Choose to Reuse at Humboldt State University

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The project is about plastic pollution in our oceans, the zero waste movement, and the new choose to reuse campaign on campus.

Climate Change and its Correlation to Klamath Salmon

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

In our presentation, we will be discussing how climate change is affecting the Salmon run in the Klamath River. We will be addressing the how warmer water temperatures can affect the Salmon population. Our purpose is to inform others that a change in water temperatures may affect oxygen levels in the watershed hence making it difficult for salmon to migrate and survive in the watershed. Overall this may affect their process of spawning.

Climate Change and Its Effect on Spring Migrating Waterfowl

Xander Gonsalves, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Climate change is one of worlds greatest threat to ecosystems and biodiversity. Rising temperatures could have increased impact on migratory waterfowl during spring migration periods. I went out a did point counts at three different locations (Arcata Marsh, Hookton Slough, Salmon Creek), measured temperature and other environmental factors and waterfowl abundance. There was no significant impact by temperature on waterfowl abundance. Further Research could be done over a longer period of time to measure the impacts climate change and rising temperatures could have on migration timing during the spring.

Climate, Competition, and Cavity-nesters, oh my!

Kellie Crouch, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Fluctuations in climate variables, such as temperature and precipitation, have the ability to negatively influence the breeding success of birds. This study aimed to determine how these factors impact the breeding success of cavity-nesting songbirds in California. In order to do this, I analyzed relationships between nest box data from the California Bluebird Recovery Program and climate data from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Cloning and Purification of Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin Transducer

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

ASR is a cyanobacterial light-detecting transmembrane protein, which communicates to the cell through its soluble transducer ASRT. In this study, we describe a method for cloning ASRT using PCR, vector construction, and transformation for protein expression. We have made progress in cloning and continuing work on purification protocols. We will use immobilized metal affinity chromatography to purify ASRT, and use this protein in subsequent studies on its interaction with ASR. Characterization of ASR’s signal transduction through ASRT has revealed thus far a striking similarity to GPCRs and has potential for use in more cost-effective and precise expression induction in bacterial systems.

Collecting seed at the hot, dry margins of a tree species’ natural range: do the progeny of these extreme trees have drought tolerance and water-use efficiency needed for restoration of harsh sites?

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Trees growing in the hottest/driest parts of their natural range may be better-adapted to hot, dry conditions and hold promise for restoration and resistance to climate change. If drought tolerance and water-use efficiency were heritable genetic traits, we could select for these characteristics and raise seedlings for reforestation on marginal sites or in areas where adverse changes in climate were forecast. 3000 redwood seedlings originating from wet and dry locations were planted by HSU students in 2010 and 2011. The experiment provides insights into outcomes of reclamation and “assisted migration” forest conservation/restoration strategies and impact of climate change on redwood forests.

Colorectal Cancer Disparities and Physical Activity Distribution Among Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Whites in New Mexico

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

We studied changes in physical activity among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) to examine the difference in colorectal cancer (CRC) related risk factors between these 2 groups across time. The UNM ColorectalDisease Prevention Study (M. Gonzales PI) surveyed the intensity of work and leisure physical activity at age 18, 30, 50 and/or year before diagnosis among 176 Hispanic and NHW CRC patients including additional risk factors which are known to differ between Hispanics and NHWs in New Mexico (Gonzales 2012). Due to racial ethnic differences in CRC related risk factors, the need to raise awareness about CRC prevention is essential for the Hispanic communities in New Mexico.

Comparative Analyses of the Soil Microbiome of Phlox Hirsuta (Polemoniaceae), a Rare Serpentine Species

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Phlox hirsuta, the Yreka Phlox, is a threatened species native to northern California. The species is restricted to five populations, all of which occur on serpentine soil. Given the small number of populations and the edaphic specialization of the species, the viability and longevity of the populations is an important area of study. Multiple factors influence the growth and germination of individual plants , and the amount of growth of an individual plant can fluctuate from year to year. One overlooked aspect of plant growth, in this species, is the soil microbiome, and examining this can shed light on the role of this underground component, in plant growth.

Comparative Analysis of Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin in Nanodiscs Containing Various Lipids.

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Membrane proteins (MP) are crucial for cell pathways, but are difficult to study due to hydrophobicity. Nanodiscs (ND) provide a lipid bilayer mimetic enabling MP studies. To improve efficiency, we compared two ND assembly methods for detergent removal, and evaluated how lipid affects the MP, Anabaena Sensory Rhodopsin. ND were assembled with purified ASR, various lipids, Sodium Cholate and Apolipoprotein AI. Electrophoresis was utilized to evaluate complex formation. ASR was successfully isolated and assembled into ND. We found that the biobead method was faster and had less risk of loss, showing it to be the better method. ND provide a promising approach to therapeutics affecting MP.

Comparative Analysis of Planktonic Productivity in Trinidad Bay and Nearshore Environments in Northern California During the 2017 Upwelling Season

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This study investigated how biological productivity in the shallow waters of Trinidad Bay, located adjacent to Trinidad Head, differed from the productivity in exposed nearshore environments before and after the onset of seasonal upwelling in 2017. Biological and hydrographic measurements were collected prior to the onset of seasonal upwelling (March) as well as after (May and June) to determine if the associated hydrodynamics affected the spatial distribution of planktonic productivity. Measurements suggest that Trinidad Bay exhibited enhanced secondary productivity relative to nearby exposed environments during relaxation events following strong upwelling periods.