What Are the Effects of Ultraviolet Light on Bacteria Mortality

Abstract The objective: The purpose of this experiment was to observe the effects of short term ultraviolet light exposure on bacteria. Methods/Materials Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Serratia marcescens cultures were prepared by a technician at the University of California San Diego biology laboratory. I plated and labeled the samples and exposed the bacteria to ultraviolet light (at 254 nm) for two, five, and 30 minutes. Trypticase soy agar was used as the culture medium. The samples were plated. Half of each disk was exposed to ultraviolet light and half of each plate was shielded, so that each plate would serve as its own control. The experiment was repeated using only the Serratia marcescens strain and shorter lengths of exposure times (15 seconds, 30 seconds, and one minute) to the 254 nm ultraviolet light in an attempt to establish at what exposure time mortality begins. Results After incubation, bacteria on the side not exposed to ultraviolet light (the shielded side) were observed to have grown into distinct, visible colonies. None of the bacteria exposed to ultraviolet light for two, five, or 30 minutes at 254 nm survived. When the experiment was repeated, bacteria mortality was approximately 40-75% for Serratia marcescens exposed to ultraviolet light (at 254 nm) for 15 seconds and about 75-90% bacteria mortality for the 30 second exposure. One minute of exposure time to ultraviolet light resulted in 95-99% bacteria mortality. Therefore, complete mortality for Serratia marcescens is probably a little longer than one minute, but less than two minutes. Conclusions/Discussion Ultraviolet light exposure for short time periods, such as two or five minutes, was not expected to completely destroy the bacteria. Similarly, it was not expected that bacteria exposed to ultraviolet light (254 nm) for one minute would result in almost complete mortality. Surprisingly, very low exposure times, such as 15 and 30 seconds resulted in at least 40% bacteria mortality and bacteria exposed to 254 nm for one minute resulted in at least 95% mortality. This project is to observe the effects of short term ultraviolet light exposure at 254 nm on Serratia marcescens and E. coli bacteria.

Study of the Health Benefits of Spicy Cooking

Abstract The objective: People in equador regions use spices in food preparation for thousands of generations. By using these spices, are they keeping themselves healthy by keeping their food "clean?" My objective is to find out if spices have the ability to kill food-spoilage microorganisms. And if they do, which spices are most effective and by how much? This is what I plan to find out after I have conducted my experiment. Methods/Materials My experimental setup was designed to test volatile emission from the spices. After obtaining agar dishes, E. coli, and sterile swabs from CSUF, I carefully streaked E. coli on all of my dishes. Then I turned them upside down and I applied 1/4 tsp. of spice on the lid. I used all of the following spices: cinnamon, garlic, mustard, black pepper, coriander, lemon juice, and chilli powder. Then I left my dish at 27 degrees Celsius for 4 days. I had three replicates. Results The results of my experiment show that not all of the seven spices used were effective. Complete Inhibition- coriander 100%. Partial Inhibition- mustard 83%, cinnamon 67%, lemon juice 67%, black pepper 17%, and garlic 17%. None- chilli powder 0%. Conclusions/Discussion According to my results, spices do have antibacterial properties, but not all of them. This is potentially beneficial in tropical countries that have ineffective food storage methods. This project is to see whether spices have antibacterial properties.

Beleaguered Beef

Abstract The objective: The objective was to determine whether or not there is a difference between naturally grown ground beef and standard ground beef in terms of antibiotic additives. I hypothesized that the standard ground beef would show usage of antibiotic additives while the naturally grown ground beef would not. Methods/Materials I swabbed five agar dishes with the juice from standard and natural ground beef. The standard ground beef types were Porter's Premium and Raley's. The natural ground beef types were Coleman Natural, Whole Foods lean, and Whole Foods leanest. Additionally, I used one agar dish as a control, in which I did not swab it with the variable. I then incubated all six agar plates over a period of five days. From the growth of bacteria on each agar plate, I concluded whether or not antibiotics were used.. Results In terms of percentage of bacterial growth covering the agar plates, the naturally grown ground beefs averaged 31 percent of their entire agar plates. Next, the standard ground beefs averaged 30 percent. Finally, the control averaged 20 percent. At times the some of the naturally grown ground beefs cultured fewer amounts of bacteria than some of the standard ground beefs. I attribute this to the fact that there is usually more effective sanitation in natural beef factories than in standard ones. Conclusions/Discussion My hypothesis was proven correct in that the naturally grown ground beefs cultured more bacteria because they had little or no antibiotic additives. Reversely, the standard ground beefs cultured less bacteria because of the presence of antibiotic additives. As much research states, antibiotic additives in meat are dangerous and should be prohibited. When humans consume this meat they risk health problems and possibly even death. My investigation proves that it is much healthier to eat naturally grown ground beef than standard ground beef. Therefore this finding could be very benefical to the public. This project is to find whether or not there is a difference between naturally grown ground beef and standard ground beef in terms of antibiotic additives.

Which Acne Medications Are Most Effective

Abstract The objective: The objective is to determine which acne medications are the most effective in inhibiting the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, over-the-counter or prescription. Methods/Materials The active ingredients of two prescription antibiotics, three over the counter acne medications and two plant extracts were tested in vitro in duplicate two separate times against P. acnes. The bacterium was incubated under anaerobic conditions in the presence of disks containing the study medications and a control disk. The diameter of each inhibition zone was measured to the nearest millimeter and recorded. Results Tetracycline was the most effective, with an average inhibition zone of 46.25 mm, followed by Clindamycin with a 45.5 mm inhibition zone. Surprisingly, Oregano oil had the third largest inhibition zone of 31.25 mm. Benzoyl peroxide 10%, Benzoyl peroxide 2.5%, the equal mix of Tea Tree oil and Oregano oil followed with inhibition zones of 24.75 mm, 23 mm, and 19.67 mm zones, respectfully. Lastly, with inhibition zones of 0 mm were the control, Salicylic acid, and Tea Tree oil. Conclusions/Discussion The prescription acne medications are the most effective in vitro against Propionibacterium acnes. This project compares the in vitro effectiveness of prescription verses over- the -counter acne medication aginst Propionibacterium acnes.

Study of Bacteria Growth in Varying Acidic Environments

Abstract The objective: The objective of my project was to discover the effect that liquids of different acidities would have on the growth of bacteria found on raw meat. It was predicted that the stronger the acid, the more the growth of the bacteria would be inhibited. Methods/Materials Petri dishes were prepared with an agar-broth mixture. Six different solutions, water, vinegar, 0.5 normal HCl, 1 normal HCl, pure lemon juice, and lemon juice diluted with an equal part of water, were prepared, and their pH measured. Pieces of chicken, each approximately 1 cubic centimeter, were placed in each liquid for two minutes. The chicken pieces were then removed, and each one rubbed over the surface of a Petri dish. Other pieces of chicken not dipped in any solution, were also rubbed against the surfaces of five Petri dishes, for comparison. The Petri dishes were then sealed. After four days, the lids were removed from the Petri dishes, and the percent of surface area covered in visible bacteria colonies was measured. Results There were no visible bacteria colonies on the surfaces of the Petri dishes rubbed with chicken dipped in 1 normal HCl, while the 0.5 normal HCl showed the next least amount of bacteria growth. The Petri dishes rubbed with chicken dipped in pure lemon juice had a larger amounts of bacteria than those rubbed with chicken dipped in diluted lemon juice and vinegar. The Petri dishes rubbed with chicken dipped in water grew the most bacteria out of the chicken dipped in any solution, while the Petri dishes rubbed with chicken not dipped in anything had the most bacteria. Conclusions/Discussion My conclusion is that stronger acids tend to inhibit bacterias growth, unless there is another affecting factor, such as the sugar in the lemon juice, which seems to have affected the speed at which the bacteria grew. This project is a study of the effect that different acidic solutions have on the growth of bacteria found on raw chicken.

What Is the Best Way to Clean Your Toothbrush

Abstract The objective: My objective was to determine the best way to clean your toothbrush. My investigative question was whether or not washing your toothbrush in water would get rid of all the germs. My hypothesis was that the toothbrush cleaner would work better at cleaning a toothbrush and eliminating germs than plain water. Methods/Materials I had my family take turns spitting in a cup until there was about 1-½ inches of spit in the cup. I dipped 12 toothbrushes into the cup and let them sit in plastic bags for 2 days. I divided the toothbrushes into four groups: control group (doing nothing), water group (rinsing the toothbrush in hot tap water for 10 seconds), Aqua Blast group (soaking a toothbrush in Aqua Blast for 10 minutes) and dishwasher group (placing toothbrush in top rack of dishwasher using Cascade soap). I pressed each toothbrush into a petri dish with nutrient agar solution. I repeated the experiment 2 more times. My Dad supervised me during the experiment and I wore protective gloves. Results I took pictures of the petri dishes at 30 hours and 75 hours. Using a scale of 1 to 10, I rated the amount of bacteria where 1 had no bacteria and 10 had a lot of bacteria. I completed tables and charts and computed the average amount of bacteria for each group. By assigning numerical values, I was able to determine which method worked best at cleaning a toothbrush and eliminating germs. Conclusions/Discussion The Aqua Blast did work better at cleaning a toothbrush and eliminating germs than plain water; however, I was surprised that the dishwasher method worked best. I was also surprised that rinsing your toothbrush off with water was not much better than doing nothing at all to your toothbrush after brushing. Most people simply rinse their toothbrushes off with water; I think they would change their habits if they saw the results of my experiment. I concluded that the dishwasher method was best, was more cost effective and may be safer for you and the environment. This project was to determine the best way to clean your toothbrush.

How Much Bacteria Is on Your Retainer

Abstract The objective: The goal of our science project was to see if time and brushing effected the amount of bacteria growth on retainers. Methods/Materials First we gathered ten test subjects that were willing to be a part of our experiment. Then, we gave them directions as to what to do. Following that, we took samples of the bacteria colonies from each of their retainers. Thus, with the help of the Sansum laboratory and Dr. Jane we were able to incubate the bacteria colonies. Results After spending many hours in the laboratory counting bacteria samples, we came to realize, the longer the retainer is in ones mouth without being brushed, the more bacteria is present. We found this by incubating the bacteria and then counting each colony that appeared on the petri dishes. We noticed that the students who wore their retainers for 4 hours had less bacteria than the people who wore their retainers for 16 hours. Furthermore, the people that did not brush their teeth had more bacteria then the people who did brush their teeth. Conclusions/Discussion We came to the conclusion that time and brushing do effect the amount of bacteria growth on retainers. The longer the retainer is in ones mouth without being brushed the more bacteria will be produced. This is because bacteria feeds of plaque and one develops plaque when they do not brush their teeth. This project was about the effects that time and brushing had on the amount of bacteria present on ones retainer.

Is Garlic Antibacterial

Abstract The objective: The purpose of this project was to see if fresh garlic, garlic powder, and Kyolic, aged garlic extract are antibacterial. Methods/Materials First the fresh garlic was crushed and mixed with 20 milliliters of water and that was used as the 1X dilution. From there, 1/4X and 1/16X serial dilutions were made. For the garlic powder one teaspoon was put in 20 milliliters of water, and again, 1X, 1/4X and 1/16X serial dilutions were tested. For the Kyolic the serial dilutions were taken straight from the extract. All were plated with E. coli bacteria. This was done for four different trials. The data was graphed and recorded. Results All the dilutions of fresh garlic killed a large amount of bacteria. The 1X stock killed all the bacteria on the plates. The average number of bacteria that grew for fresh garlic in the 1/4X stock trials was 210 colonies, while the 1/16X stock grew an average of was 672.5 colonies. Conclusions/Discussion Kyolic killed a very small amount of bacteria. The average number of bacteria that grew was 787.5. The average number of bacteria that grew for the 1/4X stock was 1050, and an average of 865 colonies grew in 1/16X stock. This can be compared to the control group, with no garlic product, which grew an average of 1185 colonies. This project states that although the garlic powder was tested it was uncountable because it produced bacteria on its own.

Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus from Raw and Pasteurized Milk

Abstract The objective: Our objective was to determine if Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) could be isolated from raw and pasteurized milk. Our hypothesis was that the raw milk would contain Staphylococcus aureus whereas the pasteurized milk would not. Methods/Materials First primary isolation of all milk samples was performed by inoculating thioglycolate broth with 1 ml of milk (raw or Pasteurized) and incubated. Next, secondary isolation was performed by inoculating mannitol salt agar (MSA) and columbia colistin-nalidixic acid agar (CAN) with inoculum from thioglycolate broth and incubate. Finally, tertiary isolation was performed by inoculating 5% Sheep blood agar (SBA) with suspected colony from MSA or CAN and incubated. All samples were incubated at 37 deg. C for 24 hours aerobically. We then Gram-stained to determine whether the subcultured bacteria were Gram-positive or Gram-negative. Gram-positive cocci bacteria were found in the raw milk samples. Slide coagulase, Tube coagulase, and latex agglutination (BBL# Staphyloslide# Latex Test) tests were used to determine if the organism was S. aureus. API staph test strip was run to confirm these tests. Gram-positive rods were found in the pasteurized milk samples. API 50 CH test with API 50 CHB medium was used to identify the organism. Results · All brands of raw milk tested contained S. aureus. The S. aureus colonies were found to be resistant to penicillin, and one brand, Claravale Farms, was resistant to ampicillin. · No S. aureus was found in the pasteurized milk samples. · The pasteurized milk samples that were tested contained two different Bacillus species: Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus lichenformis which are environmental microbes. Conclusions/Discussion Through our research, we concluded that pasteurization of milk does not make it totally free from bacteria as both raw and pasteurized milk contained bacteria. Raw milk contained S. aureus, which causes food born illnesses. This project was carried out to investigate whether different brands of raw and pasteurized milk contained Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that are harmful to humans.

Do Different Dilutions of Disinfectants Affect the Development of Bacterial Resistance

Abstract The objective: The purpose of my experiment is to determine if bacterial resistance (after repeated exposure to a disinfectant) depends on the concentration of the disinfectant. The independent variable is the different concentrations of the disinfectant (percentage). The dependent variable is bacterial inhibition (percentage). The hypothesis is that if the bacteria are exposed to less concentrations of the disinfectant, then more resistance develops. Methods/Materials Bacteria used were Staphylococcus Aureus E. Coli, and Gram positive Bacillus. Disinfectants used were Ammonium Chloride, Sodium Hypochlorite, Hydrogen Chloride, and Pine Oil. For each, 10,20,30, and 50% concentrations were prepared. Each bacterium was exposed to each disinfectant concentration. Resistant bacteria were re-exposed to the same solution 5 times. Zones of inhibition were measured each day. At the end, resistant bacteria were isolated, cultured and diluted. The degree of inhibition for each bacterium and each disinfectant concentration was calculated using viable cell count method. Resistance is measured by sequential change in the zones of inhibition and percent inhibition of the bacteria exposed to the specific disinfectant. Results Zones of inhibition showed resistance development for E.Coli and Staph. Aureus exposed to all concentrations of Sodium Hypochlorite, Hydrogen Chloride, and Pine Oil. Viable cell count method showed resistance developed for E. Coli exposed to Hydrogen Chloride and Pine Oil. My hypothesis was not supported, as resistance, when developed, did not depend on disinfectant concentration. Conclusions/Discussion Bacterial resistance can develop to disinfectants; however, it does not depend on disinfectant concentration. Different bacteria were repeatedly exposed to four different concentrations of several disinfectants, and bacterial resistance was measured by sequential changes in zones of inhibition and viable cell count method.

Which Ground Beef Has the Least Bacteria

Abstract The objective: The objective was to determine whether freshly-ground or pre-packaged beef has the least bacteria. My hypothesis was that freshly-ground beef has less bacteria than pre-packaged ground beef. Methods/Materials Samples of freshly-ground beef and pre-packaged beef were purchased from three different stores. One-tenth of a gram of each sample was placed in Thio broth, from which serial dilutions were made. Samples from each dilution were inoculated onto two sets of blood and McConkey agars and incubated for 24 hours. Colonies were then counted. Results Colonies were counted for each set of cultures at each dilution and the absolute number of bacteria were calculated. Freshly-ground beef had less bacteria than pre-packaged beef. Surprisingly there was one brand of pre-packaged beef that had minimal growth on all plates tested. It was later discovered that this brand was irradiated prior to shipping. Conclusions/Discussion Freshly-ground beef had less bacteria than pre-packaged beef, unless the pre-packaged beef had been irradiated. Based upon my results, the FDA should require that all ground beef be irradiated, in order to minimize the number of cases of bacteria-related foodborne illness. Freshly-ground beef has less bacteria than pre-packaged beef, unless the pre-packaged beef has been irradiated.

Doggy Vision

Abstract The objective: The point of my research and the overall concept of this project is how dogs see the world, a common question in my mind prior to this project. My specific question for experimentation was: If a dog was concentrating on an object in front of it, which color moving object in its peripheral vision would distract it the fastest? Through experiments with my dog, I hoped to find the answer and make sure it matches the facts of my research. Methods/Materials Dog; Green paper; Yellow paper; Black paper; Blue paper; Stopwatch; Bones. 1)Tell dog to sit still. 2)Have a partner hold a bone in front of it; it should watch intently. 3)In the dog#s peripheral vision, wave a color paper. 4)Time how long it takes for the dog to show any sign of looking your way. 5)Record the time in seconds and repeat twice. 6)Repeat steps 1-5 for each remaining color paper. Results Color Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average Black 6 10 18 11 Yellow 3 7 11 7 Blue 5 8 10 8 Green 18 20 45 28 *The numbers represent the time (seconds) for the dog to be distracted. Conclusions/Discussion After doing my research, conducting my experiment, and analyzing the results, I found that I still had questions that weren#t answered. I understand that there are definite restrictions to my experimentation, and some questions that I may never get answered. Some questions could have been answered by tweaking my experiment to have multiple variables. I could have tested multiple breeds, tested a wider range of colors, tried moving and non-moving objects, etc. Others may just involve more research, such as Do dogs have the ability to read? or Why is a dogs eyesight different from a humans? or What is the farthest distance that a dog can see? All these can be answered with further testing and investigation, which is how science builds upon itself. This project involves researching and testing dogs' vision, and, most importantly, which colors they can see better than others.

How Fibonacci Is Your Face

Abstract The objective: The greater the numbers are in the Fibonacci sequence, the closer their ratios are to the perfect proportion. Based on that fact, the purpose of the project was to find out if such was true with the divine proportions on the face. This investigation was also completed to see if people known as #beautiful# had better proportions than average people. If this was the case, then the divine proportion could be incorporated into plastic and reconstructive surgery in order to improve it. Methods/Materials Twenty males and twenty females of each age group were gathered for testing. The age groups were: 5-7 years, 16-18 years, and 40-60 years. Ten pictures of actors and ten pictures of actresses were also tested. Pictures were taken of all the subjects from one meter away, and the following measurements were taken from each picture: the distance from the nose tip to the chin, the distance from the lips to the chin, the length of the lips, and the width of the nose. In order to get the ratios, the distance from the nose tip to the chin was divided by the distance from the lips to the chin, and the length of the lips was divided by the width of the nose. Results The Actors had the best proportions out of all. The teenagers had the second closest-to-perfect ratio for the nose tip-chin/lips to chin and the children had the second closest-to-perfect ratio for the lips/ chin proportion. Conclusions/Discussion It can be concluded that the infants that received Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Arachidonic acid (ARA) are able to complete more tasks involving motor, visual, and mental skills than those infants who do not receive these vital acids. DHA and ARA make a substantial difference in the visual and mental development of the infant. In addition, these nutrients help the infant to be able to get a head start on life by stimulating their brain and eye neurons. This project show the Fibonacci ratio could improve reconstructive surgery.

Whose Mouth Is Cleaner

Abstract The objective: It is said that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human mouth, so I wanted to see if the theory was true. Even though humans brush their teeth, there are still a lot of food particles and bacteria in our mouths. Dog's mouths are supposed to be self-cleaning. I want to test different dog and different human mouths to see who really has the cleaner mouth. My hypothesis states: Cultures taken from a dog's mouth will grow fewer bacteria than cultures taken from a human's mouth. Methods/Materials In order to conduct this experiment, I used a q-tip to swab the cheek lining of three dogs and three humans. I used culture plates to grow the bacteria. Then I rated the amount of growth present and recorded it on a table. I used a bar graph to show the results. I repeated the experiment three times. During the experiment, I had to develop a way to incubate the cultures without having access to a real incubator. I also had to develop a method to count the number of bacterial colonies without using a microscope. Results For all three experiments, the human bacteria and the canine bacteria were different from each other. The human bacteria looked like grayish, small spots. The canine bacteria were more yellow or white, and looked more like streaks than spots. The human bacteria grew faster than the canine bacteria, but by day 3 the total bacterial counts were equal. Conclusions/Discussion My hypothesis, that cultures taken from a dog's mouth will grow fewer bacteria than cultures taken from a human mouth, was incorrect. The data showed that by day 3 there was an equal amount of bacterial growth for each speciment. However, the bacterium was different for each species, and the canine bacteria grew more slowly at first. Even though my hypothesis was incorrect, there is some truth to the belief that a dog bite is less likely to be harmful than a human bite. This is because humans have a higher chance of being harmed by their own species specific bacteria. This project is to determine whose mouth is cleaner; a dog's or a human's.

Retinal Glare Recovery

Abstract The objective: My project was to determine what factors affected the retinal glare recovery test. This test glares the retina with a bright light and measures the retina's ability to recover vision again in time. I had originally hypothesized that eye color, skin color, and age would affect the rate of retinal glare recovery. Methods/Materials I used a special visual acuity card with difficult low contrast letters (the SKILL card), pupil size measurer, a luminance box, and a watch to test the retinal recovery time from glare. Results Pupil size had no correlations. Eye color showed that the lighter the eye color, the better the recovery time, which was against my hypotheses. During testing, I noticed that some family members had results near each other, so I added that as one of my variables. Conclusions/Discussion My observation that some children had results that were the same as one parent but not the other had never before been noted by scientsts or doctors. This test has been used for diagnosing retinal diseases or the toxic effects from certain drugs. My observation of clusters within families is unusual because doctors had only examined individual patients. Examining families was simply my way of getting more subjects. That is why my observations were unique. My testing of families may lead to a less expensive test for retinal genetic links than bio-chemical tests for predicting retinal problems later in life. I conclude that my appreciation of the family clusters was more important than my original hypothesis where results were mixed. I have learned that this type of observation is the way many important discoveries are made in science. This project was to determine what factors affect retinal glare recovery.

Does Blood Pressure Affect Heart Rate

Abstract The objective: The objective of my project was to see if there will be a relationship between blood pressure and heart rate. Methods/Materials I measured blood pressure and heart rate in eight subjects ( two adult male, two adult female, two teen female, and two male children) sitting, laying down, raised to a 45 degree angle, 90 degree angle and laying down. There was a five minute period between each change in position. I used a tilt table, blood pressure cuff and stethoscope and watch to take my readings. Results I was able to change systolic pressure in 6 of 8 subjects and change diastolic pressure in all 8 subjects based on their position on my tilt table. The pulse rates of all subjects changed in each position of the tilt table. The greatest change in the blood pressure and heart rate occurred for 6 of 8 subjects when they were moved from 90 degrees to lying down. Conclusions/Discussion Six of my eight subjects had similar results. I was able to trigger a drop in blood pressure at the end of the subject's time on the tilt table. When a subject was moved from the 90-degree position to lying down there was a drop in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. I was able to prove my hypothesis that blood pressure and heart rate are related. When there is a drop in blood pressure the heart increases blood flow by beating faster to compensate. This project wanted to see if there was a relationship between blood pressure and heart rate.

To Chew or Not to Chew

Abstract The objective: The objective of my project was to see chewing different kinds of gum will increase the temperature regardless of flavor. Methods/Materials 15 volunteers, 15 oral thermometer, 10 pieces of mint-flavored gum, 10 pieces of cinnamon-flavored gum, and metronome. Volunteers keep still for five minutes. Take temperature. Split volunteers into three groups. Group 1 gets mint gum, group 2 gets cinnamon gum, and group 3 gets nothing. Everyone chews for two minutes. Take temperature. Results The change in temperature was obtained. Mint group, cinnamon group and no gum group had 0.32, 0.55, and 0.27 degree Fahrenheit, respectively. All groups had a rise in temperature. Cinnamon group had the highest change in temperature. Cinnamon group's observation corresponded with their results. The mint group thought that their temperature would decrease but it actually increased. No gum group thought that the temperature would not change but it did. Conclusions/Discussion I found out from my background research that chewing gum causes the temperature of a person's mouth to rise due to increase in blood flow to the tongue, jaw, and cheek muscles. I also found out that it is just the sensation of being hot or cool and not the temperature of the mouth. I hypothesized that chewing mint gum, cinnamon gum, and no gum will raise the temperature of the mouth regardless of flavor. I conducted the experiment (see methods/material) and got the result (see result). My hypothesis was partially supported because all three groups had some rise in temperature. I did not expect the cinnamon gum group to have most change in temperature. Therefore, I am uncertain as to whether or not the temperature change was due to flavor. Maybe some of the errors I made in the experiment caused the cinnamon group's temperature change to be higher than all the other groups. I learned that no matter what kind of gum you are chewing, the temperature in your mouth still changes and increases. However, due to some of the errors, I do not know for sure if the cinnamon flavor has an affect on a person's mouth. Cinnamon group had the highest change in temperature. I would have to do another experiment without errors to find a definite answer. This project wanted to see chewing gum raises the temperature of a person's mouth regardless of gum flavor.

Family Fingerprints

Abstract The objective: The purpose of my project is to see if heredity affects an individual's fingerprints. Methods/Materials I used 3 families, 30 blank white index cards, and an ink pad. I filled out cards for each person and took their fingerprints. I identified the print patterns and compared the parents' fingerprints with those of their children. Results In the first family, one child had 5 print patterns in common with at least one parent, and the second child had 4. In the second family, one child had 4 in common, and the second child had 2. For the third family, both children had 4 print patterns in common with the parents. Conclusions/Discussion On average the children had 4 out of 5 print patterns in common with their parents. Heredity does have an effect on the patterns in fingerprints. Sure, there are differences, but some of the basic patterns are the same. With genetics, traits are passed on to children, traits including basic fingerprint patterns. This project shows that fingerprint patterns are affected by heredity / genetics.

Effect of Ingested Fluid Temperature on Basal Body Temperature in Humans

Abstract The objective: I wanted to know if the temperature of ingested fluids affects orally measured body temperature in humans. I believed it would affect basal body temperature because when people feel hot or cold, they often drink fluids of the opposite temperature. Methods/Materials First I took the temperatures of 32 people, in degrees Fahrenheit, using a digital thermometer and a new cover slip. Then I asked them to drink one of three liquids, which were all at different temperatures. Ten minutes after they were done, I used a new cover slip and retook their temperatures. Each of my volunteers had to drink all three liquids, but only one liquid per day. When I was done collecting all of my data, I created a scatter plot for each liquid, and compared the before and after temperatures with a Y- X line. Results Most of the people who drank the hot liquid, 64%, had a temperature increase. Most of the people who drank cold liquid, 81%, had a temperature decrease. Most of the control group, 94%, experienced some temperature change. Conclusions/Discussion The reason some of my data shows that some body temperatures responded differently than I expected may be because I made an error in measuring their temperatures. For example, I did not expect that a body temperature would rise if a person drank cold liquid. Also, many of my participants were moving during the ten minutes between their two temperature measurements, which probably caused their temperatures to change. I think testing more people would allow me to draw better conclusions from my data, and using an ear thermometer may work as a more accurate measurement of temperature. This project was to find out if the temperature of ingested fluids affects orally measured body temperature in humans.

Effects of Various Aromas on Animal Behavior

Abstract The objective: The purpose of my science project is to observe if aromatherapy affects a hamsters behavior. My hypothesis stated that the hamster's sctivity level and appetite would increase by the aroma from the different oils. I am using three hamsters in three separate cages. When the hamster's are exposed to different aromas, will it change their activity level and appetite. I observed each hamster's daily routine for two days and recorded their activity level(run on the wheel) as well as how much they ate. Methods/Materials I'm using the following aromatic oils: Lavender, Orange Ginger, Sweet Fennel, Cardamom. I put one drop of oil on a cotton ball and taped it on the bottom of a film container. I poked holes in the lid of the film container and placed the containers in each cage. The hamster's will not come in contact with the oil except to smell the aroma. I recorded each hamster's time in seconds on the activity wheel between the hours 4:00PM to 12:00AM. I repeated this procedure with each oil. The second part of my test I recorded the amount of food the hamster's ate in a 24 hour period. Results Activity Level in seconds: Control (no aromatherapy)average time on wheel 19.8 seconds Lavevder oil (relax, sleep) average time on wheel 1.1 seconds Orange Ginger (energizing) average time on wheel 91.4 seconds Cardamom (appetite stimulant) average time on wheel 32.4 seconds Sweet Fennel (appetite suppressant) average time on wheel 9.8 seconds Percentage of food consumed in a 24 hour period: Lavender 55%, Orange Ginger 53%, Cardamom 70%, Sweet Fennel 67%. Conclusions/Discussion When Lavender was added the hamster's did not go on the wheel (1.1 seconds.) When Orange Ginger was added the hamster's were very active an average time of 91.4 seconds. The percetage of food eaten compared to the control at 63% the hamsters ate less food when Orange Ginger aroma was in the cage at 53% and when Cardamom aroma was in the cage their appetite increased at 70%. Depending on the aroma the activity level and appetite did increase or decrease. This project is to observe if various aromas, Lavender, Orange Ginger, Swweet Fennel and Cardamom affect a hamster's activity level and appetite.

Effect of Exercise on Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate

Abstract The objective: The goal of this experiment is to determine the immediate and short-term effect of different levels of exercise on blood pressure and pulse rate. It was hypothesized that blood pressure and pulse rate would rise due to exercise, and more rigorous exercise would raise both blood pressure and pulse rate higher than mild exercise. It was further hypothesized that pulse and blood pressure would take longer to return to their resting measurements after the high-intensity exercise. Methods/Materials Participants of the same gender and age were asked to complete ten minutes of mild exercise by walking, and ten minutes of more vigorous exercise by jumping rope. Using a digital blood pressure/pulse cuff, measurements of pulse rate and blood pressure were taken before the exercise, immediately after the exercise, and at regular intervals up to thirty minutes after the exercise. The data was recorded and analyzed. Results Exercise elevated both blood pressure and pulse rate, increasing more after jumping rope than after walking. Immediately after jumping rope, the pulse rate was about twice as high as the immediate pulse rate after walking. Blood pressure after jumping rope increased about 46% and 61% for systolic and diastolic, respectively, over walking. Additionally, it took longer for pulse rate and blood pressure to return to their resting measurements after jumping rope than after walking. The pulse and blood pressure after walking had returned to normal after a thirty-minute rest, but after jumping rope neither had returned to normal after a thirty-minute rest. Conclusions/Discussion Based on the data collected and the results of this study, all three parts of the hypothesis should be accepted. A larger sample size and control over factors such as size, fitness level, diet, and accuracy of measurements would increase the reliability of this experiment. To find out more about the relationship between exercise and blood pressure and pulse rate, similar experiments could be designed. Comparisons after completing the same activity for a prolonged period of time versus a short period of time could be made. It would also be interesting to see if the results of this experiment would stay the same if comparing age groups, genders, or fitness levels. This information could be helpful in creating safe exercise plans and healthy lifestyles. This project states that exercise increases blood pressure and pulse rate with more rigorous exercise having a larger effect both immediately and 30 minutes after the exercise.

Now You See It, Now You Don't

Abstract The objective: The object of my project was to determine if age affects the size of a person's blind spot. Methods/Materials The way I determined the blind spot size was I held a ruler on the subject's nose, which had an index card with a cross on the right and a dot on the left, at the end of the ruler. 120 females,60 teenagers, and 60 middle-aged women covered their right eye and observed the card moving down the ruler until the dot disappeared. The distance the card was from the subject's face was written down. The examiner continued to move the card down the ruler until the dot reappeared, this distance was also recorded. The difference between the two numbers determines their blind spot size. Each person was tested 3 times. The materials I used were: A ruler, an index card, a writing utensil, and a log book. Results The results of my project were that age does affect the size of a person's blind spot. The average blind spot size for teenage girls was 2.5 inches while it was 2.9 inches for middle-aged women. Conclusions/Discussion The hypothesis was, "Does age affect the size of a person's blind spot?" The results showed that age does affect the size of a person's blind spot. Therefore my hypothesis was supported. This project determine if age affects the size of a person's blind spot size.

Effect of Pupil Dilation on Peripheral Vision

Abstract The objective: I tested to see whether pupil dilation would increase or decrease peripheral vision. I felt that when the pupil constricts due to light exposure, some of the photoreceptors in the retina would be blocked from light. I thought that peripheral vision would therefore decrease as more lights were turned on. Methods/Materials I built a light controlled apparatus with 4 red lightbulbs. The subject placed his head inside with 1 red light on. I measured peripheral vision, then repeated with 2 red lights on, etc. I used red lights because the rod photoreceptors cannot see red. In this way the photoreceptors were not variable but the iris was. The subjects were looking at an X in the back of the apparatus so that their heads would not move. Results There was little or no change, on average, from test to test. On the few subjects that did change in peripheral vision at different light levels, the change did not seem to correlate in any way to the light. Conclusions/Discussion Pupil size does not seem to affect peripheral vision. I now believe that the lens somehow bends light, either so that we can see around the iris or so that we never see that far out and only see through the center of our pupil. Another possibility is that the change is so slight that my experiment could not measure it. This project tested to see if dilation of the pupil affects peripheral vision by testing vision at different levels of light.

Nail-Patella Syndrome Phenotype Expression

Abstract The objective: Nail-Patella Syndrome (NPS) is a rare genetic disorder involving the bones, joints, and connective tissue (loss of patterning across the dorso-ventral axis of the limb). NPS is caused by mutations in the transcription factor LMX1B gene on chromosome 9q34. This project examines the gene mutation inheritance pattern, and the variability and severity of the NPS phenotype in my family compared to national incidence. Methods/Materials NPS phenotype expression in 102 family members was evaluated by observation of nails, knees, elbows, feet, back, and glaucoma eye exam records. Buccal cell samples from 15 individuals were collected with Omni Swabs, and DNA extracted with QIAamp spin columns per manufacturer's instruction. PCR was performed with primers based on genomic sequence of LMX1B gene. The products were sequenced to identify the mutation. A pedigree chart was prepared to trace mutation inheritance. Results Twenty-two individuals in my family were found to express the NPS phenotype. Fingernail dysplasia was present in all affected subjects. Triangular moons were observed in 79%. Toenail dysplasia was identified in 80%. Kneecap dysplasia was detected in 56%. Reduced elbow extension was found in 55%; lumbar lordosis in 57%; glaucoma in 14%; hip/pelvis involvement in 38%; talipes in 9%; and nephropathy in 6%. The specific mutation in the LMX1B gene was detected by PCR amplification and sequencing of extracted DNA from an affected individual with NPS. A mutation of C>T at nucleotide 175 in exon 2 was identified. Conclusions/Discussion The study supported the hypothesis that NPS is a pleiotropic disorder exhibiting autosomal dominant inheritance of a LMX1B gene mutation in my family. On the average, 50% of the offspring from affected individuals were affected (with no skips in generations). The range and severity of symptoms varied within my family. The subject's phenotype manifestations presented in nails, knees, and elbows compared with national incidence expression. The mutation was located in the LIM-A domain causing a nonsense mutation at amino acid residue 59 (glutamine to a premature stop codon). For further study, it would be important to learn what other transcription factors regulate and cooperate with LMX1B function since potentially this understanding could lead to strategies for treating conditions such as neurological disorders. The LMX1B gene mutation producing the rare genetic disorder, Nail-Patella Syndrome in my family follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with complete penetrance and wide variation in phenotype expression.

Blood Pressure

Abstract The objective: The objective of my Science Fair project is to determine the accuracy of the common method (community standard) of taking blood pressure readings when compared to the ideal method. I also want this experiment to be informative as patients need to realize that they are also responsible for their part in allowing the blood pressure test to be performed to the highest degree possible. It is also my intent to bring more attention to the importance as it can lead to stroke, kidney failure, and early death. Methods/Materials The materials for my science fair project included a mercury based Sphygmomanometer, a stethoscope, camera, computer, calculator, test subjects, gum, timer, permission forms for signatures, and use of a medical office. The survey required 200 envelopes, stamps, and surveys. The method of my experiment began by my speaking to a few medical professionals to determine a few factors that occur during the taking of blood pressure readings to assist in preparing the survey. I then used the completed surveys to create the experiment to test the common method (community standard) of having the blood pressure taken while the test subject was chewing gum, crossing their legs, tensing their testing arm, sitting on the exam table, and talking as well as taking their blood pressure under the ideal method. Results All common methods caused an increase in blood pressure over ideal conditions. The blood pressure while the test subjects sat on the exam table was lowest with an average increase of 2.38mm Hg systolic and 1.95mmHg diastolic. Tensing the testing arm caused an increase of 3.9mm Hg systolic and 3.71mm Hg diastolic while crossing the legs caused an increase of 4.71mm Hg systolic and 3.38mm Hg diastolic. Chewing gum caused an increase of 5.95 systolic and 3.95 diastolic. The highest increase occurred when the test subject was talking. The mean showed an increase of 5.62 mm Hg systolic and 5.0mm Hg diastolic. Conclusions/Discussion Overall my survey and test subject data showed that there are external events that are occurring during the testing of blood pressure and that these events do have an effect on the blood pressure measurement. This does have an impact as an incorrect value could misdiagnose or improperly treat a possible blood pressure condition. The best option is to take blood pressures in the ideal method and for patients to be educated and prepared to do their part. This project is to determine if the common method (community standard) for taking blood pressure measurements is accurate when compared to the readings taken using the ideal method for taking blood pressure measurements.

Do You Hear What I Hear

Abstract The objective: My project was to determine how accurately a test subject can determine the direction of sound. I believe that sound sources placed to the sides of the subject will be determined more accurately than those placed directly in front or behind the subject. The slight time differences of the sounds reaching the ear depending on where the source of the sound is located can make the determination of the location of the sound more difficult. Methods/Materials Informed consent was obtained from 32 randomly selected people. I recorded a tone from my keyboard on a cassette tape with a tape recorder. I blindfolded each test subject, then stood a distance of 10 feet from the subject. I played the tone while standing directly in front, behind, to the left, to the right, and at the midpoints between all these extremes and instructed the subject to point in the direction he thinks the source of the sound is. The distance between where the subject pointed and the actual sound source location was measured and recorded for each location. The accuracy of each individual's binaural hearing was determined and analyzed. Results The overall accuracy of binural hearing (average) is 84%. The accuracy in locating the sound sources in each location are as follows: Directly in front -94%; Directly behind - 91%; Directly to the left - 89%; Directly to the right - 85%; Midpoint between front and right - 80%; Midpoint between front and left - 76%; Midpoint between behind and right - 75%; Midpoint between behind and left - 79%. Conclusions/Discussion The data collected disproved my hypothesis that sound sources placed directly to the sides would be more accurately located than those directly in front or behind. The sound sources placed directly in front or behind the subject were more accurately located. All subjects had moderate difficulty locating the sources placed at the midpoints. This project is to determine the accuracy of binaural hearing.

Got Stamina?

Abstract The objective: The original question for this project was what would be the most effective form of extra exercise to build up stamina for competitive Irish dancing. I hypothesized that jump roping would be the most efficient type of exercise. Methods/Materials I chose twelve girls of the age 14 who were similar in body types and all Irish danced, to be part of my testing. I broke them off into four groups, three girls would jump rope, three would run, three would walk, and three would be the control group and would do no exercise. The girls exercised for four weeks, and they measured their heart rates each Sunday. Resting rates were measured when they first woke up, and working rates were measured after they did a minute and a half long dance that afternoon. Including a measurement before the exercise period began, there were 5 measurements of each type for each girl. Results After doing some basic calculations, results proved that jump roping was indeed the most effective form of exercise for building up stamina. Walking was second, and running was third. The control group's stamina did not improve at all. Conclusions/Discussion All three types of exercise did increase stamina for the girls tested. Running boosted stamina 28.3%, and walking improve stamina 28.6%. Jump roping was the most efficient, increasing stamina by 32.3%. The control group's stamina remained the same, further proving that jump roping is the most effective form of exercise to build up stamina. This project is about finding the form of exercise that most efficiently builds up stamina for competitive Irish dancing.

Do the Right and Left Ears Hear Notes Differently

Abstract The objective: Relative pitch, the ability to sing in tune, relies on hearing notes correctly, measuring their intervals, storing the information in memory, and producing the tones. I am trying to understand what leads to atonality, the inability to carry a tune. It is possible that the Atonal individual does not hear notes correctly or even that the two ears hear conflicting notes. In this case, one ear could be dominant, or the resulting sound could be a blend of what the individual ears hear. By testing the ears separately and together in a tone matching test, I can discover whether Atonal individuals have a defect in one or both ears that affects how they sing. Methods/Materials I obtained informed consent from 62 participants, including 25 males and 37 females, ranging in age from 13 to 76 years. I collected information, including handedness, musical training, self-evaluation of singing ability, eye dominance, and hair whorl direction. I measured relative pitch capability with a chromatic tuner while subjects sang a simple melody (measuring 10 notes x 3 replicas). Next, I tested their tone matching ability using a test CD played with a splitter jack, so that the earphones could play the tones for individual ears or both at once. I again measured their vocalized tones (5 notes x 3 replicas x 3 sets). Notes were converted into numbers and graphed to determine phenotypes. Results Most Atonal subjects scored poorly in tone matching. Surprisingly, however, more than one third had excellent scores in the Tone Matching Test. This means that hearing tones well is not enough to carry a tune. Left and right ears differed in more than one third of the participants, mostly in those with poor tone matching ability. I found ear dominance in approximately 30% (7 of 24) of those with poor tone matching ability, but in less than 10% of those with excellent tone matching skill. The sidedness of ear dominance (left vs. right) did not correlate with hair whorl, eye dominance, or hand dominance. Conclusions/Discussion My hypothesis is partially correct. Hearing conflicts and ear dominance may influence the perceived tone in a significant portion of Atonal individuals. Since more than one third of the Atonal subjects have excellent tonal hearing, I conclude that tone matching and interval measuring are independent skills. This project discovered that there is often an apparent difference in what the right and left ears hear in Atonal individuals.

Ammonia: The Passed Gas

Abstract The objective: My project was to determine if a horse's diet can be altered so that the ammonia level in the manure will be equal to that of cow manure. I believe that when the horse's diet is altered with a fiber supplement, the ammonia level in the manure will be equal to that of the cow manure samples Methods/Materials A horse's diet was altered with a daily fiber supplement equal to 195g per day for 5 days. Manure samples from a horse and a cow were collected. 10g of manure was measured, placed in a clean flask, and then filled with 200mL of deinoized water. The pH level of the water/manure mixture was measured. A beaker was then filled with 500mL of deionized water and its pH level was measured. A hole was made through a cork stopper. One end of a U-shaped piece of glass tubing was inserted into the stopper. The stopper was placed in the flask. The other end of the tubing was placed over the beaker. The flask was placed directly on the hot plate/griddle while the beaker of water was set to the side away from the heat. The hot plate/griddle temperature was set to 5 and I waited for the manure/water mixture to boil. The mixture continued to boil until the water moved through the tubing into the beaker. Once the water had moved through the tubing, I turned off the hot plate/griddle. The pH level of the water in the beaker was measured a second time. This process was repeated for all manure samples. The pH levels were recorded and compared. The second pH level of the beaker water was plugged into the pOH formula. I then solved the equation to determine the ammonia content and compared the findings. Results After the horse's diet had been altered, it's manure proved not only to have the same ammonia level of that of a cow, but was in fact actually lower than the cow's. Conclusions/Discussion My conclusion supported the project's hypothesis. By altering the horse's diet with a fiber supplement, the ammonia level in its manure was equal to as well as lower than that of the cow. This was concluded by a testing method using a beaker and tubing system to extract ammonia from each manure sample. This project determine if by altering a horse's diet it is possible to lower the ammonia level of manure to be equal to that of a cow's manure ammonia level.

Effects of Diet on Blood Glucose

Abstract The objective: The purpose of this project is to investigate the relationship between blood glucose and diet in non-diabetic humans. It is believed that after one consumes a high carbohydrate meal,his or her blood glucose will be high. It is also believed that after one consumes a low carbohydrate meal, his or her blood glucose will be low. Methods/Materials Blood glucose was measured using a finger prick and a glucometer on four non-diabetic human subjects prior to meals and then again one half hour, one hour, two hours, and three hours after eating. The meals consumed were following specific diet types: the subjects' usual eating patterns, the food pyramid diet, a low carbohydrate diet, and a high carbohydrate diet. Results Results show that the high carbohydrate diet, the food pyramid diet, and the usual eating patterns diet resulted in a greater flucuation of blood glucose, including a drop in glucose seen one half hour and one hour after eating rather than the anticipated increase in glucose. Two older subjects had greater highs and lows than the two younger subjects. Blood glucose after the low carbohydrate meals showed the least flucuation, both initially and several hours after. Conclusions/Discussion Results of this experiment suggest that a low carbohydrate diet does keep the blood glucose steady with the least flucuation. On the other hand, when diets with higher amounts of carbohydrates are consumed, greater flucuations in blood glucose are seen. Further research could be done to study the effects of different types of carbohydrates(monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides) would have on blood glucose levels. It would also be interesting to study the effects that age has on blood glucose levels. This project investigated the relationship between diet and blood glucose in non-diabetic humans.

Maintaining Correct Balance

Abstract The objective: The vestibular system in the inner ear decodes motion and acceleration. The utricle otoconia deflect hair-like protrusions in ascending order, called the morphological polarization vector (MPV). MPVs are essential for spatial coding. The project examined what effect natural stimuli have upon MPV maintenance and development. Methods/Materials Otoconia deficient HET/HET, and otoconia producing HET/+ mice utricles were used. Thus, otoconia was the sole variable. The tissue was prepared with phaloidin fluorescence and was imaged with a confocal microscope. The angle was calculated using the kinocilium center and hair cell center. Results In data quantification, three similar utricle areas that were compared yielded a HET/+ to HET/HET average angle of 93.3 degrees to 105.5 degrees, 114 degrees to 137.5 degrees, and 91 degrees to 100 degrees respectively. Conclusions/Discussion The compared MPV angles showed similarity, which suggests that spatial coding is not stimuli dependent. This experiment deductively narrows the factors contributing to MPV maintenance, so that non-stimuli factors can be explored. This project is to determine whether morphological polarization vectors in utricle hair cells depend on natural stimuli for its development and maintenance.

Effects on the Flow Rate, as a Representation of Stroke Volume and Cardiac Output, and Pressure on a Model Heart wit

Abstract The objective: The objective is to find the effects on the flow rate, as a representation of stroke volume and cardiac output, and pressure on a model heart with progressive atherosclerosis in comparison to that of a normal heart. Methods/Materials To test this experiment, a model heart was designed. A peristaltic pump was used as the main pump to circulate the blood through the tubing connected to the water bottles, and the chambers. In this model heart, the left side of the heart, the left atrium and ventricle, was the primary focus, in that this side of the heart is responsible for systemic circulation and therefore any atherosclerosis in the arteries connecting it to other parts of the body would affect the blood pressure and flow rate the most. As the water was circulated through the system a pressure meter recorded the pressure of the water exiting the tube. The water exiting the tube per minute was recorded from the reading on a graduated cylinder. To represent progressive atherosclerosis, four different orifice diameters were used. Results The results from the experiment the experiment supported most of what was hypothesized. The mean flow rate (mL/min) was 371±2.33mL/min for the original tubing that represented a normal heart and decreased only about 1.09% to the pinhole diameter opening. The average percent increase for the pressure of water exiting the system from the original diameter to the pinhole diameter was 143%. The results were fairly precise, with an average percent deviation for the flow rate of about 0.454% and an average percent deviation for the pressure to be about 0.480%. Conclusions/Discussion The results correlated with background research in the sense that the slow decrease in the flow rate could be supported by the design of peristaltic pump to be similar to way the heart functions. The heart has a strong ability to overcome up to about 40-50% occlusion in the arteries, by enlarging, to pump the same amount of blood. The pressure of someone with progressive atherosclerotic heart disease is on average higher than those with mild to no atherosclerosis. This project a model heart was designed to better understand how progressive atherosclerosis affects the blood pressure and heart rate

Bioartificial Engineered Heart Tissue

Abstract The objective: Engineered heart tissue (EHT) is needed in tissue replacement therapy for infarcts, which form in the heart and do not contract with the rest of the organ. The objective was to tissue engineer spontaneously beating heart tissue from neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. This study aimed to refine the technique and shorten the process of creating contractile constructs from 14 days to 7 days. EHT was created to be biologically and functionally similar to heart tissue. Immunohistochemistry, gene expression, and protein production were studied to verify that the constructs were biologically similar to heart tissue. The spontaneous contractions were an indicator as to whether the tissue functioned like heart tissue. Methods/Materials Gel rings were made from neonatal rat cardiomyocytes cultured in a reconstitution mixture. Rings were taken off the molds and observed to determine if they would spontaneously contract. Rings were studied by means of (1) immunohistochemistry, (2) Agarose gel electrophoresis for gene expression, and (3) Western blot for protein production. Results Six rings were successfully created, beating spontaneously with the familiar "lub-dub" contractions of a functioning heart. A video of the beating engineered heart tissue constructed in vitro was recorded. Contractile-related genes and proteins were found in the beating rings; immunohistochemistry showed presence of nuclei and actin filaments. Early trials produced rings with contractile properties, but no beating action, requiring a refining of the engineering process. Conclusions/Discussion This study on heart tissue engineering provides a foundation for generating working heart muscle in a lab. Short culture times are feasible for developing EHT that is biologically and functionally similar to the heart. Cardiomyocyte-specific RNA and protein were confirmed to have been produced in the cardiomyocyte constructs. The spontaneously beating rings showed that the constructs could perform heart tissue functions. EHT can be used for in vivo implantations as a tissue replacement therapy. Contractile heart tissue was engineered in vitro using neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, providing a basis for organ tissue implantation in the future.

Are Mice Territorial

Abstract The objective: My goal was to show that mice will establish a territory over a certain time, and I plan to take random snapshots of their positions in order to show a perferred area where mice spend their time. Methods/Materials Wood for cages, 20 - mice(10 male and 10 female), 2 - exercise wheels, 20 - shelters, 12 dishes for food and water Results The mice didn't establish a territory, but they did establish dominance. There were 2 main leaders of groups within the mice, and they both often fought with each other over the exercise wheel, and females. One day I found 1 of the leaders buried in the main room with his intestines hanging out, I assumed that he was killed by the other leader. From that point on all the mice followed the remaining leader. Also the mice spent most of their time in the smallest rooms. Conclusions/Discussion Mice aren't territorial when it comes to land, but they will fight over items(such as the exercise wheel) and also females. Often times mice will display open violence in order to scare the other mice into following them.

Does Varying Feed Affect the Milk of Lactating Caprines

Abstract The objective: The objective of this project is to see that if we add protein or fiber to the diets of dairy goats if it will affect the pH level of the milk. All of the diary goats will still be eating the same hay, grain and water. One of the goats will be fed black eye peas with the grain, another will be feed beat pulp with the grain and the last goat will be the standard, fed just straight grain. I hope to learn that if you add fiber or protein to the diets of dairy goats the pH level will change. This information can be used by the dairy farmers to help them make the by-products of milk. Methods/Materials pH meter, Milking stand, Beet pulp, Black eye peas, Nutrina Dairy Goat Feed, 3 dairy goats, Pencil, Paper, Titration tube, Titration tube stand, NaOH solution .1 mole, Distilled water, Rinse Water, Universal pH indicator, Glass jars for storage of milk Procedure: After sufficient time for the test subjects to adjust to the change in feed, collect milk samples. These samples are then tested for pH, and buffering changes against the control animal. Results Results from the pH tests on the treated goats showed a decrease in pH 72 hours after the feed was adjusted. The milk from the goat with protein added to her feed dropped .3 pH in 72 hours, but within another 72 hours the pH had returned to the level of pre-feed adjustment. The milk for the goat with sugar added to her feed dropped .6 pH in the first 72 hours, but in the next 72 hours there was some rebounding of the pH. However the pH of the milk only rebounded .2 pH from the .6 pH drop. The pH continued at a somewhat lower pH for the remainder of the test for the goat with the sugar added. Conclusions/Discussion The hypothesis was incorrect. Both of the treated goats, one with higher protein and one with higher fiber, had the acidity of their milk raise. However after 3 days the goat that was feed higher protein had the acidity of her milk return to pre treatment levels. The goat that was fed the added fiber showed a lower pH through out the test.

Which Color is Dominant in Mice

Abstract The objective: Our objective is to find out which color is dominant between black and white mice. Methods/Materials For our procedure, we gathered the materials. We set up cages with bedding, food, water and exercise wheels. We put the mice in cages (1 male to 2 females). Black male with white female mice; white male with black females; black male with black females; and white male with white females. We checked food and water every day, and cleaned cages once a week. We checked for offspring and observed offspring colors. We recorded and compared the results and made conclusions. The materials included: 4 white female mice, 4 black female mice, 1 white male mouse, 1 black male mouse, three 10 gallon aquarium cages, one 30 gallon aquarium cage(divided in half), 5 food bowls, mouse food, 5 animal water bottles, 2 packages of bedding, and 4 exercise wheels. Results The offspring from all of the black and white litters included: 48.15% white mice, 37.04% brown(or Non-agouti) mice, and 14.8% black mice. From our black and black litters we got 56.5% black mice, 21.7% chocolate mice, 13% white mice, and 8.7% pinto(black/white) mice. From our white with white litters, the results were 100% white mice. Conclusions/Discussion The results showed that the white mice were pure (all of the offspring from their litters were white). Our black mice are not pure. We got four different colors from the black and black litters. Even though our results show that white shows up more often, black would not have shown up at all if white were dominate. The dominant color in mice from black and white is black. The recessive gene in the black mice is in codominant and incomplete dominance with the white allele. However, the black mice have different recessive genes. We believe that these genes are white and brown. Because the black mice have a recessive white gene, we believe black is dominant over white. The science project is about determining what color, black or white, is dominant in mice.

The Power of Rat Senses

Abstract The objective: My project was to determine the role of rats# memory and senses in navigating a maze environment. I believe that their sense of smell will be better than their sense of sight, and that they can learn the layout of a maze quickly. Methods/Materials To construct the maze I used two pieces of 20#x30# thin sturdy board for walls and one piece 20#x30# thick sturdy board for the base (sturdy board is styrofoam in between two pieces of construction paper). I used poster putty in order to keep the walls down while retaining an ability to change the layout of the maze. For their memory tests I put them through the same maze repeatedly every day for a month. For their sight I put different colored paper on the floor and recorded what percentage of the path they followed, and later repeated the same process but put the paper on the walls. For their sense of smell I applied different food scents to the floor of the maze and recorded what percentage of the path they followed. Results The rats memorized the maze layout fairly well in the amount of time they had, their times went from above four minutes to thirty seconds. They did very good at the sight tests, following the whole path on the wall and floor maze. They didnt do to well on scent tests, barely following some of the paths of smell but doing really well on following some of the other scents. Conclusions/Discussion I found that rats have a good memory, which they must have to memorize their environment. I learned they have better sight than I had anticipated they did. Their sense of smell is fairly good, but not as good as I thought it may be. The science project is about testing rats' senses and memory in a maze environment.

Diabetes and Exercise

Abstract The objective: The goal of this project is to determine the effect of exercise on the blood glucose levels of people with Type 1 diabetes. When people eat carbohydrates, they are turned into glucose, or sugar, and enter the bloodstream using a hormone called insulin that converts it into energy. When the pancreas stops making insulin, it results in the illness known as Type 1 diabetes. Overall, I plan to help people with diabetes have better control of their blood glucose to avoid serious health complications. Methods/Materials The blood glucose levels of a person with Type 1 diabetes and a person without diabetes were recorded four times a day during two separate weeks. Two major influences on blood glucose levels were controlled in this setting -- the amount/type of food and the physical activity. The testing tools included blood glucose monitors that measure glucose levels in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL); calibrated test strips that are placed into the monitor; and lancets, spring-loaded needles used to draw a sample of blood. Results Even during sustained exercise and insulin therapy, it was difficult to control the blood glucose levels of the person with Type 1 diabetes (normal blood glucose levels range from 70 to 120 mg/dL). During the initial eight-day period, blood glucose levels were rarely within the normal range. Conclusions/Discussion People with Type 1 diabetes must balance their insulin intake with constantly changing factors # food, physical activity, stress, hormonal changes, growth, illness, and fatigue. In everyone, blood-glucose levels are influenced by factors including estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormone, and emotional and physical stress hormones. Research indicated that growth hormones were influencing this experiment. Without diabetes, the endocrine system releases insulin as needed. With diabetes, a blood glucose test is the only way to determine if other factors are influencing blood glucose levels, so treatment is merely reactive. The science project is to determine the effect of exercise on blood glucose levels of a person with Type 1 diabetes.

Growth Rate of Poa pratensis in Pure Humus and Pure Humus Mixed with Sand

Abstract The objective: The experiment was done by comparing Kentucky bluegrass, or Poa pratensis and measuring how it grew in pure humus, or potting soil and a mixture of pure humus and sand. Methods/Materials I used six plastic pots and filled half of them with pure humus. With the other three pots I added pure humus mixed with sand. I watered the grass every day. I observed the six pots in a period of seven weeks, and looked at the root size, the width, and the length of the grass. Results The grass did not sprout until the third week of the experiment. Until about the sixth week the pots with grass in pure humus was mucher taller and fuller than the other pots of grass. During the last week all of the grass in the pots with pure humus died, so by the end of the experiment the grass in the pots with the mixture of pure humus and sand had outgrown the other pots. Conclusions/Discussion The first six weeks of the experiment, the pots in the pure humus grew taller in size than the pots with the pure humus mixed with sand because the pure humus contained more certain types of important nutrients and moisture. The moisture in the soil helps the pure humus keep all of its water inside it, so the roots could absorb all of the water in the pots. Unlike pure humus, the water that goes into the pots with a mixture of pure humus and sand drains out of the pot much faster because of sands such large pores. Since the speed of the water is so quick, the soil and roots do not have enough time to absorb all of the water. Water that goes into the pots with pure humus travel very slowly because of the small pores, so since the waters speed is so slow the roots and soil have more time to absorb all of the water in the pot. Therefore, the grass planted in pure humus get more water than the grass planted in the mixture of sand and soil, but because it rained during the sixth week too much water entered the pots causing them to flood. Then, because of its large pores the excess water was able to drain out of the pots with the mixture of soil and sand. With the pots with pure humus the pores were to small so all of the water stayed in the pots killing all of the grass. The science project is about the difference in growth of grass planted in two different types of soil, potting soil and potting soil mixed with sand.

Does Beta Carotene Prevent Tumor Growth in Plants

Abstract The objective: The objective of this experiment is to determine if beta carotene is effective in preventing tumors (galls) in plants. Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a bacterium known to cause tumors in plants. I hypothesized that plants watered with water and added beta carotene would develop fewer tumors than plants watered with water, after being inoculated with A. tumefaciens. Methods/Materials Four groups of sunflowers (A, B, C, and D) with five plants in each group were planted using the same size pots and the same type of soil. Group A was watered with water and not inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens (A. tumefaciens), group B was watered with a beta carotene solution and not inoculated with A. tumefaciens, group C was watered with water and inoculated with A. tumefaciens, and group D was watered with the beta carotene solution and inoculated with A. tumefaciens. I watered and measured the plants every second day and recorded their growth and tumor accumulation over a period of sixty-seven days. Results The plants watered with beta carotene solution and inoculated with A. tumefaciens accumulated a total of seven tumors while the plants watered with water and inoculated with A. tumefaciens accumulated a total of seventeen tumors. The plants not inoculated with A. tumefaciens developed no tumors. The plant groups watered with beta carotene grew taller in height than the plant groups watered with water. Conclusions/Discussion My conclusion is that beta carotene is effective in preventing tumor growth in plants. My results suggest that the antioxidant beta carotene made the plants less susceptible to tumor growth caused by A. tumefaciens. The science project showed that beta carotene reduces the incidence of tumor growth (galls) by Agrobacterium tumefaciens in plants.

Making of a Potpourri Fertilizer

Abstract The objective: For those people who have lots of plants, buying fertilizers can be expensive. The purpose of my experiment was to make homemade fertilizers and compare them with commercial fertilizers. If homemade fertilizers are as good as commercial fertilizers, then there will be no significant difference in the growth and development of plants being treated. Methods/Materials Homemade solid and liquid fertilizers were made using various ingredients. They were compared with commercial solid and liquid fertilizers on radish and mung bean plants. The plants were kept in small pots and were grown in vermiculite. The experiment was conducted in a controlled environment in my school lab. Results Using the analysis of variance, I found out there was no significant difference between the solid and liquid commercial and homemade fertilizers tested on radish plants. However, there was a significant difference between the homemade and commercial fertilizers on mung bean plants, the former being better. Conclusions/Discussion Since homemade fertilizers are equivalent to commercial ones, why go out and buy expensive commercial fertlizers. Instead, household items can be used to make a fertilizer that is as good as the store bought ones. Homemade solid and liquid fertilizers were compared with commercial solid and liquid fertilizers on mung bean and radish plants.

Death in a Water Bath

Abstract The objective: My objective was to learn at what temperature three different types of vegetable seeds die. This is important when seeds are treated for disease control and for seed storage. My hypothesis was that corn, bean and spinach seeds would die at different temperatures because of differences in seed size and cool season versus warm season types. Methods/Materials Ten corn, bean and spinach seeds were placed in a water bath for ten minutes at each of five temperatures (43.3 deg C,48.9 deg C,54.4 deg C,60.0 deg C and 65.6 deg C). My control was 43.3 deg C which should have caused no damaging effects. My research on this subject showed that all seeds would be killed at 65.6 deg C. Seed treatment for disease control is usually done at 48.9 deg C. The water bath treated seeds were placed between two moist paper towels and germination was checked daily. Results The best treatment temperature for seed germination was 48.9 deg C. All of the seeds germinated by day 4. At my highest temperature (65.6 deg C), all of the spinach seeds died but 90% of the corn seeds and 70% of the bean seeds germinated but at a slower rate than at cooler temperatures. Conclusions/Discussion My hypothesis was correct in that the three types of vegetable seeds died at different temperatures. All of the spinach seeds died at 65.6 deg C, as expected. The results for beans and corn were surprising - a majority of the seeds survived 65.6 deg C which did not agree with my references. Better germination at 48.9 deg C than at 43.3 deg C was also unexpected and could possibly be used as a standard seed treatment. I was able to increase my knowledge of seed germination and the effects of temperature on seed growth with this research project. The project tests the germination of three types of vegetable seeds at five different temperatures.

Physiology of Plants in a Simulated Martian Atmosphere

Abstract The objective: This experiment had two objectives. 1. The first objective was to determine whether plants could survive in a simulated Martian-like environment. 2. The second was to find whether plants could change the atmosphere from carbon dioxide to oxygen. The first hypothesis was that the plants would survive, but not thrive. The second, was that they would partially change the atmosphere. Methods/Materials Three terrariums were built. Different soils were researched and combined to create a mixture that would replicate the Martian soil. Three types of plants were chosen and planted in each terrarium. Carbon Dioxide was introduced into the two Martian terrariums. The plant growth, oxygen level, and carbon dioxide level were monitored for ten days. Oxygen probes and carbon dioxide probes were used to measure the gas levels in each terrarium. A computer program called LoggerPro was used with the probes to create charts of the daily gas levels. Results 1. The first results were that the Primrose and Wheatgrass survived in the simulated Martian-like environment, while the Nasturtium died. 2. Second, the plants changed a mainly carbon dioxide atmosphere to a mainly oxygen atmosphere. Conclusions/Discussion In conclusion, this study found that certain plants can survive in a Martian-like environment. The experiment also showed that plants can change a mainly carbon dioxide atmosphere to mainly oxygen. In addition, the hypothesis was mostly correct. The project is about the survival of plants in a simulated Martian-like environment and their ability to change a Martian-like atmosphere.

Does Greater Leaf Diameter Increase Transpiration Rate of Rose Geranium

Abstract The objective: I wanted to find out if transpiration rate of rose geranium is changed by the increased diameter in leaves. I think it is interesting how plants transpire, the way this actually works is still partly a mystery to scientists. It is fascinating how water can travel up a 300 foot tree. This information could be useful to people who keep plants indoors. Methods/Materials Total Leaf Diameters of Cuttings Tested: Two Controls 1. 2 inch diameter (1 leaf) 1. Stem (No leaves) 2. 8 inch diameter (2 leaves) 2. Clay- covered graduate only 3. 10 inch diameter (3 leaves) 4. 12 inch diameter (4 leaves) Stem diameter of cuttings were measured to 0.3 in. approx. Leaf diameters per cutting were totaled. The number of leaves per cutting was equal in each experiment. Narrow, 25ml. graduates were filled to 21 ml.with distilled water. The stems were recut under water and put in and sealed with clay 2 ½ inch from the base of the stem. The water level was recorded then placed in a west facing window. Each day transpiration rates, weather and temperature were checked at proper time, beginning 24 hours after they were first put in the graduates. A total of 4 experiments were done. Results Average Total Transpiration After 5 Days: (Listed according to leaf diameter size in ascending order. 2 in.-12 in.) 2 in. group - 2.35 ml. 8 in. group - 5.86 ml. 10 in. group - 3.65 ml. 12 in. group - 7.78 ml. Controls: Stems had 1 ml evaporation through their xylem. Control 2 had no water loss. This was to show water does not evaporate through clay. 12 inch leaf diameter transpired 5.43 ml. more than the stem without leaves, 6.5 ml. more than the 2 in., 4.13 ml. more than 8 inch., 1.92 ml. more than 10 in. leaf diameter. Conclusions/Discussion According to my experiments and research, I conclude that greater leaf diameter increases transpiration rate in rose geranium (p. graveolens). I saw that the 12 inch leaf diameters water level dropped more than all the other leaf diameters, having a 7.78 ml. transpiration rate. My hypothesis was right, because the greater the leaf diameter the more stomata the cutting has for transpiration to take place. The project proves that greater leaf diameter does increase transpiration rate of rose geranium.

Sunless Sunflowers

Abstract The objective: The objective was to test how the intensity of artificial light affected the growth of sunflower plants. My hypothesis was that the plants closest to the light will grow the tallest, then wilt, because of phototropism; the plants farthest away, will not have enough light to carry out normal cellular processes and barely grow; the plants in the middle group will grow the second tallest, but be the healthiest Methods/Materials Sixteen sunflower seeds and terra cotta pots, potting soil, fertilizer, four agro-lights, a plant light intensity meter, thermo-hygrometer, moisture meter, soil pH meter and timer were used. The soil was checked to ensure it had a pH of 6 to 7.5 for optimum growth. The moisture level of the soil was measured regularly and kept between 5 and 6. The thermostat and the thermo-hygrometer were set to 65°F. The control plant, was placed outside at sunrise. Simultaneously, the timer turned on the agro-lights for the 15 experimental plants, kept in three groups (five plants each) at a distance of 20, 60, and 100 cms from the artificial lights. The control plant was placed under artificial light at sundown so that all 16 plants got the same Critical Light Exposure Period of 14 hours. The plants were measured every week during the 5-week study period. Results In the first experiment, plants in Groups 1, 2, and 3, exposed to a light intensity of about 9,000, 6,000, and 2,000 footcandles, respectively, grew to an average of 8.64, 6.192 cm, and 2.96 cm. Graphs and scatter plots demonstrated light intensity vs. plant group/plant number, plant height and plant growth each week. The results of the second and third experiments corroborated those of the first. Conclusions/Discussion My hypothesis was correct: the plants nearest to the light, Group 1, grew the tallest but burned because of phototropism. The pigment phytochrome, maintaining the circadian rhythms of plants, was tricked into thinking that it was summer, when the sunflower petals and leaves open the widest. The plants farthest away from the light, Group 3, performed inadequate photosynthesis to carry out normal cellular processes, which stunted their growth. The phytochrome in Group 3 plants was deceived into believing it was winter, when most plants do not grow. The plants in Group 2 grew the second tallest, but were the healthiest, being neither burned nor etiolated. The project is a study of how different intensities of artificial light affect the overall growth of sunflower plants

Is t All Downhill from Here

Abstract The objective: My objective is to test if there was higher mortality of Pinyon Pines on steeper slopes and on hotter slopes (south aspect) during the last drought. Steeper slopes have greater water runoff and south aspects have the highest insolation. Methods/Materials At a site in pinyon-juniper woodlands I set up 16 random plots, four in each aspect. I counted the number of trees and recorded if they were alive or dead and measured the slope they grew on using a contractor's level and a protractor. I added the results for each aspect and slope to the results from my project last year and then used a Chi-square Goodness of Fit Test to see if the differences among slopes and among aspects were significant. I also compared the differences in mortality at last year's site with this year's site to see if the sites differ. Results The south aspect had the highest tree mortality (67%), followed by north (56%), east (38%) and west (30%). The differences were significant (chi-square = 9.67). The least steep slope, 0-15 degrees, had the greatest mortality (67%) followed by the 16-30 degree slope (36%) and last was the steepest slope (29%). These differences were significant (chi-square = 7.61). At the 2005 site 54% of the trees were dead but at the 2004 site 46% were dead. The differences between the two sites were not significant (chi-square = 0.68). Conclusions/Discussion My hypothesis that the hotter south aspect would have the highest mortality was correct. My hypothesis that the steepest slope would have the highest mortality was wrong, the least steep slope had the highest mortality. There were more trees and shrubs on the least steep slope that might have competed for water. Even though the two sites were not significantly different, by adding data from the two together I increased the sample size and got different results than from one site alone. The project looked at how slope and aspect might have affected mortality of Pinyon Pine trees during the drought.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Organic Worm Castings

Abstract The objective: To compare the effectiveness of organic worm casting fertilizer to two non-organic fertilizers in the growth of Annual Rye Grass. If it can be shown that worm castings are an effective fertilizer, then it is hoped that individuals and also municipal waste facilities will be encouraged to benefit the environment by recycling plant material and soiled paper to create worm castings for home and agricultural use. Methods/Materials Obtain materials. Fill trays with equal amount of soil except tray labeled worm casting (50% soil and 50% worm castings). Trays equally seeded and exposed to sunlight. Trays labeled: No-Fertilizer, Peters, Miracle-Gro, Worm castings. Mixed Miracle Gro and Peters per instructions. Fertilized trays labeled Miracle-Gro and Peters every two weeks and at the same time watered other two trays with equal amount of water. Trays also equally watered by rainfall and as needed. Clear plastic tubs (mini green houses) placed over trays until seed germination to keep birds from eating seeds and to encourage germination in cold weather. Measure and observe growth of grass in each bin every two weeks after germination. Record data in notebook. Materials: Soil from under oak tree, Miracle Grow lawn food, Peters all purpose plant fertilizer, Worm castings from my worm bin that includes food scraps and paper scraps, Four black plastic planting trays, Annual Rye Grass seeds (Lolium multiflorum), Seed measuring cup, Ruler, Plastic bins (mini -green houses), Measuring spoon, Camera, Film, Water, Four one-gallon containers for water and for Miracle-Gro and Peters fertilizers diluted per instructions. Results Worm castings in a 50% soil to 50% worm casting mix encourage more growth of Rye Grass over a four-week period from germination when compared to Peters and Miracle-Gro non-organic fertilizers and when compared to the control. The grass growing in the worm castings grew 82.26% taller than in the control (non-fertilizer) measured at the end of the experiment. The grass growing in the Peters grew 50% taller than in the control. The grass growing in Miracle-Gro grew 25% taller than in the control. Conclusions/Discussion Worm castings are an effective fertilizer and good for the environment. If individuals and waste facilities recycle plant food scraps and soiled paper into worm castings, this will reduce the amount of waste that is now filling up these facilities, saving valuable land. The project compares the effectiveness of organic worm castings to two non -organic fertilizers in the growth of Annual Rye Grass.

Phytoremediation of Zinc

Abstract The objective: The objective of my study was to see if mustard plants could be used for phytoremediation of Zinc. Methods/Materials To study whether zinc can be phytoremdiated, mustard plants were grown in nutrient solutions spiked with 2 ppm and 3 ppm zinc. Nutrient spiked with 0.05 ppm zinc was used as the control. The plants were grown hydroponically in these solutions for 3 weeks.At the end of the experiment,the plants were tested for zinc accumulation using AAS (Atomic Absorbtion Spectrophotometer)The relative growth, zinc accumulated in the plant tissue and the bioconcentration factor values for zinc was then calculated to study whether the mustard plants could tolerate and remove the zinc from the nutrient solutions. Results The mustard plants did not show signs of toxicity till day 14.The results obtained are summarized below: ·The relative growth of the control and the test 2 (3 ppm) is almost same but the relative growth in test 1(2 ppm) is much more than the control or test 2 (3ppm). ·The test plants show more accumulation of zinc than the control and the amount of zinc accumulated in the plants is maximum at 2ppm concentration. It decreases as the concentration is increased to 3 ppm. ·The BCF value decreases as the concentration of Zinc in the nutrient solution increases. Conclusions/Discussion From these experiments, it was found that, since the amount of Zinc accumulated in the plant growing in the experimental nutrient went up, it indicated that the mustard plants were removing the Zinc from the test nutrient solution by phytoremediation. It was found that the mustard plants could tolerate and remove up to 3ppm zinc from the environment and so were moderate accumulators of zinc. The mustard plants can moderately accumulate Zinc and they could best be used for phytoremediation when the zinc concentration is around 2 ppm.

Suck It Up

Abstract The objective: I wanted to find out how temperature affects a plant's ability to transport nutrients. From my research, I learned that transpiration and respiration increase as temperature increases. I thought the plants in room temperature would transport the most nutrients because the plants in the other temperatures were too hot or too cold. Methods/Materials Ten white carnations were placed in each of three mugs with 200 ml of water. Then 1/4 teaspoon of food coloring was added into each mug. Each mug was placed in a box in a different temperature zone with a thermometer in each mug. A plant light was placed over each box and observations and measurements were made every few hours recording the results. Results The results showed that flowers which were in 110 degrees Fahrenheit soaked up the most water. However, the petals of the flowers dried out. The flowers in the 68 degrees Fahrenheit transported a little more water than the flowers at room temperature (78 degrees Fahrenheit). Conclusions/Discussion The hypothesis was incorrect because it was thought that the flowers in room temperature would transport the most nutrients, but actually, the flowers in the heated temperature soaked up the most water. This information is important for growing plants at the right temperature so they will be healthy. If this project was repeated, the flowers would be placed in solutions 10 degrees apart to find out how much the slightest temperature change would affect the plant's ability to transport nutrients. The purpose of this project was to determine if different temperatures would affect a plant's ability to transport nutrients; the data showed that plants exposed to warmer temperatures soaked up the most water.

Hydroponics and Aeroponics

Abstract The objective: My objective was to determine how Hydroponic and Aeroponic growing systems compare to traditional soil based technology in terms of water consumption, root vigor, and growth rates. Methods/Materials Three experiments were developed using the same water, nutrients and seeds, but each had a different way of delivering the nutrients to the plants. The traditional soil system was used as a control; the Hydroponic system used Oasis Foam as an inert medium and oxygen-enriched water; the Aeroponic system also used the foam and was setup like a rainforest, allowing roots to absorb water from the air, maximizing oxygen intake. At the conclusion of this eight week term, the plants were evaluated for growth, root vigor and water consumption. Results The Aeroponic system had the highest growth rate and used the least amount of water while the Hydroponic system had the most pronounced root system. Conclusions/Discussion Although all three experiments produced viable seedlings, the Aeroponic system was clearly the best option considering the small amount of water used implies applications in nonarable parts of the world and outer space. The purpose of this project was to determine if an Aeroponic growing system can compete with more traditional

Effect of Color on Cherry Trees

Abstract The objective: I want to determine if there is one color that can be used to paint our cherry trees that will protect them from sunburn without causing harvest delays. Methods/Materials My experimental method utilizes a Random Block Design comprised of 12 cherry trees in our orchard. I used a power sprayer to paint 4 trees white, 4 trees black, 4 trees silver, and 4 trees were left unpainted as my control. I took numerous measurements over a one year period to evaluate tree growth, pre harvest data, and post harvest data. Results Based on all the field tests and resulting data, the color white had the most favorable overall response on the trees followed by silver and then black. Conclusions/Discussion I conclude that my hypothesis was incorrect. Silver was not the color that would provide the best overall qualities for sunburn protection and elimination of harvest delays. The purpose of this project was to determine how different colors painted on a tree surface can effect tree health and fruit maturity.

Determining the Effects of Water Temperature and Exposure Terms on Seed Germination

Abstract The objective: I wanted to find out if long term exposure to water of different temperatures would affect different types of seed's germination. This year has proven that the world's weather patterns, and water distribution volumes are everchanging. I wanted to see if sweet corn, watermelon, cantaloupe, and green bean seed germination is altered by long term exposure to water of different temperatures. Methods/Materials I seperated the seeds into groups of five. I placed five seeds into a clear 10 ounce labeled cup, with 8 ounces of purified water. I put the cups in three different temperatures; hot(85 degrees F), room(60 degrees F), and cold(35 degrees F). The hot was created with a light bulb, the room was done in a windowsill in my house, and the cold was done in my refrigerator. I repeated my tests five times to gain conclusive results. Results In the room temperature tests, the sweet corn germinated the most seeds. In the hot temperature tests, the watermelon seeds germinated the most. In the cold temperature tests, the sweet corn again germinated the most seeds. The cantaloupe and green bean seeds did not germinate well in the hot and cold temperatures. All four seed types germinated well at room temperature. Conclusions/Discussion The different water temperatures did affect the number of seeds that germinated. The cold water had the most adverse effect on each seed type. The hot water almost halted all germination in the cantaloupe seeds. The long-term exposure to water in general had an adverse effect on every seed type in comparison to the results that were listed on the back of each seed packet. I guess water, and it's temperature can alter seed germination rates. The purpose of this project was to determine how Long-term water exposure, and it's temperature's effect on four different seed types