Redtail Surfperch Population Dynamics in Humboldt County

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Redtail surfperch population dynamics when comparing urban and remote beaches in Humboldt County.

Reducing polyamine levels favors osteogenic differentiation of MSCs

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Snyder-Robinson Syndrome (SRS) is a disorder that is characterized by severe osteoporosis. SRS is caused by a mutated gene coding for Spermine Synthase (SMS). SMS converts spermidine into spermine. Therefore SRS patients show increased spermidine/spermine ratios. Using bone marrow-derived Multipotent Stromal Cells, we found that supplementation with spermidine inhibits differentiation. During osteogenic differentiation the polyamine catabolic enzyme Spermidine/Spermine Acetyltransferase (SAT1) is upregulated. Also, inhibition of polyamine synthesis directly promotes osteogenesis. Therefore our results in vitro suggest that reduction of polyamines is necessary for osteogenic differentiation.

Reintroducing Native American Culture Through Corn

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Corn has been a staple food crop for over 10,000 years, having been domesticated by aboriginal peoples in Oaxaca, Mexico. Being successfully responsive to different environmental pressures corn not only represents aboriginal survivance, it also stands as a major testimonial to their culture’s magnitude. Iroquois white corn is an ancient variety that contains a myriad of nutritional benefits which could improve the overall health of indigenous people. In a community effort to revitalize native american customs, Iroquois white corn has been reintroduced back into their daily endeavors. This effort represents a growing awareness to see past the Western portrayal of a culturally rich community.

Reintroduction of California condor over Yurok Tribal Land.

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

We will be talking about the reintroduction of California Condor in Northern California. Seeing how it can benefit the local Yurok tribe and ecosystem.

Resources vs Co2 on Humboldt Bees’

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The effects of urbanization and Co2 car emmissons on local bee abundance and species richness. Testing to see what drives bee populations and if there is a negative correlation between Co2 levels and bees' in urban, agricultural, and natural settings and which areas provide the most abundant resources.

Restoration and Medicinal Plants: Ending the Negligence Towards Ethnobotany and TEK

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Our project focuses on the importance of ethnobotany with an emphasis on restoration and medicinal plant properties. Ethnobotanical studies fixated on traditional ecological knowledge have long been disregarded by western science; however, this information is crucial for the restoration of the environment, advancement of medicines, and cultural revival of the Native people. Due to colonization and westernization, the continuation of knowledge throughout generations along with the vast ecosystems that once thrived has depleted. Conversely, through the expansion and shared education on plants and restoration processes long known by Natives, the gap between western science and TEK will degrade.

Rise of the Machines: The Effects of Autonomous Cars on Highway Efficiency

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

We looked at a possible macroscopic model, the LWR model, but ultimately turned to a microscopic model, the IDM. Here, autonomous vehicles were incorporated,and a Matlab simulation was run. Simulation results along with existing research was analyzed,and differing traffic densities, lane changing, and heterogeneous traffic were then taken into account which resulted in an analysis of the MOBIL model. Finally, using traffic networking schemes, and analysis of available data, a unique model was proposed, with talk of expected results and implementation on the greater Seattle Area. Existing data suggests that these added vehicles will ease traffic congestion and increase road capacity.

River Otter Citizen Science Project

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

River otter sightings from watercourses and coastlines in Humboldt, Del Norte, and adjacent counties are sought by citizens in order for population status to be assessed and monitored. The project is run by Professor Jeff Black and students of Humboldt State University's Wildlife Department.

Role of p38 in glioma

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Gliomas are highly malignant intracranial tumors that result in a low survival rate due to an invasive phenotype and its diffuse nature. As a result, tumorigenic stem-like glioma cells are poorly targeted by conventional therapies. MAPK kinase 3 (MKK3) has been found to be a key upstream activator of the p38 MAPK protein and is upregulated in invasive glioma cells. Recent evidence suggests that interfering with MKK3 signaling through the inhibition of p38 can inhibit tumor cell invasion in vitro (Demuth et al. 2007). We are interested in examining the role of p38 in glioma through the ability of these cells to form tumor-like colonies in soft agar with modifications in Lgl1 gene expression

Role of Recreational Trailways and Cover Objects in Relation to Terrestrial Salamanders

Anthony Gomez, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Recreational trailways are becoming an ever-present component within community forests, nature reserves and national parks, with the effects on local wildlife just beginning to be understood. Prior research holds that regular trailway maintenance increases microhabitat availability for salamanders and results in increased densities. I conducted a 3-month study in a community forest in northwestern California, and used a standardized nighttime paired-field survey technique to assess for cover objects and salamander surface activity.