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Examining if the Ecogeographical Foster’s Rule in Bat Species Can Predict The Size Differences Between Island and Mainland Bats.
Full text linkIn this study I will be examining Foster’s rule as it applies to bats. Noticed by multiple scientists, there was a difference of body size on island and mainland animal species. Thought to be due to evolutionary factors, it was looked into, and in turn Foster’s Rule was discovered. Foster’s Rule, also known as the Island rule, is a rule in evolutionary biology regarding members of species becoming larger or smaller based on the amount of resources available to them in a given environment. The environmental conditions species on islands experience often create challenges or unique opportunities compared to those on the mainland. It can lead to dwarfism or gigantism. This theory was first brought to light by J. Bristol Foster (1964), originally proposed to occur and differ specific to taxa. Adjustments were made by Van Valen (1974), who coined the term Island rule. He generalized the rule to grade species on a scale based on body mass (Lomolino 1985). Early studies focused on this phenomenon in mammals. Recent research has expanded the field, including work done in birds by a Thompson Rivers University student (Veale 2020). My primary question is if size differences observed on island and mainland bat species can support the theory. According to Lomolino (1985), there is evidence to support this theory in bat species. This was done on a very small scale, so I would like to build upon this research and test Foster’s rule in bats using a larger dataset, worldwide. Based on current publications, I predict that my research will produce support for Foster\u27s rule, with island bats having larger body masses than those residing on the mainland
Phase Transitions in the Nucleus
Full text linkEukaryotic cells organize some of its cellular components into membrane-less compartments through a process called liquid-to-liquid phase separation (LLPS). LLPS-driven compartments, also referred to as biomolecular condensates, emerge from transient interactions between intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and other biomolecules, primarily RNA and DNA. Self-associating IDPs are key regulators of LLPS as they lack a 3-dimensional protein structure due to the abundance of charged, hydrophilic amino acids within its linear protein sequence. This compositional bias enables IDPs to maintain multiple weak interactions that result in selective localization of free-floating cytoplasmic molecules. Under preferable physical conditions, the localized molecules transition from dilute to molecule-rich phase forming a chemically unique gel-like condensate capable of performing biological functions.
Biomolecular condensates are prevalent inside the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and range in size from relatively large nucleoli to tiny nuclear speckles. The advances in recent research showed that phase separated states hold a central role in nucleus organization and functionalization; however, the intricacies of this topic are yet to be explored. In this literature review and the accompanying poster, three instances of biological phase transitions inside the nucleus, including heterochromatin gene regulation, transcriptional regulation by RNA polymerase II and ribosome assembly, will be discussed in detail. Specifically, we interpret the molecular mechanisms and biophysical aspects that form, segregate and localize LLPS condensates in the nuclear space to perform each of three nuclear functions. The purpose of this review is to summarize the existing information on the topic area and build a comprehensive understanding of the complex concept by presenting the information in a structured and coherent manner
Investigating the Potential for High-CBD Cannabis Sativa and Nitric Oxide to Modulate SARS-CoV-2 Spike-ACE2 Binding
Full text linkA critical step of the SARS-CoV-2 infection is interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein’s receptor binding domain on the surface of the viral particle and the ACE2 receptor on the surface of human cells. Thus, the identification of small molecules, antibodies, or other biological molecules that interfere with the formation of the S-ACE2 complex, could help to develop drugs to prevent or treat COVID-19.(1) High-CBD Cannabis treatments show modulation of ACE2 gene expression and ACE2 protein levels in human tissues, but it is unclear if the many cannabimimetic molecules also directly interact with the S-ACE2 binding or if it is merely due to the cannabinoid receptor mediated affects.(2) Additionally, NO likely causes conformational changes on surface glycoproteins that can interfere with host cell fusion, preventing infection and release of virions from already infected host cells, like neuraminidase inhibitors.(3) We will use a RayBio COVID-19 Spike-ACE2 binding assay kit, which is an in vitro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, to determine if cannabinoids and terpenes can interfere directly with the S-ACE2 binding, independent of cannabinoid receptors. Additionally, we will determine if NO interferes directly with the RBD of the Spike protein, and if there is a synergistic effect with a formulation of cannabinoids, terpenes, and NO, to give an enhanced interference
Improving Outcomes for At-Risk Youth Through Connection, Care, and Attachment: Rationale and Strategies for Holding On When Kids Want to Let Go
No full textMy proposal is for a virtual presentation (approximately 20 minutes) with the opportunity for Q and A after. The abstract of the project is below. I have taught in inner-city schools and alternative education programs and have seen the great need for strategies to reconnect these students to school. Students leave mainstream high school systems for many reasons, but many of those who disconnect herald from a traumatic background and are engaged in high-risk behaviours. In this paper, I claim that fostering connection with at-risk youth provides many benefits both in and beyond K-12 education. The link between school connection, completion, and future life outcomes demonstrates that feeling connected to their teacher and school improved academic success and provides better opportunities to choose healthier prosocial behaviours and move out of poverty. As shown in the literature review, there is a correlation between school connectedness and engagement to academic achievement and reducing risky-behaviours and building resilience. This paper explores these topics and approaches through a lens of care-pedagogy, attachment theory, and trauma-informed practice. The application of this paper is to determine strategies that offer trauma-informed opportunities to connect and engage with these students while supporting their development of regulation and coping skills. Two sample programs provide possible avenues for connection-building. This work\u27s implication informs how a positive school connection, when students feel safe and have the tools and support to feel sovereign over their education, holds promise for brighter futures for at-risk youth. The novel approach of interweaving care pedagogies, attachment theory and trauma-informed practice as frameworks to work from offer a holistic approach for practice is a distinct success of this paper—the practical implications of this paper center around how to promote connection within the classroom and school
Chill Out on the Way Out: Share Your Pet
No full textChill out and show off your pets, whether they are furred, feathered, scaled, or secretly a stuffed animal
Chill Out on the Way Out: Safe and sound: Learning to ground
No full textIn this session, faculty will increase awareness about the importance of creating a safe and welcoming space in the physical or virtual classroom
Chill Out on the Way Out: How to make Delicious Homemade Kombucha: easy and fun step by step instructions
No full textKombucha is a fermented, lightly effervescent, sweetened black or green tea drink commonly consumed for its supposed health benefits. It can be flavoured with fresh fruit and ginger for a wonderful drink for pennies