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- Description:
- The experiment was performed to determine the effects of microwave and cell phone radiation on ocular development and lens opacity in Xenopus laevis tadpoles. Our model system for these studies is the amphibian developing retina, a derivative of the diencephalon of the forebrain. In order to examine the tadpoles, MS-222 was used as an anesthetic. To induce amplexus, we injected 500 IU of chorionic gonadotropin into the dorsal lymph sacs of both male and female Xenopus laevis. Embryos were exposed to microwave and cell phone radiation during all stages of embryonic development. Morphological changes in the developing eye were monitored photographically and a qualitative assay was used to assess lens opacity. Results from the experiments have been inconclusive. Deaths of tadpoles were experienced but were tied to outside circumstances.
- Keyword:
- tadpoles, amphibians, Xenopus laevis, embryonic development, and radiation -- effects of
- Subject:
- Biology
- Creator:
- Watson, Aubrey
- Contributor:
- Dr. E. Regina Giuliani, Thesis Advisor
- Owner:
- lsquillante@saintpeters.edu
- Publisher:
- Saint Peter's University
- Date Uploaded:
- 10/14/2020
- Date Modified:
- 10/14/2020
- Date Created:
- Spring 2013
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright
- Resource Type:
- Research Paper
-
- Description:
- Obesity currently affects more than one-third of adults and 17 percent of youth in the United States while at least 24 million children and adults have type II diabetes. In an attempt to reduce the intake of calories, artificial sweeteners are often used to replace natural sugars, such as sucrose, in commonly consumed foods and drinks. With the rise of artificial sweetener usage there has been much speculation on their adverse effects, as well as those of sugar. While extensive research has been done on the carcinogenic effects of aspartame, far too few of it pertains to its effects on neurological development. Likewise, there is limited data that currently links the use of aspartame to changes in cardiac function, although more research is starting to suggest that greater aspartame consumption may have a role in the development of cardiovascular disease. This study investigates the effects of sucrose and aspartame, individually and in combination on larval development in Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog). Xenopus laevis embryos are an appropriate model organism due to the rapid rate of development and a transparent larval stage. Specimens were incubated in aspartame and sucrose concentrations of 10 μg/ml and 25 μg/ml. The rate of development of each group is analyzed and compared to the control group to draw a connection between the exposure to the compounds and their development; thus investigating a causal relationship. Embryos were photographed for any morphological changes. Preliminary results indicate that there were no observed changes in the neural development of the X. laevis however, the heart rates of those exposed to 25 μg/ml of aspartame were twice the rate of those exposed to lower concentrations of aspartame and of sucrose. Further research is needed to understand the effects of aspartame on the cardiovascular changes that result.
- Keyword:
- sucrose, Xenopus laevis, aspartame, and artificial sweeteners
- Creator:
- Olcese, Rebecca
- Contributor:
- Dr. Christina Mortellaro, Thesis Advisor
- Owner:
- lsquillante@saintpeters.edu
- Publisher:
- Saint Peter's University
- Date Uploaded:
- 10/23/2019
- Date Modified:
- 10/23/2019
- Date Created:
- May 2019
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright
- Resource Type:
- Research Paper
-
- Description:
- The consumption of artificial food dyes is a topic of controversy in the United States. In contrast, many European nations opted for natural alternatives after studies suggested that they cause hypersensitivity in children. Two of the most prevalent food dyes, Red 40 and Yellow 5, are heavily debated as carcinogens and are solidly linked to ADHD in children. The purpose of this study is to use the model organism, Xenopus laveis, the African clawed frog, to observe the effects of these dyes separately and together. Specimens will be incubated in different concentrations of Red 40, Yellow 5, or both at either 2.5μg/ml or 5μg/ml. There will be one control group and eight experimental groups. These groups will be exposed to the dyes from metamorphosis stage 48 (Nieuwkoop and Faber) until adulthood. They were observed by determining how long movement lasted once it began. The results suggest a strong link to hyperactivity and possible effects on development, such as different mortalities among the groups. Tadpole length was in terms of length, and any malformations were documented. A review was also conducted on dyes present in common products available to consumers, which will be discussed.
- Keyword:
- food dyes, Xenopus laevis, public health, cancer, hyperactivity, and ADHD
- Creator:
- Fils, Brittanie
- Contributor:
- Dr. Laura Twersky, Thesis Advisor
- Owner:
- lsquillante@saintpeters.edu
- Publisher:
- Saint Peter's University
- Date Uploaded:
- 10/23/2019
- Date Modified:
- 10/23/2019
- Date Created:
- May 2019
- Rights Statement:
- In Copyright
- Resource Type:
- Research Paper