Identifying Fluctuating Asymmetry and Developmental Rate as Indicators of Developmental Stability in Drosophila Melanogaster

Developmental stability is the ability of an individual to maintain proper development despite various environmental conditions, and thus has important implications for the health of an individual. Individuals with less stable development are thought to be at higher risk for developing non-communicable disease, such as diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease, during adolescence and adulthood. In bilateral organisms, developmental stability can be assessed by measuring deviations from perfect symmetry between the left and right sides of the body, known as Fluctuating Asymmetry. In this project, we measured the developmental rate and Fluctuating Asymmetry of Drosophila melanogaster while subjected to varying metabolic conditions differing by sucrose content. Analysis of Fluctuating Asymmetry observed between drosophila populations subjected to different concentrations of sucrose did not yield significant results; however, various trends in the data elucidated the interactions between developmental stability, metabolic stress, and developmental rate. By working to further establish a link between these factors, this project supports the development of cost-effective early screening methods for diabetes mellitus and related diseases

BIOL 404- Dual nature of phytoestrogens as both procancer and anticancer agents

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived, xenoestrogenic dietary compounds found in various fruits, vegetables, soy products, teas, grains, beans, and more. There are different classes of phytoestrogens, including flavonoids, isoflavonoids, lignans, and coumestans, all of which can affect estrogen-mediated responses in different ways (Bilal et al, 2014). The aim of this project is to investigate the potential duality of phytoestrogens as both estrogen receptor antagonists in cancer cells, but also as potential activators of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Understanding the complex role phytoestrogens play in cancer progression will prove valuable in the potential development of novel phytoestrogen-base cancer drug therapies

Identifying Fluctuating Asymmetry and Developmental Rate as Indicators of Developmental Stability in Drosophila Melanogaster

Developmental stability is the ability of an individual to maintain proper development despite various environmental conditions, and thus has important implications for the health of an individual. Individuals with less stable development are thought to be at higher risk for developing non-communicable disease, such as diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease, during adolescence and adulthood. In bilateral organisms, developmental stability can be assessed by measuring deviations from perfect symmetry between the left and right sides of the body, known as fluctuating asymmetry. In this project, we measured the developmental rate and fluctuating asymmetry of Drosophila melanogaster while subjected to varying metabolic conditions differing by sucrose content. Analysis of fluctuating asymmetry observed between drosophila populations subjected to different concentrations of sucrose did not yield significant results; however, various trends in the data elucidated the interactions between developmental stability, metabolic stress, and developmental rate. By working to further establish a link between these factors, this project supports the development of cost-effective early screening methods for diabetes mellitus and related diseases

SPAN 352 Abordando disparidades de salud en las comunidades latinas de los Estados Unidos por Carrie Reaver

This presentation considers health disparities in Latinx communities in the US, and advocates for cultural awareness among medical professionals

Saving the Synapse: Assessing Opioid Receptors as Therapeutic Targets in the Management of Opioid Addiction

Understanding drug physiology at the synaptic level is crucial for the design and delivery of treatments for individuals facing opioid addiction. Opioids are analgesic drugs that can agonize endogenous opioid receptors at the neuronal synapse and inhibit signal transduction through pain modulatory pathways, making opioids a popular drug choice for clinical pain management. However, chronic exposure to opioids induces physical and chemical changes in the synapse, resulting in receptor expression downregulation and decreased neurotransmitter synthesis. Downregulation produces a diminished responsiveness to the drug and decreased neurotransmitter release fosters drug dependence, thus contributing to addiction and withdrawal symptoms. These physiological changes are difficult to reverse, thus making addiction treatment and withdrawal management difficult to accomplish. The current project aims to elucidate the effect of opioids at the synapse in order to further understand the processes behind current addiction treatments through a medicinal chemistry perspective. Through investigation of primary literature concerning opioid activity and neuronal target defense mechanisms, we hope explore strategies for novel drug development in order to counteract the physical, mental, and behavioral consequences of chronic opioid use. As rates of opioid addiction continue to rise, more research is needed to enhance the recovery of individuals facing opioid addiction as well as bring attention to the perils of over-prescribing opioids in clinical settings