Project Spotlights
Learn more about the research initiatives of the students that are highlighted in the latest issue!
Celestial Symphony: MIDI Sonification of Multiparametric Supernova Data into a Euphonious Composition
This project aims to sonify multiparametric supernova data from the Palomar Observatory into a musically pleasing and mathematically precise composition to enhance public engagement and comprehension. By transforming scientific data into a harmonious piece resembling lo-fi and ambient music, it seeks to make supernova studies more accessible and appealing to both artistic and scientific audiences.
CD38 Identifies a Subset of Natural Killer Cells with Differential Phenotype and Function
This study investigates the role of CD38 in regulating NK cell function, focusing on a subset of NK cells with low CD38 expression that exhibit adaptive properties and enhanced antitumor activity. By comparing these CD38 low/negative NK cells to canonical NK cells, the research found higher granzyme B expression but lower perforin levels in the adaptive subset, with decreased activation markers when co-cultured with tumor cells, paving the way for further characterization of NK cell activation and tumor-killing mechanisms.
Analyzing the Effects of Election Lab on the Relationship Between High School Civics Knowledge and Perspectives Towards Civic Engagement
This study addresses the lack of civic awareness and engagement in the U.S. due to insufficient civic education in public schools, emphasizing the need for future generations to understand governmental processes and electoral participation. Utilizing the Election Lab simulation game, the research demonstrates that interactive tools can significantly enhance high school seniors' civic knowledge and attitudes toward civic engagement, suggesting important implications for improving civic education nationwide.
Fueling the Future: Isolation of Chlorella vulgaris Biomass from Novel Media Structure
This research investigates the versatile applications of Chlorella vulgaris, a unicellular green algae species, particularly in aerospace and biofuel industries. Addressing challenges in cultivation efficiency, a novel solid-media agarose culture developed and patented by the author offers promising solutions compared to traditional liquid-media systems, especially under zero-gravity conditions. The research demonstrates that this solid media approach supports robust growth and efficient biomass isolation, outperforming liquid media in population density and biomass yield, and findings show its potential for widespread terrestrial and aerospace use, suggesting avenues for further research in algae and agricultural innovations.
Development and Applications of a Novel High Throughput Screening Assay to Identify a New First-In-Class Therapy for Kidney Disease
This study aimed to advance chronic kidney disease (CKD) drug discovery by developing a high throughput assay using macula densa (MD) cells, focusing on their calcium signaling mechanism crucial for kidney tissue regeneration. Through gene transfer techniques, MDgeo-G cells expressing the calcium-sensitive protein GCaMP8f were validated using fluorescence microscopy and microplate assays. Initial screening identified a potential lead compound from a small molecule library, highlighting the assay's efficacy in identifying CKD therapeutic candidates.
Personality Type and Risk-Taking in the Context of High School Athletics at the Focus School
This study investigates how personality traits—introversion, extraversion, and ambiversion—affect risk-taking behaviors among high school athletes. Using the Eysenck Personality Inventory, the researcher surveyed 31 student-athletes across various sports. The study emphasizes the relevance of personality traits in shaping coaching approaches and recommends further research with a larger participant pool to validate these findings.