I will be looking for the frequency of two common gene mutations in the Eastern Upper Peninsula Caucasian population. The genes of interest are Factor V (responsible for blood clotting) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR, which regulates homocysteine buildup). These mutations are important because they can lead to serious conditions, such as abnormal blood clots and miscarriages. DNA samples will be obtained from non-invasive cheek swabs; amplified using PCR and quantified using the new gene fragment analyzer in the School of Science and Medicine at LSSU. We will compare the EUP’s prevalence of these mutations to that of the overall U.S. population. Knowing the frequency of these two mutations can help to educate healthcare professionals and the general public about the risks associated with these conditions, so that people can better regulate their health.
Chemical cleaners are used to clean surfaces in households, hospitals, and public places to protect us from illness. Most cleaners use a spray-then-wipe method but it is unclear how the physical action of wiping contributes to removing bacteria. Some cleaners may not be actually killing bacteria, but friction from wiping may be enough to physically remove them. In this study we will clarify the contribution that friction makes to cleaning surfaces by counting the number of bacteria removed from a surface when using dry materials versus the amount removed when using the same material wet with water or a cleaner.
The intent of this research project is to enable a mobile robot to accept human assistance for the purpose of deviating from its autonomously generated path, thus reaching its desired destination, while avoiding obstructions. The results of this research will enable Automated Guided Vehicles to overcome the challenge of navigation within dynamic environments. The team plans to use a TurtleBot 3 Waffle Pi, equipped with a Color Sensor Distance Measuring Sensor, and Gyro Sensor, an 8 Megapixel camera, and a Nvidia Jetson TX2 computer board to accomplish this task.
Identifying and understanding the effect that perceived stress and resilience levels have on an individual’s performance when presented with an acute-stress inducing task is very important. For university students, many are frequently faced with negative situations that are not always directly related to academics. By identifying such, the way an individual performs under pressure can be better understood. Participants were evaluated on their stress and resilience perceptions, their performance on the stress-inducing task, and their heart rate levels. Research surrounding this topic is of value because it provides information that could improve the health, well-being, and retention of university students.
I am researching how lung function may influence symptoms of panic, such as shortness of breath, a racing heartbeat, feeling faint, or shaking. I measured lung function using a spirometer, a small handheld device that measures exhalation speed and lung capacity. I also asked participants to fill out a demographic survey and a panic survey detailing their history of panic attacks, the specific symptoms they had if they’d experienced a panic attack, and whether or not they had experienced a panic attack recently.
