum. Kefir is a fermented milk beverage that is produced from kefir grains that consist of various forms of bacteria and yeast that coexist in a symbiotic relationship. Kefir is known to have many beneficial health effects, including anti tumor properties. These properties are studied in depth.
Estrogen Receptor Beta-1 and Its Isoform Estrogen Receptor Beta-2 as Novel Therapeutic Targets for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Tainon Chen, Bronx High School of Science
This study identified two new therapeutic targets for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which comprises most lung cancer cases and is currently very difficult to treat. One target was responsible for the aggressive metastatic nature of NSCLC, while the other nullified the innate radiation resistance of NSCLC.
The Effects on Bacterial Growth From Water Bottles With Different BPA Levels After Heat Exposure
Rhea Iyer, American Heritage School
The purpose of this experiment was to test if bacterial levels is affected by BPA and if the sun and its heat increases this growth.
The Antibacterial Effects of Carrots, Garlic, Kale, and Broccoli on Escherichia Coli
Maryam Ingram, American Heritage School
The purpose of this experiment is to test the antibacterial effects of carrots, garlic, kale, and broccoli on E. coli; whether or not they prohibit the growth of the bacteria, and which one is the most effective in doing so.
Research into the Plastic Degrading and Assimilating Bacteria Ideonella Sakaiensis
Naven Parthasarathy, American Heritage School
The purpose of this research is to determine the properties of the novel bacterium and design a protocol to test and enhance the bacteria’s degradation capabilities for a more efficient method of recycling plastics and reducing pollution.
Precision Drug Repurposing: Machine Learning & Molecular Modeling
Annie Wang, Bronx High School of Science
A new novel conceptual framework was created to over come challenges of the drug discovery process by integrating machine learning and molecular modeling.
Lytic Induction of Phage phi3T by Genetically Modifying the Arbitrium System
Judy Zhong, Upper Dublin High School
My research project explores how independent expression of the aimX gene affects bacterial lysis. The presentation summarizes my scientific process, findings, and interaction of such results. Overall, I discovered that aimX by itself is able to kill bacteria without the bacteriophage present.
A Multifaceted Approach to Nosocomial Infections: Novel Catheter
Angelin Mathew, American Heritage School
My project targeted creating a preventive solution to hospital associated infections and rising antibiotic resistance.
A Precision Medicine Approach to Cancer: Epigenetic Inhibitors Induce Highly-Specific Apoptosis in High-Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Ruhi Sayana, The Harker School
My project explores the therapeutic potential of epigenetic inhibitors for the selective treatment of a high-risk leukemia, hypodiploid B-ALL, which is associated with a dismal prognosis. My project also characterizes the relevance of aberrant epigenetic expression for the oncogenesis of this cancer.
Unfolding the Mysteries of vWF: Experimental vs. Computational Studies of vWF A2 Domain
Prathysha Kothare, Parkland High School
Visit my Wix website to discover my research in the field of mechanical molecular biology! Check out my introduction video, slide presentation, interactive display board, abstract, and real-time molecular dynamic simulation! Convey questions or comments in the discussion forum or reach out to me personally.