Andy Huang – Life Science, Year 2 Abstract Catalase plays a vital role in cellular defense by breaking down hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into water and oxygen, preventing oxidative damage. In this study, I aimed to identify the optimal pH and temperature conditions that maximize catalase activity in chicken and pig liver. I hypothesized that catalase […]
Exploring the Photoprotective Properties of Native British Columbian Plants: A Sustainable Approach to Natural UV Protection
Sophie Power – Life Science, Year 2 Introduction The growing environmental impact of chemical sunscreens, coupled with increasing concerns about their effects on human health, has intensified the search for natural ultraviolet (UV) protection alternatives (Ruszkiewicz et al., 2017). Current sunscreen solutions fall into two categories: physical and chemical compounds. Physical sunscreens, also known as […]
Hydroponics: A Potential Path to the Future
Bill Liu – Applied Science Abstract The world’s population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. It would require a roughly 60% increase in food production to sustain such a population, and seems out of reach with the current global agricultural system. Soil-free cultivation methods like hydroponics have emerged as viable methods of cultivation […]
The Race to Acquiring Liquid Gold: Testing Widespread Water Purification Methods Against Pathogens
Aaliyah Cabiles – Life Science Abstract Water is essential to survival; however, many issues exist with current water sanitation methods, resulting in preventable mortalities. The purpose of this experiment was to examine three popular water purification methods: iodine, chlorine and UV light. Water samples were obtained and utilized to serve as a model to examine […]
Lessons in photosynthesis: How different wavelengths of light affect the rate of photosynthesis in vascular aquatic plants
Isla Hume – Life Science Abstract The impressive ability of plants to produce oxygen can potentially be amplified through the selection of wavelengths to support life on long-term space missions. Three trial groups of Pogostemmon erectus were grown under white (400-700 nm) and red-blue (425-495 nm, 620-720 nm) light as well as in the dark. […]
Effects of omega-3 versus cooking wine on Drosophila hydei’s DNA size – a molecular investigation of diet choices’ influence on our “biological aging clock”
Song Ha Nguyen – Life Science Abstract Locating at the end of the chromosome, one of telomere’s functions is to sacrifice its non-coded DNA base pairs to be cut off during DNA replication. For this nature, telomere is believed to be the underlying reason for cell aging and potentially one’s longevity as they shorten after […]
Building an In-Vitro Garden: A DIY Approach to Tissue Culture and Micropropagation
Tanya Liu – Life Science Abstract This project explores a cost-effective DIY approach to micropropagation, aiming to make plant tissue culture accessible to hobbyists and small-scale projects. Micropropagation is the culturing of plant tissues in controlled environments and typically requires expensive equipment and high level of care. By using affordable alternatives such as small pressure […]
Investigating the Effectiveness of Neem Oil and Baking Soda on Anthracnose Infection in Spinach
Frank Cao – Life Science Abstract This research investigates the effectiveness of neem oil and baking soda in controlling anthracnose infection in spinach. The study presents a detailed methodology and analyzes the results to understand the efficacy of these natural compounds in managing anthracnose, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. This study can be used as […]
Impact of Hydrochloric Acid on Genetically Modified Escherichia coli and X-gal Staining
Yifan Zhuo – Life Science This is a pre-print of a manuscript currently under peer-review. Abstract CRISPR genetic editing technique is more prevalently used in healthcare and clinical settings in these days. This study aims to discover the viability of genetically modified Escherichia coli (E. coli) from a miniPCR bioTM CRISPR/Cas Gene Knockout Kit in […]
Evaluating the effect of Acid Rain on the Concentration of Gram-Negative Bacteria within the Rhizosphere of Brassica oleracea Sprouts
Ella Xie – Life Science Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to distinguish the relationship between soil acidity and degradation of a plant’s rhizosphere. The concentration of gram-negative bacteria was observed as soil bacteria in the rhizosphere is mainly gram-negative. Individual containers of broccoli sprouts Brassica oleracea were exposed to different pH levels of […]