Sigma Xi 2018 Student Research Showcase
Physiology & Immunology
Inflammation Predicts Frailty in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Cross Sectional Study of Parkinson’s Disease, Corticobasal Degeneration, Dementia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Multiple Sclerosis
Ben Badnani, Pine Crest School
This research and my presentation focuses on a possible etiological or pathological role that inflammatory processes may play in the development or progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In this research, correlative values were examined to see if patients' frailty had any relationship to their inflammation.
Effects of Dietary Supplements on Neuroregeneration in Dugesia tigrina
Emily Nguyen, Mount Everest Academy
The elements of the showcase presentation appear in the following order: short title, presenter information, abstract, personal video (YouTube), slide presentation (embedded from Google Drive), and discussion widget.
NAD Replenishment Rescues Stem Cells in Werner’s Syndrome Model
Nithin Parsan, William P. Clements High School
Aging is increasingly being viewed as a treatable phenomenon. Chronic diseases that plague our society are directly correlated to age and involve many of the same molecular pathways. Using Werner's syndrome as a model, this project investigates and aims to elucidate a specific molecular pathway concerning the depletion of NAD.
The Effect of Catecholamines on an Increased Risk of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Hope Alex, American Heritage School
This research project was created in order to determine whether a particular class of stress hormones/neurotransmitters, catecholamines, has a greater effect on the diagnosis of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in postmenopausal women.
The Molecular Asthmatic Effects of Pichia kudriavzevii Yeast on A549 Alveolar Epithelial Cells
Valentina Ortega, American Heritage School
In this project, the molecular asthmatic effects of Pichia kudriavzevii yeast secretions on alveolar epithelial cells were assayed in attempts to determine its role as an asthmatic agent. By doing this, more targeted treatments can be developed that can bring us a step closer to discovering a cure for asthma.
Designing a Novel System to Optimize the Development of Cellulose Nanocrystals from Microbial Cellulose for Security Technology Applications
Gauri Kasarla, American Heritage School
Although cellulose nanocrystal films as a whole have recently been the interest of the research community, it is necessary to analyze the individual optical properties of cellulose nanocrystals, such as their iridescence, and determine the optimal standards at which CNCs function and can be used to create cellulose nanocrystal films. By measuring the intensity of individual cellulose nanocrystals, the individual iridescence and optical properties of the nanocrystals is confirmed, providing an outlook into the future of embedding nanocrystals themselves to identify counterfeiting.
Optimization for Malnutrition Treatment Products
Garyk Brixi, Winston Churchill High School
Malnutrition recovery typically requires the provision of specialized nutritious foods. Current products are costly and mostly unsuitable for local production. I developed a linear programming tool to ensure necessary constraints, including protein quality, and optimize cost effective, dairy free products for treating malnutrition.