Through layers of specialized neurons called photoreceptors, bipolar cells, and ganglion cells, the retina detects light and transmits visual information to the brain. The retina has millions of neuron connections known as synapses. Microglia, which are immune cells of the nervous system, help maintain synaptic integrity. High-acuity color vision depends on cone photoreceptors, which form specialized synapses that swiftly release neurotransmitters to downstream bipolar neurons upon stimulation by light. Zebrafish are an excellent model for studying retinal synapses due to the structural and cellular similarity of their retinas to human retinas, as both have cone-dominant vision. The Mitchell lab previously used electroretinograms (ERGs) to analyze retinal function in microglia-sufficient and microglia-deficient larval zebrafish. These experiments indicate that microglia deficiency alters retinal function through a disruption in the typical time-of-day based changes exhibited by zebrafish. To address these alterations, I studied synaptic scaffolding proteins in microglia-sufficient and -deficient zebrafish retinal tissue at various times of day. I used confocal microscopy to analyze potential differences in synapse scaffold proteins and cone photoreceptor morphology. My results show that microglia-sufficient zebrafish may have less RIBEYE scaffolding protein in the afternoon when compared to the morning. Microglia-deficient zebrafish showed similar amounts of RIBEYE in both morning and afternoon. Cone outer segments appeared longer in microglia-deficient zebrafish in both morning and afternoon when compared to microglia-sufficient zebrafish, and microglia-deficient zebrafish showed increased levels of cone arrestin staining in outer segments in both morning and afternoon; however, additional analysis needs to be done to confirm these results. Cone outer segment length and arrestin staining will be analyzed further by the Mitchell lab. This work can provide new insights into how microglia regulate synaptic processes between cone photoreceptors and their partner retinal neurons.
My research study focuses on developing a sustainable method of producing garments by integrating 3D printing and cut-and-sew techniques. The fashion industry, a major contributor to global emissions and waste, must adopt eco-friendly practices to mitigate its environmental impact. This project explored the use of sustainable filaments and fabrics to create both physical and virtual garments. Through a four-phase process involving material selection, digital modeling, prototyping, and final construction, I aimed to produce a wearable 3D printed garment and a digital counterpart. This study highlights the potential of 3D printing to revolutionize garment production by reducing waste and offering innovative design possibilities.
We are designing a survey to measure the attitudes of Moscow-campus students on accessibility and inclusion at the University of Idaho. The survey will address campus climate, environment, and services.
Abstract In recent years, much progress has been made in the field of virtual reality: creating an engaging experience by fully immersing users in a virtual world. This project, however, explores a different approach: creating an engaging experience by bringing elements of the virtual world into reality. This project explores different methods of bridging the …
Abstract Companies face unprecedented challenges in today’s ever-changing business landscape due to global expansion, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences. As a result, businesses are adopting various supply chain and operational strategies and tactics to stay competitive, which is often demonstrated in the company’s financial performance. This research uses ten years of longitudinal firm-level data …
Hello and welcome! Thank you for your interest in my project: Industrial Hemp, Cannabis sativa, as a Natural Fiber Alternative to Synthetic Fishing Nets and Lines! With most fishing nets being made of plastics, it is an issue for marine life who tend to get caught up in them or consume them. Looking for a …
Abstract: Using time-lapse confocal microscopy to record and observe microgliabehavior in living zebrafish embryos, the Mitchell lab investigates themolecular basis of dynamic migration and phagocytic behavior of microgliain the central nervous system. Microglial cells regulate brain development,maintain neuronal networks, and repair neural injuries. Timelapse imagingprovides crucial insight into the behavior of these cells. Other methods, …
AbstractThe innovative field of biometrics has existed for more than a century in the medical and sports fields.In the athletic domain, biometric data are the measurements of physical and physiological informationfor assessment of performance and recovery in sports. Much of the existing biometric-based researchfrom the United State has been conducted on primarily on men which …
Tailocins are antibacterial proteins produced by some bacteria to kill closely related bacterial strains. In nature, this benefits the microbe by offering a way for them to control the bacterial composition of their environments. However, in a lab setting, researchers can use these tailocins to treat against unwanted bacteria. The purpose of this research project …
Background The Nelder-Mead algorithm is used to find the smallest value of a function. The algorithm first evaluates the function at a set of points, called the simplex. Then the algorithm replaces the worst point with a new point generated via a geometric reflection of the worst point through the simplex. The most basic movement …