3020 research outputs found
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Antibiotic Producing Organisms
No full textAntibiotic producing organisms can be found in soil. Finding new antibiotic producing organisms is important for combatting the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. I performed a serial dilution of a soil sample to isolate possible antibiotic-producing organisms. While several colonies of bacteria did not display zones of inhibition, I was able to find candidates that display zones of inhibition. After screening candidates against safe ESKAPEs, it was found that one candidate inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis. The goal of my research is to find organisms that display zones of inhibition in hopes of finding a new antibiotic
Skeletal Stature of Unknown 6
No full textForensic anthropologists use skull and bone fragments to identify, study, and hypothesize when only partial findings are available. We are doing similar work as we examine one of 6 unknown skeletons in the JCCC Science lab to estimate each skeleton’s stature. The previous class has theorized each skeleton’s sex at birth, which has aided us in validating our height estimates. The future classes will analyze the skeletons to estimate each skeleton’s age and ancestry. The full skeletal method requires measuring the height of the skull, the height of the vertebrae, the lengths of the femur and tibia, and the height of the ankle. This sum is used within a formula that corrects for the absence of soft tissue and vertebral curvature that is present within living humans to aid in the accuracy of the estimation. The linear regression method uses the lengths of the longest appendicular bones with a standard error for the femur, the fibula, and the humerus. Our measurements and calculations using the full skeletal method have led us to the conclusion that our male skeleton’s stature was approximately 144.8cm. The linear regression model provides three ranges of Unknown 6’s height using each bone with a total range of 150.96cm - 171.1cm. This estimation excludes ancestry and age and all estimated statures have a margin of error, but all equations conclude that Unknown 6 was greater than 144cm, but no more than 172cm
Analysis of Variable Star U Leo
No full textWe present analysis of the cataclysmic variable, μ Leo, also known as Rasalas, is a star in the Leo constellation. This star has a smaller exoplanet orbiting around it that it 2.4 times more massive than Jupiter. We used various websites such as the SIMBAD database and TheSkyLive.com when searching for information about our star. The result of our research is as follows. The Right of Accension is 9h 52m 45.816sec. The Declination is +26° 00\u27 25.0319 . The galactical longitude is 204.5° and latitude is 50.25°. The color of μ Leo is that of red and orange, it is classed as a giant with a temperature of 4270K. The distance away from the sun is 132.95 light years away. The orbital period for its planet, μ Leo b, is 357.8 days
Synthesis and Testing of Antibacterial Peptides
No full textThe intention of this CURE project is to develop antimicrobial peptides that are made up of 2-3 amino acids. The tripeptide, BOC-Leu-Ala-Phe-OEt, will be the specific sequence attempted by this group. Research today demonstrates how peptides that have hydrophobic properties or a positive charge commonly reveal some antimicrobial activity. A series of experiments must be conducted for the peptides to be created. To ensure that the right peptide bond is made, protecting groups will be utilized to avoid side-reactions between free amino and carboxylic acid groups. The amine group in Leucine will be protected by a BOC- group so the carboxylic acid can react. Thin layer chromatography and NMR will be used to ensure that the correct product has formed. An ethyl ester will be used as the protecting group for the peptide, BOC-Ala-Phe- OEt, to protect the carboxylic acid group. However, The BOC-group will first be detached, allowing only the amine group to react. The final task of this series of experiments is for the peptide bond to be formed with EDC which is a coupling reagent. Once the amino acids are protected and the final peptide is synthesized, ¹H NMR will be used to confirm the structure and purity
Snakes of Kansas: Comparison Between Historic Collections From the Early 1900\u27s vs Recent Collections From the Early 2000\u27s
No full textUsing the KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum Herpetology Collection database, historic data of snakes was analyzed from the early 1900’s to determine the species and number of individuals in the collection. The results were compared to the amount of the most recent data collected. Records from Douglas County, Kansas were the focus of this study. Surveys to collect will continue with the upcoming field season in May and June. This research focuses on the ecology of snakes in Douglas County, Kansas and proposes ideas of findings in the collection gathered for both eras
What Stability Augmentation Systems Do for Aircraft
No full textWe will explore the use of dynamical systems and differential equations for stability systems found in aircraft. From making flight easier on the pilot to making certain aircraft designs possible, there are a wide range of aerospace applications afforded to us by the use of dynamical systems. This is an expansive topic that we will only be taking a surface-level examination of
Geo-Hazards Found In San Bernardino County
No full textThis study examines natural hazards that may impact future housing development in a 1-square-mile area located in San Bernardino County, California. The goal is to identify potential geologic risks and inform residents and developers about land safety. We focus on analyzing geological materials, seismic history, and topographic features. The site’s geology includes gabbro, monzogranite, granodiorite, and granophyre, which may pose risks. For example, radon could lead to lung cancer. We also reviewed seismic hazards by examining the region’s earthquake history. Since 1902, the area has experienced 2,192 earthquakes, with an average magnitude of 3.0 and a maximum magnitude of 6.7. This frequency and intensity suggest the area is prone to earthquakes, as well as quarry blasts. Topographic features could also pose additional risks. These could exacerbate problems like mass movements. By identifying geological, seismic, and topographic hazards, this research provides valuable insights to guide development decisions. We recommend implementing strategies like earthquake resistant homes to mitigate these risks and ensure safer living environments for future residents. Understanding these hazards is essential for creating sustainable, safe housing developments in San Bernardino County, California
The Effect of Soil Bacteria Against ESKAPE Pathogens
No full textThe Effect of Soil Bacteria Against ESKAPE Pathogens Over the past few decades, modern medicine has been in a constant battle against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Insufficient funding for research on new bacteria and the overuse of antibiotics have led to more evolved antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Research organizations are crucial for providing resources to student scientists to conduct such research. The Tiny Earth program works with students to solve the problem of antibiotic resistance through soil data collection and experimentation. The goal of this research is to find a bacterial candidate that can be used against the antibiotic-resistant bacteria, specifically ESKAPE pathogens, which are notorious for spreading disease within medical settings. The collected soil was found to contain a type of Gram-positive bacteria that showed signs of inhibition when tested against safe ESKAPE bacteria in an in vitro environment. The candidate was able to strongly inhibit Escherichia. Coli, Enterobacter. aerogenes, and Acinetobacter. baylyi. This means that it could be a possible candidate to be used against ESKAPE pathogens, and there are potentially more candidates to be found
Exploring Soil Bacteria as a Source of Natural Antibiotics to Combat Antibiotic Resistance
No full textAntibiotic resistance is becoming a major problem worldwide, as more bacteria are becoming resistant to the antibiotics we use to treat infections. My research focuses on finding bacteria from soil samples that produce antibiotics as a possible solution to this growing issue. With antibiotic resistance on the rise, it\u27s important to explore new ways to treat infections. I am working to identify and isolate bacteria from soil that can produce natural antibiotics. Through lab experiments, I aim to discover bacteria that can produce substances capable of stopping the growth of resistant bacteria. This research is important because it could lead to the development of new antibiotics, which would help fight infections that current antibiotics can\u27t treat. Discovering new antibiotics from natural sources could provide a long-term solution to the problem of antibiotic resistance
Let\u27s Talk Dirt
No full textAntibiotic resistance is a serious growing problem in public health affecting the entire globe. With bacteria evolving and becoming resistant to commonly used antibiotics it is more and more difficult to treat some infections. In addition, the discovery of new antibiotics has drastically slowed over the past decades coming to a halt in the 1980’s. With fewer new antibiotic options and an increase in antibiotic resistant pathogens treating certain infections can be so difficult that it can potentially lead to death of those infected. ESKAPE pathogens are a group of bacteria known for their virulence and increasing antibiotic resistance. These ESKAPE pathogens are responsible for several of the antibiotic-resistant infections and deaths common in the healthcare system. Since antibiotic resistance poses such significant challenges to public healthcare, novel sources must be sought to identify new sources. For this project, a survey of soil organisms from Overland Park, KS was diluted and cultured for potential antibiotic-producing candidates to try and help combat the antibiotic resistance problem. The original screen consisted of 12 potential organisms screened against ESKAPE relatives to look for any candidate that showed inhibition against these pathogens. The 12 potential organisms were further pared down to 1 candidate (known as candidate #7) that exhibited the most inhibition with ESKAPE relatives’ growth. Inhibition was seen with relatives Enterococcus Faecalis and Escherichia Coli on the screen plates. Candidate #7 is a Gram-negative rod