Eesha Acharya Project #1
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Measuring Vitamin C Levels in Cooked Foods
Most people know that raw foods contain the most nutrients. However, many people prefer eating cooked foods. the problem is vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, so when foods are cooked they lose a lot of this essential nutrient. The purpose of this research is to determine which cooking method best retains the most vitamin C in vegetables. The raw vegetable vitamin C information will be compared to that of other cooking methods (grilling, boiling, and steaming) of that same vegetable. tomatoes, brussel sprouts, kale, bell peppers, broccoli, peas, and a tincture of iodine solution, 2-7% elemental iodine, will be used to test the vitamin C content. The food will be tested by mixing 10g of food to a starch-water mixture and straining the water. Drops of iodine will be added to the strained water until the solution turns black. The more iodine added, means the more vitamin C is in the food. Then the number of drops will be divided by 10g of food. This gives the drops per gram of food. This number will be multiplied by the factor. The drops per gram multiplied by the factor equals mg of vitamin C per gram of food This study is designed to help people consume more vitamin C. Many people in the United States have a vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C is a key that prevents immune system deficiency and cardiovascular disease. So if a proper cooking method can be found, then people can consume more Vitamin C.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Akshar Agarwal Project #2
Completed Project, Engineering, Health and Medical
Diagnosing Parkinson's Disease with Artificial Intelligence
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting more than ten million people globally. The hallmark symptoms of PD are tremors, limb rigidity, and imbalance. PD shares many of these symptoms with other disorders, making it difficult to diagnose. Furthermore, due to the lack of definitive laboratory tests, PD is poorly diagnosed with subjective examinations such as family history evaluations, thereby resulting in high misdiagnosis rates.
Recent research shows that an additional symptom, dysphonia, is present in over 80% of PD patients. Dysphonia is a speaking disorder caused by involuntary muscle movement and other neurological factors in PD. In this project, that unique symptom was taken advantage of in designing a machine learning algorithm. A cross-validated neural network was programmed to deliver rapid and accurate diagnoses using biomedical voice data from 195 patients of varying statuses. This automated, machine-learning based PD diagnostic tool was successfully created and functions with over 95% accuracy. This rate includes nearly zero false negatives and few false positives, showing significant improvement over previous attempts which had misdiagnosis rates of nearly 20%. A low probability of false negatives is favorable. The neural network was designed such that overfitting is avoided, and more features/data would further improve the algorithm's accuracy. The algorithm is currently being implemented such that patients can submit their voice recordings through an application for an accurate remote diagnosis. An early and accurate diagnosis is critical for treating PD patients, and this project proposes a way to achieve that.
Hamden High School Gregory Hodgkins, Teacher
Lazar Agoev Project #3
Research Proposal, Engineering, Physical Science
Developing a Generator to Convert Footsteps to Power
Phones are very important parts of our lives, but very often we don't have a power source to charge them. It is well known how to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, why don't we harness the energy we use to walk and convert it to electricity. My goal is to create a circuit, which will generate electricity by changing the magnetic field in a coil. This circuit will then be placed in the sole of a shoe. Thus by walking I would move magnets in my sole, changing the magnetic field in the coil. The power produced by my circuit should be enough to charge a phone. Depending upon materials, it should also not be not expensive, so it can be easily produced and people could afford it. This device would generate clean energy for mobile devices. If my project is be inexpensive to create and efficient enough, companies will be interested in producing and selling them, This in turn would make people's lives a little bit easier.
Ridgefield High School Patrick Hughes, Teacher
Alia Aguilar Project #4
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Regulation of Lemna minor Reactive Oxygen Species through Iodide and Tyrosine Antioxidant Treatments to Maximize Biofuel Yield
Landoltia punctata is used as a biofuel for its high starch content, and when put through a nutrient starvation period, its starch levels can accumulate much faster. But during the nutrient starvation period, the plant becomes stressed and releases reactive oxygen species (ROSs) which are harmful in large quantities. Thus, the length of the starvation period is limited due to the potential damage by the ROSs. The species Lemna minor was used for testing. Its peroxidase activity is a stress level indicator, and the procedure to find this was adopted from EPA SOP number 2035 ‘Plant Peroxidase Activity Determination’. The procedure for converting Lemna minor into biofuel was adopted from ‘Mashing and Fermentation’ on the website ‘Make your own fuel’. The LaMotte Ammonia-Nitrogen Test Kit procedure was used to test nutrient uptake of the plant. Preliminary data indicates that Lemna minor peroxidase activity increases during the nutrient starvation period. A starvation period where Lemna minor has been treated with Iodide and Tyrosine has not been completed yet. If Iodide and Tyrosine prove to effectively regulate the reactive oxygen species levels in Lemna minor, a study should be completed to treat Landoltia punctata with these chemicals during a nutrient starvation period.
Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Science and Technology Education Center Kirk Shadle, Teacher
Yusuf Ahmad Project #5
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Atomistic Models of Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) Mutations
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder caused by a defect in PAH gene. PAH is responsible for creating the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), which breaks down phenylalanine, an amino acid obtained through diet. Without PAH, phenylalanine levels become increased in blood, which is what PKU is. The symptoms can be harsh as some it includes are intellectual disability, seizures, poor bone strength, and brain damage. The purpose of this project was to see how exactly the mutations affect phenylalanine hydroxylase's binding site and determine which mutations have a greater impact. The structure being analyzed has been formed through x-ray diffraction, and it has a resolution of 1.8 angstroms. This structure of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) was obtained from the protein data bank website. The specific part being used is PAH's binding site, with PHE bound as the allosteric ligand. MATLAB's Bioinformatics tool was used to read the crystal structure.
The first method of analysis will be to model each atom with a sphere and calculate the overlaps caused by the mutations. This was will be used to calculate effective energy due to overlaps. Rosetta, a software for protein structure analysis, will then be used to repack the structures upon mutation, and following that, the root-mean-square deviation of the structures will also be calculated.
Seeing where overlaps occur can help in making predictions on which mutations have a greater impact, and repacking the protein will allow for better assessment of the mutations. Overall, having a better understanding of PAH's structure-function relationship and its mutations can give new insight for therapeutic discovery.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Monisha Akula Project #6
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
Genetic Rescue in Leadbeater's Possum
About 17,000 species are threatened with the risk of extinction. The loss of animals causes detrimental changes in the biodiversity of ecosystems, and can result in collapse. The government has set up laws to protect endangered species and their habitats. There are studies in progress to help threatened species, and a technique called genetic variation has arisen. Rescue is expected to be particularly useful when individuals with diverse alleles are introduced into small isolated populations with low levels of genetic variation. The Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri), is an endangered species with a high risk of extinction. In this proposed research, genetic rescue will be implemented into the Leadbeater's possum species, in Victoria, Australia, for recovery of the population. Males with diverse genetic alleles will be placed into the population to increase genetic variation and creation of hybrids. A hybrid is the offspring produced when cross breeding, or combining two different varieties or species. The number of hybrids and non-hybrids will be tracked, along with their offspring and lifespan. It is hypothesized that the hybrids of the population will have diverse genetic data compared to non-hybrids, and thus increase the chance of survival for future generations. The hybrids are predicted to achieve greater reproduction rates and live longer than non-hybrids. Rescue will increase the recovery of a threatened marsupial population to an endangered population by the introduction of a diverse group of hybrids. Genetic rescue is a possible technique to apply in small threatened species to increase population status.
Darien High School Guy Pratt, Teacher
Nicole Alindogan Project #7
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Functional Impact of RBP2 on Cellular Senescence and Pluripotency in Murine Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Cellular Senescence is a newly discovered metabolic state of a cell where a cell reaches its full size and then stably exits the cell cycle. This state is the goal of cancer treatments because instead of proliferating uncontrollably, the senescent cells function normally and secrete proteins that can induce senescence in other cells, as well. RBP2 is a gene associated with lower breast cancer tumor-free survival rates, and the rates lower more functional copies of the gene. To try to achieve senescence, we sought out to delete RBP2 and induce senescence by using CRISPR technology. Our hope was that senescence would be triggered and the senescence would spread. Using a lentiCRISPR v2, Dr. Sabine Lang and I deleted RBP2 successfully and studied the cells, which eventually turned senescent. We then ran a qPCR on the cells to identify the certain genes responsible for the senescence. We found that the deletion of RBP2 would induce senescence, so going forward an inducible iCas9 system would allow for making the observations and direct causation relationship easier to track. We also found that in our experiment regarding the spread of senescence, the proteins could spread senescence well and could possibly be regulated in the future to expedite the timeline of a treatment. This research had the ability to kick-start research in senescence, as well as ultimately become the goal of future cancer treatments because it prevents invasive surgeries, the compromising of healthy cells, and possibly prevent malignancies.
Ridgefield High School Ryan Gleason, Teacher
Mounisha Anumolu Project #8
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Implementing Nutrient Uptaking Bacteria to Remove Excess Chemicals from Eutrophic Water in Simulated Pond Ecosystems
Eutrophication, over-enrichment of nutrients in marine ecosystem, detrimentally affects biogeochemical cycles. Caused by human and point-source pollution, eutrophication has resulted in an overabundance of nitrogen in small ponds worldwide, creating large harmful algal blooms. Recently, an ecological engineering company, LivingMachines, has used microorganisms to remove nutrients from wastewater. This study will explore whether the implementation of specified denutrifying bacteria into eutrophic water will remove excess nutrients from water.
Four tanks (NC/N1/N2/N3) will have water over enriched with nitrogen, using nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen tank (Nitrogen Control) will have agar and algae, but no bacteria. N1 tank will have agar, type of nutrient-eating bacteria, enriched water, and algae. N2 and N3 will be similar, except with different bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens/EscherichiaColi/Bacilius Subtilius), Four more tanks will be set up exactly the same way for two trials. Because added algae have nutrients available to them, algal blooms will form in each. Using a turbidity meter, size of blooms can be quantified. Measure from control will be compared to experimental trials. If the bloom in the bacteria trial is smaller, it can be determined that less nutrients were available for bloom to grow and which bacteria was effective in limiting nutrients. Preliminary data is indicating that P. fluorescens is resulting in the smallest algal bloom. Whichever bacteria resulted in the smallest algal bloom will be considered the best at uptaking nutrients and fighting eutrophication. By determining this, the implementation of this bacteria into eutrophic ecosystems can further be explored to help fight eutrophication. Eutrophication kills many organisms and ruins ecosystems worldwide.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Kellie Arevalo Project #9
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Comparing Dissolved Oxygen (% and mg/L) between Mamaroneck Bay and Darien Harbor
The Long Island Sound (LIS) is an estuary, meaning it contains a mix of saltwater and freshwater, located between Connecticut and New York. LIS is home to over 1,200 invertebrate species, 170 fish species, and dozens of bird species. These numbers have slowly decreased as a result of human development along the coastline, which has increased pollution. The water quality of LIS needs to be monitored in order to protect it from further damage. A research project which measured water parameters in LIS was conducted by Save the Sound in order to better understand the water quality. This research was conducted in over 120 different embayment areas located in LIS and at each embayment, seven different water parameters were measured and recorded. At each location, temperature (degrees celsius), salinity (ppt), dissolved oxygen (%) and (mg/L), fluorescence (RFU), chlorophyll a (ug/L), and turbidity (NTU) were measured. The parameters between the two embayments, Darien Harbor and Mamaroneck Bay, will differ because of their location in LIS and lack of water circulation at embayments located in the narrows, the westernmost section of LIS. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was measured in this research to better understand the aquatic life in LIS. The dissolved oxygen levels tended to be lower in Mamaroneck Bay and higher in Darien Harbor. However, as the summer continued, D.O levels in Mamaroneck Bay increased significantly in the months of July and August, while the D.O levels in Darien Harbor remained relatively constant.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Deanna Attisani Project #10
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
The Use of Venom and Anti-Venom From Chironex fleckeri Jellyfish to Stop and Start the Heart for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
A type of box jellyfish known as the Chironex fleckeri are known to contain one of the most deadly venoms of all animals. Their venomous thread is contained in nematocysts, cells where venom is coiled up and stored and released when triggered for self defense, inside their tentacles. These threads of venom can be used to attack, killing their prey in an instant. However, these threads of venom serve multiple purposes beyond self defense for these jellyfish. Previous studies have shown that extracting the venom from the Chironex fleckeri and injecting the venom into the cardiovascular tissues of a rat resulted in the stop of blood flow through the heart, causing temporary paralysis. Then with the use of an antivenom the heart beat stabilizes again.This study will incorporate the injection of the venom into the heart when a rat is put on bypass during Coronary Artery Bypass surgery. Then when the surgery is complete, the antivenom will be injected to revive the heart. It is projected that if the venom and antivenom from the Chironex fleckeri is injected into the heart, then surgeons will be able to revive the heart muscles while the patient is on bypass during surgery. The results of this research could provide a more natural way of delaying and reviving the heart for bypass surgeries.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Jeremy Bachman Project #11
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Application of Allan Variance Analysis to Quantify Noise in Optical Tweezer Data
Optical tweezers trap and manipulate objects, down to the nanometer scale. Optical tweezers operate by shining a laser at an object, where the object is held in place by the forces created by the scattering of the laser. Due to the minute size of these objects, even the slightest disturbance can cause “noise” and disrupt the data.
Numerous preventative measures are taken in order to prevent noise, however the primary approach to quantifying the noise is with Fourier Analysis which lacks precision of frequencies. Studies have shown that an alternative method to Fourier Analysis is Allan Variance, a technique used for the same purpose as Fourier Analysis, however, having the benefit of having precise measurements in lower frequency ranges. Allan variance is a method that calculates the stability of the frequency. The data was analyzed on GNU Octave, a programmable software used for high level calculations. A program was created to analyze the data through Allan variance. Using Allan Variance, the optimal time for which recording data in optical tweezer experiments have been determined. This experiment allowed for the quantitative analysis of noise in optical tweezer data, and allowed scientists to quantitatively describe, then remove noise. This allowed experiments with unprecedented accuracy.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Luca Barcelo Project #12
Completed Project, Engineering, Environmental
Crowd-Sourced Detection and Mapping of Nitrate Water Pollution via a Mobile Web-Based Image Analysis System to Correlate Environmental Factors in the Prediction of Pollution Trends
Nitrate oversaturation remains a pressing issue in the health of affected ecosystems and their biotic factors. This issue leads to eutrophication, the process by which algae blooms spawn and die, producing dead zones where marine life suffocates. When ingested in higher quantities (10 mg/L or above), nitrates can become toxic, causing birth defects and carcinogenic malignancies. Conventional methods of nitrate detection include the use of costly devices. Conversely, through the use of a mobile phone interface it would be possible to extract large amounts of data from the regional populace, otherwise known as crowdsourcing detection. The crowd-sourcing method would allow for reliable, cost- efficient measurements of nitrate concentrations. In this research, such a crowd-sourcing based remote detection method was created using consumer smartphone technology. Through the addition of sulphanilamide, N-(1-naphthyl)-ethylenediamine dihydrochloride, and zinc to a 10ml water sample, a red color is produced in the presence of as little as 2ppm nitrates, due to the formation of an azo compound. Using image analysis and supervised machine learning, the new mobile application correlates red pixel concentration to nitrates in water, allowing for immediate photo-image to nitrate detection well below the EPA maximum contaminant level. These results are then shared via a new crowdsourcing, web-based application database, so that a larger and more responsive data set can be created for mass implementation and use by academia, NGO initiatives, industrial bodies, and governmental administrations for further remediation and benchmarking.
Greenwich High School Andrew Bramante, Teacher
Katie Barretta Project #13
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
Understanding the Entrepreneurial Drive: Entrepreneurship and Hypomanic Personality
Entrepreneurial drive is an individual's motivation to succeed in creating and establishing their own business venture. Entrepreneurial drive is commonly linked to risk seeking, overconfidence, and a certain disregard for social norms. Interestingly, these traits strongly overlap with a description of the hypomanic temperament introduced by clinical psychologists. Hypomanic temperament is a stable personality trait that is formally characterized by psychomotor acceleration, ego inflation, unstable moods, and indifference towards social norms. Therefore, the study asks, is hypomania associated with entrepreneurial behavior or entrepreneurial success? It is hypothesized that if an individual possesses hypomanic traits, then there will be an increased entrepreneurial behavior. It is furthered hypothesized that entrepreneurial success relates to hypomanic tendencies nonlinearly: success is higher for people with moderate hypomania, but lower for people with high hypomania. Graduates from Executive MBA programs from U.S., German, French, and Italian business schools were invited to complete an online questionnaire. First, the participants completed an online consent form and a series of questions about their personality to characterize their hypomanic tendencies. Then, they answered a series of questions about their work experience to evaluate their entrepreneurial activities and success. The assessment instruments included Hypomanic Personality Scale (Eckblad & Chapman, 1986), Entrepreneurial Outcomes Scale (Ahmetogul & Chamarro-Premuzic, 2010), and several demographic questions.
So far, 320 people have completed this study. Preliminary results suggest that hypomanic tendencies are positively correlated with the entrepreneurial activities, which is consistent with the hypothesis. The results may assist in informing entrepreneurial educators and support entrepreneurial programs.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Talia Barry Project #14
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The effect of different biochars on phosphate retention
Biochar applications have shown to increase turnover of C and hence nutrient cycling and retention, which may provide crop-related benefits. The properties of biochars and their functions in soil and water environment depend on the type of biomass used for biochar production and the production conditions. The goal of this study was to determine phosphate retention capacity of different slow pyrolysis biochars produced from different biomasses.
Each biochar was modified by shaking with a polycationic solution for 24 h. After this, the resultant mixture was centrifuged to separate the solid phase from the solution phase and the excess poly-DADMAC was washed with deionized water. The biochar was dried at 80-85°C for 72 hours. The sorption isotherm experiment was conducted with biochars using different concentrations of phosphate solution for 72 h.The resultant mixture was filtered through the 0.45 µm membrane to obtain the clear solution.
The phosphate concentration in the final solution was measured colorimetrically with a reagent using a UV-vis spectrophotometer at 690 nm wavelength. A standard curve was constructed using different known concentrations of PO43- to obtain the relation between absorbance and concentration of PO43-. Concentrations will be measured from data generated from the standard curve. Statistical analysis will be performed. The structure of the carbon in biochar allows for the adsorption and retention of essential nutrients like phosphate and nitrate. This can help prevent nutrients from leaching out of soil on farms. With a biochar that is effective at preventing leaching, farms can be more productive.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Olivia Batal Project #15 Bianca Massello
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
Studying the Environmental Quality of the Gowanus Canal through the Analysis of Macroinvertebrates
The purpose of this study is to assess the environmental quality of the water in the Gowanus Canal, which is located in Brooklyn, NY. We will assess the quality through the analysis of macroinvertebrates. The Gowanus Canal has been used commercially, and there may be raw sewage and toxic sludge present. Additionally, the location may be a hub for pollutants, such as car exhaust.
We plan to collect and analyze macroinvertebrates found in the canal in order to assess the quality of the water. Many aquatic insect species are intolerant of pollutants and will not be found in polluted waters. The greater the pollution, the lower the species richness since only a few species are pollution tolerant. We will use DNA barcoding to identify species that are difficult to identify using standard identification charts.
It is expected that the majority of the macroinvertebrates collected and analyzed will be pollution tolerant, such as aquatic worms and leeches. The species that are pollution intolerant, such as stonefly nymphs and water fleas, will likely not be found in the canal due to poor water quality. This study will likely demonstrate the issues facing the Gowanus Canal and highlight the clean-up work that is needed at the site.
We believe that the large collection of pollution tolerant macroinvertebrates will show people how dangerous this canal really is and that we should go to great lengths to save it. It is hoped that the publication of this study will accelerate future clean-up efforts.
Convent of the Sacred Heart Mary Musolino, Teacher
Emma Belmont Project #16 Claire Liddy Caroline Conrod
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Studying Alternative Natural Fertilizers
We choose to study food waste in alternate ways because it became evident that out school produced a great deal of it. We hypothesized that food waste could be processed and used as fertilizer, even without composting. We wanted to see if these alternative fertilizers could promote plant growth, prevent algae growth, and combat hypoxia, which is caused by traditional fertilizers. Therefore, helping thousands of affected organisms in our community. We started by collecting different fruit peels and food waste. We then dehydrated and ground the waste into fine particles and mixed each sample separately with soil. Soil alone and traditional fertilizer mixed with soil were used as controls. These soil samples, with either food waste or fertilizer, were used to grow radishes, mixed with pond water to determine algae growth, and were tested for nutrient levels. It was found that the soil with banana peels had the highest concentration of nutrients. While this soil did produce the greatest number of radish plants, the radishes in the soil alone had the tallest average height. Additionally, the soil with the apple food waste produced the second highest amount of radishes with the second tallest average height and produced the lowest volume of algae. This study demonstrated that food waste could be used to successfully enrich soil when compared to traditional fertilizers. Several of the types of waste tested were promising, but apple waste may be deemed the most effective due to the combination of excellent plant growth and low algae production.
Convent of the Sacred Heart Mary Musolino, Teacher
Joseph Benedetti Project #17 Austin Gilbride
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Analysis of Car Crash Causes in Specific Areas of New Haven
Many crashes occur in New Haven every year. The reason for occurrence of these crashes are fatal and can possibly be easily be fixed, however there is a wide variance in causes of car crashes within the City of New Haven. Specific areas in New Haven where crashes occur are on MLK Jr. Boulevard, Whalley Avenue near Edgewood Park, intersection on Trumbull Street and Whitney Avenue, and the corner of the merge onto the highway from Broadway Avenue. The reason that these areas in particular see so many accidents, compare We will be looking at trends in the data for certain types of crashes and where crashes happen most frequently in the locations specified. We will do this by analyzing the data from the Department of Transportation (DOT) from January 1st, 2015 to June 1st, 2017, allowing us to work with 2 å_ years of crash-data. Data will be statistically analyzed by using Microsoft Excel.
Method of analyzing the data in this project will come from organizing the data from the DOT in Excel. We will organize the data by coding algorithms into the program to separate the data.
Implications of this project are we will be able to address traffic problems in areas of New Haven that see frequent crashes. It will be possible to draft a proposal to the city engineer on how to fix problems to prevent the crashes from occurring.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Corinne Bevill Project #18
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
The Effect of Stem Cells and Sox2 Lentivirus on Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries greatly impact the lives of victims, leaving them with slight or complete immobility. Studies have tested the possibility of using neural stem cells and transcription factors as a way to regenerate the damaged neurons around spinal cord injuries (SCIs) , however no studies have sufficiently clarified which method is most effective in promoting neurogenesis and furthering the longevity of the generated neurons. These methods are the most promising in finding a way to rehabilitate patients beyond invasive surgery. It has been identified that the SOX2 transcription factor via injected stem cells has been the most successful protein in causing regeneration in SCIs. To test these two different methods, a lentivirus would be produced that contains the SOX2 transcription factor, ultimately coding for its regenerative gene sequence. To create the stem cells, human fibroblasts would be extracted and cultured in vitro with a bovine growth serum. After immunocytochemical analysis of these regeneration methods to ensure neural-networking functionality, half of the wild-type mice with SCIs would receive stem cells, and the other half of the mice would receive SOX2-enhanced lentivirus. Every week after transplantation, tissue samples would be extracted for immunohistochemical analysis to identify DCX+ cells (a sign of neurogenesis around the spinal cord) produced by each method. The expected results indicate that injecting the SOX2-influenced lentivirus alone will be more successful, as it does not introduce as many possible causes of rejection as stem cells.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Clifford Blaze Project #19
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
The effect of domestic predators on the foraging behavior of brown rats in an urban setting.
In America, the brown rat causes over 20 Billion dollars in damage each year, and is a vector of several pathogens. In recent years there have been many attempts to mitigate the effects of rats, all have met with limited success. Rats are a common prey species to many predators including coyotes, cats, and dogs. The landscape of fear describes how a prey species like the brown rat perceives the amount of predation risk in various areas of its environment. A recent study in Swaziland found the presence of domesticated cats and dogs affected the behavior of the black rat. The proposed experiment will determine the effect of domestic predators on the brown rat in a urban setting. The study area will be chosen based on presence of cats and dogs and willingness of resident participation. Rodent activity will be estimated through the use of tracking tiles placed in various locations within the study area. Giving up densities (GUDs) from established feeding patches will be used to measure the effect of predator presence on rat foraging behavior. It is predicted that buildings with both cats and dogs will have a higher giving up density, while having only cats or dogs will have lower giving up densities. Areas without cats or dogs will have the lowest giving up densities. The use of domestic predators may represent a low cost and efficient method of controlling rodent populations in urban areas.
Darien High School Guy Pratt, Teacher
Avery Bonner Project #20
Research Proposal, Science, Behavioral
The Effect of Dyslexia Severity on Math Ability
Research shows that the brain uses fact-retrieval in the left hemisphere language areas to solve addition problems and the right hemisphere to recompute subtraction problems each time. Dyslexics, however, use the right-brain for both types of arithmetic due to left hemisphere impairment. This proposal seeks a connection between dyslexia severity, or left hemisphere damage, and math ability. It is expected that if a case of dyslexia is more severe, then the person with the learning disability will demonstrate decreased accuracy and longer reaction times when solving arithmetic problems due to a more profound interruption in the left hemisphere language areas. To test this, an MRI scan would determine the intensiveness of the participants' dyslexia, selecting subjects of various severities between the ages of 8 and 16. Each would then be matched with a non-dyslexic control, similar in age, intelligence and socioeconomic background. Mathematical ability would then be tested, using an MRI to track the participants' brain patterns as they compute simple arithmetic. When comparing the subjects' reaction times and accuracy, it is expected those with higher severities, and thus more damage to the left language areas, will have higher reaction times and decreased accuracy when computing addition, and a less profound difference in accuracy and time when solving subtraction problems. Through isolating a correlation, poor addition skills could become a precursor of dyslexia and help to diagnose it earlier so those affected can seek a proper education.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Caitlin Boyle Project #21
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
Increasing albedo on the Greenland Ice Sheet
The Greenland Ice sheet has one of the highest albedo levels in the world. However, due to the high amount of surface melt occuring on the sheet, the albedo is reducing; thus encouraging more surface melt. I will try to experiment on different substances that will increase the amount of albedo on the ice sheet.
I plan on first using smaller models of the Greenland ice sheet to test different environmentally friendly substances that could potentially increase albedo. Once I find a substance that proves successful and is easy to distribute, I plan on using my findings and test the substance in different locations across the Greenland Ice Sheet.
The results will conclude that the substances tested will either increase or decrease the amount of albedo that the sheet produces on the smaller model. Once it is tested on the larger model, the substances will conclude the same. Additionally, it will conclude if it is plausible to potentially cover the greenland ice sheet with the substance.
Scientists can use this research to cover the ice sheet with the substance to increase the albedo in the Ice sheet. This will then decrease the amount of surface melt that the sheet gives off, thus greatly reducing the basal sliding as well as overall melting of the sheet.
Ridgefield High School Patrick Hughes, Teacher
Yohann Britto Project #22
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
The effect of acidic beverages and MI paste related to Dental Erosion
A major oral health problem today is dental erosion. Dental erosion is the irreversible loss of minerals from the tooth's structure and it is classified as extrinsic which means it isn't essential or necessary for humans. The main cause of dental erosion is acidic drinks such as sodas, gatorades, and energy drinks. These are drinks that kids like you and me have on a daily basis. This is why dental erosion is now considered a worldwide health concern, it is because of the affect these acidic drinks have on your teeth. These sodas and sports drinks are available at any local grocery store but what kids don't understand is the atrocious impact these drinks have on your teeth.
Gather 6 teeth and 2 containers
Fill 2 containers with water(control), 2 with Coke, and 2 with 100% apple juice
Test for the acidity of each drink using the pH scale
Take 3 teeth and apply MI paste everyday for a week
Place 1 tooth treated with MI paste in water, 1 in Coke, and 1 in 100% apple juice
Place 1 tooth not treated with MI paste in water, 1 in Coke, and 1 in 100% apple juice
Let them sit in the containers for 2 weeks
Take out the teeth and compare them, check for signs of dental erosion and see which teeth have become the most eroded.
I expect that all the teeth will become eroded by the acidic drinks but the teeth treated with MI paste will be less eroded. This test will show the effectiveness of MI paste.
Ridgefield High School Ryan Gleason, Teacher
Onora Brown Project #23
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Discovering the Pathogen Responsible for Gorgonian Wasting Syndrome on the Gorgonia ventalina Sea Fan
Over the past few decades, coral cover has decreased at extreme rates because stressors like climate change have led coral reefs to become vulnerable to pathogens that can leave coral reefs diseased. There's currently an outbreak of disease on the Gorgonian sea fan species, called Gorgonian Wasting Syndrome . The disease is identifiable by lesions of decaying necrotic tissue. It's currently affecting the sea fan Gorgonia ventalina in Puerto Rico. The goal of this experiment is to identify the pathogen responsible for Gorgonian Wasting Syndrome. Scientists need to create a list of possible bacteria, fungi, or other microbes that may be the cause of Gorgonian Wasting Syndrome (GWS). A variety of microorganisms will be grown from sea fans with GWS. These microorganisms will be identified, after that healthy corals will be exposed to pathogens in order to test if lesions develop. Samples of Gorgonia ventalina will be supplied by Ernesto Weil at Isla Magueyes, Puerto Rico. Corals are extremely important ecosystems. Fish live and feed on them, while people working the fishing and tourism industries rely on healthy reefs for their livelihoods.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
James Burbank Project #24
Research Proposal, Engineering, Physical Science
Applications and Production of Aerogel
I want to explore the production of aerogels and see if there is a more cost effective way of producing them. I also want to look into their applications and see if the can be more beneficial to our society. Studying aerogels properties and researching their past and current applications. I do not currently have new findings as just am still gathering more knowledge of my subject. Implications that could be drawn at the end of my research could be, an extremely wide range of applications for aerogels that could help cut down on costs of insulation, or used as a variety of different types of shielding, and cheaper means of production.
Newtown High School Timothy Dejulio, Teacher
Joshua Burns Project #25
Research Proposal, Engineering, Physical Science
Mission Variable Single Stage to Orbit Spaceplane Design Study
Getting to space is a complicated and costly process, with single use rockets being the only transportation. The purpose of this study is to develop an unmanned single stage to orbit spaceplane that has swappable propulsion units for different environments and missions, with a trend of electric propulsion. Another purpose of the study is to use proven, cheap, and simple technologies in the creation of the aircraft.
The design study will be conducted in two phases. Phase one consists of identifying all of the technologies that will be found in the study, under the categories of Structural, Electrical, and Propulsion. The second phase of the project will be designing the actual craft, optimising for space and aerodynamic efficiency over a broad range of conditions.
The expected finding of this study is a cheap and simple multi mission space plane. It will be able to operate in a variety of environments and conditions, and be easily adaptable to those environments and conditions as a result of the swappable propulsion units.
If this design study is completed, it will have the implication of creating a cheap and readily available aircraft that can be customized for missions ranging from the low atmosphere to potentially anywhere in the solar system, all operating from a normal runway. This has the potential to revolutionize air and space travel, and normalize it for the masses.
Ridgefield High School Patrick Hughes, Teacher
Ashley Carnes Project #26
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
Sea Monkey and Triop exploration
In many pond and lakes in the Connecticut area blue green algae blooms are growing. These algae blooms can be toxic to people and animals. Because of this ponds and lakes were closed to the public to keep them from getting sick. To solve this problem you can spew chemicals into the water, greatly affecting the life of fish and other creatures living in the water. My plan is to fix this with genetically modified sea monkeys. Sea monkeys eat blue green algae and have a long life span compared to Triops. Sea monkeys are sensitive to temperatures and water impurities. Triops eat blue green algae as well, and are hardier than sea monkeys, but they do not live as long. I want to genetically modify sea monkeys to have genes of triops and test whether or not they can stand the conditions of the blue green algae blooms. They may be the answer to the overgrowth in our ponds and lakes. This is what I hope to achieve. Currently I am growing them and developing them to test their limits of the different kinds of waters. This is important since I expect them to be able to live in harsher waters compared to bottles water that the directions recommend.
Both the sea monkeys and triops require bottled water, so I want to see what other waters they can tolerate. I plan to separate four full grown sea monkeys into separate test tubes, one in tap water, one in distilled water, one in pond water, and one in normal bottled water.
Newtown High School Timothy Dejulio, Teacher
Sofia Caruso Project #27
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Observing the Growth of Brain Tumors Caused By MDA231-BrM2 Breast Cancer Cell Lines to Test For shRNA Knockdown Target Gene Efficiency
This project was designed to determine relationships between shRNA proteins and breast cancer cells that metastasized to the brain. I was inspired to conduct this research project because I have always been interested in cancer research. This was largely influenced by the fact that I have been exposed to the effects of cancer from a young age, from my mother having breast cancer to the other versions of cancer that run in my family. Growing up witnessing the consequences of these diseases first-hand, I became compelled to learn more about the disease and the research needed in the field of immunobiology and pathology. This being said, I found that breast cancer metastasis research is substantially lacking despite being a serious disease that affects thousands of people every day. I recognized the immediate need for this research especially since there is no definite cure for breast cancer brain metastasis and the current treatments are very limited and not extremely efficient. Therefore, I was determined to find a way to get involved and even carry out my own research. This project was titled "Observing the Growth of Brain Tumors Caused By MDA231-BrM2 Breast Cancer Cell Lines to Test For shRNA Knockdown Target Gene Efficiency". My project was designed to develop an accurate animal model for Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis and use it to examine the growth of the brain tumor and the cancer proteins involved in its development. Cell lines were injected into mice and imaged to observe this growth. The tumors were afterwards dissected and tested for shRNA knockdown protein efficiency.
Convent of the Sacred Heart Mary Musolino, Teacher
Ariba Chaudhry Project #28
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Comparing the Levels of Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) Between Various Inflammatory Airway Diseases
Many inflammatory airway diseases (IAD) present symptoms similar to those of asthma, including airflow limitation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Because of this, it is difficult to accurately diagnose between different IAD's. The NIOX-VERO machine is used to measure FeNO levels in asthma patients. The purpose of this experiment is to determine typical FeNO ranges in other IAD's to provide a tool to support potential diagnoses. It is hypothesized that each disease will have a separate, distinct FeNO range and that emphysema will cause the highest level of inflammation. This study was accomplished by obtaining a NIOX VERO machine to measure FeNO levels across various diseases. Next, patients were tested on the NIOX VERO machine. FeNO levels were recorded within their respective diseases list (i.e COPD, bronchitis etc.). All data was categorized by disease and by whether the patient was following their treatment plan. The preliminary results support the hypothesis partially, in that all the diseases have separate FeNO ranges, which indicates that different inflammatory airway diseases cause different levels of inflammation. There is not yet enough data to definitively determine which disease causes the highest inflammation level, but preliminary analysis suggests either emphysema or interstitial lung disease. These findings can be helpful in diagnosing IAD's, which are typically difficult to diagnose due to similarities in other symptoms. Additionally, these findings can help develop individualized treatment plans. Overall, the results are helpful in maximizing benefits for patients with IAD's by focusing on their individual problems and solving them.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Alexa Chinitz Project #29
Research Proposal, Engineering, Health and Medical
A Model Simulation for Comparative Analysis of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and Intracranial Saccular Aneurysm Treatments
On account of the high mortality rate regarding abdominal aortic aneurysms and its treatments, different devices for intervention should be considered. Since treatment in intracranial saccular aneurysms have a lower mortality rate, and the two aneurysms are so similar, both histopathologically and biomechanically speaking, clipping and coiling should be considered an alternative treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms. A model of an abdominal aortic aneurysm will be created using 3D printing combined with silicone coating technology. In simulating this aneurysm, the model is able to test the use of clipping and coiling within the abdomen. There is strong evidence to indicate that endovascular coil embolization is associated with better outcomes compared to clipping. A 7.4% reduction in the proportion of patients who died was achieved with coiling. Thus, the expected findings are that coiling would have the lowest mortality rate in the abdomen. The mortality rate in intracranial saccular aneurysms is about 1.5% while abdominal aortic aneurysms is 4%. If different and more dynamic treatments can be applied from the cranium in the abdomen, the mortality rate should start to decrease for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Staples High School Karen Thompson, Teacher
Sophia Chow Project #30
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Simple, Reflectance-based Detection of Borrelia Biofilm Suppression Using a New PDE4 Inhibitor-Antibiotic Chronic Lyme Treatment
Patients with Lyme disease rely heavily on antibiotics for treatment against chronic symptoms associated with Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) infection. If not detected at an early stage, Bb adheres to internal surfaces, producing an extracellular polysaccharide, or biofilm, which prevents antibiotics from reaching the bacteria. Coincidentally, recent research has pointed out that phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) prevents the formation of biofilm on medical equipment. In vivo , PDE4 degrades intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a messenger that helps immune homeostasis. By breaking down cAMP, PDE4 indirectly decreases the production of anti-inflammatory mediators such as IL-10. While PDE4 has been implicated in the treatment of a number of inflammatory diseases (i.e. psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis), this research will investigate whether its ability to slow pro-inflammatory response, while increasing production of anti-inflammatory cytokine synthesis factors such as IL-10, will be effective in the treatment of Lyme. The first step was to culture and grow the bacteria. The second step was to apply the PDE-4 inhibitors. After the PDE-4 inhibitors were applied, samples were taken. These were measured by a scanning electron microscopy. In the second phase, Borrelia biofilm inhibition by the combined PDE-4 and antibiotic treatment was measured by a newly developed, automated reflectance assay at 400 nm. Using a luminescent fiber-optic plate reader, the reflectance (at 400nm) of Borrelia cultures was measured as a function of biofilm growth, for the various PDE-4 and Antibiotic treatments. Reflectance increased linearly with increased biofilm growth and thickness, providing a reliable, rapid tool for PDE-4/Antibiotic treatment efficacy.
Greenwich High School Andrew Bramante, Teacher
Maia Clarkin Project #31
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
Genetic Mechanisms Regulating Expression of Tor and EGFR Genes in Eusocial and Primitively Social Insects
I was inspired to conduct this research after watching a video about epigenetics in my freshman year biology class. I was fascinated by the idea that an organism's environment can affect its gene expression, and wanted to study the mechanisms that regulate gene expression more closely. I enrolled in Science Research the following year and read a journal article by my mentor, who worked at Johns Hopkins University's Center for Epigenetics, titled, "Reversible Switching Between Epigenetic States in Honeybee Behavioral Subcastes". This article intrigued me because it demonstrated the relationship between epigenetics and phenotype, in this case focusing on the relationship between DNA methylation and behavioral organization in the species Apis Mellifera. As I studied Apis mellifera more, I learned of certain characteristics that distinguish queen bees from worker bees, such as larger size and longer life span. After contacting my mentor, I read a journal article titled, "Royalactin Induces Queen Differentiation in Honeybees" by Masaki Kamakura. Kamakura suggests that physical differences between queen and worker bees results from differences in their epigenome. Kamakura's article proposes that a certain protein in royal jelly, a substance queen bees consume, drives queen bee development via an epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated pathway. Inspired by Kamakura's proposition that the EGFR gene plays a central role in honeybee caste determination, I decided to investigate regulatory genetic mechanisms, specifically DNA methylation and Transcription Binding Factor Sites, that differ amongst the EGFR and Tor genes of ant and bee species of varying levels of social complexity in the order Hymenoptera.
Ridgefield High School Patrick Hughes, Teacher
Rebecca Cohen Project #32
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
Quantification of the Rate of Degradation of DNA Samples and Decreased Contamination of Primers In PCR For the Identification of Invasive or Threatened Species
For conservationist researchers, accurate analysis of species presence can determine their ability to save a species or eliminate an invasive threat. Quantifying a rate of DNA degradation in order to inform researchers at what point they must analyze their samples in a PCR is one method to improve the accuracy of species identification. Identifying methods that cause the contamination of primers would also reduce accuracy of species identification. Different samples of DNA will be allowed to reach varying rates of degradation while independently testing primer contamination, and analyzing the samples. Unknown samples would be matched against known samples. The similarity between these samples can be used to determine rate of degradation and primer effectiveness. It is expected that the degradation would have a significant impact on the accuracy of the PCR analysis, and that factors such as refrigeration or buffers would decrease the rapidness of the sample's degradation. It is also expected that the cross contamination of primers will decrease the accuracy of the analysis. The implications of this research will be quite extensive for any researchers who work with PCR analysis. It is important specifically for those who use these methods to identify species, either for invasive species identification or species conservation, as they will be more able to accurately identify species from DNA samples. A rate of degradation will inform researchers at what point their DNA sample will no longer produce accurate data.
Ridgefield High School Patrick Hughes, Teacher
Annabelle Colao Project #33
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Testing the Effectiveness of Various Shading Materials on Mock Leatherback Sea Turtle Nests
Leatherback sea turtles are critically endangered in the eastern Pacific due to climate change. Turtles have temperature-dependent sex determination. When sand is hotter than 29.5 Celsius, an enzyme aromatase converts testosterone to estrogen, causing the eggs to be female. Over 32 Celsius, eggs may not even hatch. Only one in one thousand turtles live to adulthood, so it is vital to ensure a large population with balanced ratios will hatch. To decrease sand temperature, five shading structures were built. There was a control plot with no shade. Four materials used to shade were agricultural plastic, biodegradable plastic, burlap, and palm fronds. The materials, wrapped around four wooden stakes, were hammered into sand on Penfield Beach. Temperatures of the sand were taken and recorded at 75cm deep every 2 hours. Finally, water was poured on the nests to test permeability. The experiment was conducted for two days, each day starting temperature readings in the 8am hour through the 6pm hour. Palm fronds were found to be the most effective in maintaining a low sand temperature of 29 Celsius. The control plot with no shading material yielded a temperature of 37 Celsius by the end of the day. Palm fronds also let in the most water in comparison to the control. These results were favorable because palm fronds are in high abundance in the eastern Pacific and thus are a cost-effective strategy to shade sea turtle nests, particularly at man-made turtle nesting hatcheries, where the site is constantly monitored by humans.
Ridgefield High School Ryan Gleason, Teacher
Megan Cunningham Project #34
Research Proposal, Science, Behavioral
Combinations of Environmental Enrichment in Increasing the Frequencies of Exploratory Behaviours in Captive Wolves
Explorative behaviours are the instinctive behaviours displayed by wild animals in their natural habitats. In order to prevent the arise of harmful stereotypic behaviours that surface only as a result of long-term captivity, this experiment proposes to analyse which combinations of environmental enrichment most effectively increase explorative behaviours in captive wolves. The study would use a nested design to test the effect of scent enrichment, cognitive enrichment, and a combination of both on the frequency of exploratory behaviours, the study taking course over a time period of four weeks. The data will be collected on a Behavioural Data Sheet using a thirty-second Scan Sampling method and will be analysed using an ANOVA Test. The week during which scent and cognitive enrichment are combined is expected to produce the most significant increase in explorative behaviour. From this data, studies will be able to further research the effects of environmental enrichment and zoos may be able to more effectively design enrichment programs for their housed creatures and endangered animal reintroduction programs.
Darien High School Guy Pratt, Teacher
Adrianna Davis Project #35
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Using Stable Isotope Analysis to Estimate the Trophic Position of Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae)
Populations of sharks, apex predators who play an important role in ocean biodiversity, have been decreasing due to human activity. Studies on shark diet are often facilitated through stomach content analysis, which does not give an accurate representation of long-term feeding behaviors. The purpose of this study is to use stable isotope analysis, a computational study of carbon and nitrogen ratios, to assess the feeding patterns of Atlantic sharpnose sharks (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae). Blood was be sampled from sharks caught (and later released) from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill's Institute of Marine Sciences' (UNC- CH IMS) boats. Approximately .7cc of blood was be taken from the caudal vein of sharks using 25 gauge 1-1.5 inch needles before being put into collection tubes with lithium heparin. Tubes were stored in coolers containing dry ice from the time of collection until being centrifuged at the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Center for Marine Science (UNCW CMS). .5 mg of the freeze dried samples were processed using a mass spectrometer. Isotopic ratios (13C/12C and 15N/14N) are be expressed as ë« values. The results from the mass spectrometer support the results from available stomach content analyses and provide valuable information on the differences between the diets of juvenile and adult sharks. Two-sample t- tests suggests little variance between juveniles and adults, which is supported by minimal variance in the calculated trophic positions of the sharks. This was facilitated by isotopic ratios that were used to estimate the trophic levels of the sharks, suggest the species' prey base, and make inferences on their inshore and offshore feeding patterns.
Ridgefield High School Patrick Hughes, Teacher
Victor de la Pena Project #36
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
A Proportional Analysis of Centenarian Linked Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Stratified Age Cohorts
The genetic factor of human senescence has long been sought after as a potential means of targeting genetic therapies to increase biological lifespan. Sixteen single nucleotide polymorphisms showed a high association with persons aged over one hundred in the New England Centenarian Study after correction for multiple hypothesis comparisons (Sebastiani et. al.). The purpose of this study is to observe the frequency of the gene in populations of all ages via a proportional analysis of those with the target variance vs. those of the same age group. Randomized whole genome data is to be obtained and grouped by the most accurate measure of the subject's age at the time of sequencing. Those with the SNP in question will be noted proportionally against those of their cohort, and each age group will have a value expressed as that fraction. The data yielded will be analyzed via a linear regression to determine the association of the gene with the subject's reached age. If the regression yields a positive correlation, then it is assumed that the SNP is advantageous as those with the SNP would begin to constitute a greater proportion of the cohort.
Staples High School Karen Thompson, Teacher
Emily DeNunzio Project #37 Corrine Bevil
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Effect of pH on Dissolved Oxygen in the Long Island Sound
Water quality across the United States is declining rapidly, and ecosystems that humans rely on are disappearing. The increase of CO2 due to climate change and nitrates from fertilizers and oil from boat runoff have altered the pH of the LIS, which is believed to have played a role in the diminishing water quality. In efforts to find the pH in which simple volvox algae ecosystems would thrive, the effect of pH on dissolved oxygen was tested. Three different aquariums were filled with water from Holly Pond in Darien, CT. Volvox algae was cultured for four days and placed in each aquarium, which ensured that the water collected had live organisms in it. Using pH altering aquarium chemicals, one tank was lowered to a pH of 7, one kept constant at 8.2 and and another was raised to 9. 4. Over two weeks, the dissolved oxygen (mg/L) concentration and pH was recorded daily with electronic probes and water samples were examined for algae every three days. It was hypothesized that at a pH of 8.2, the dissolved oxygen concentration would be largest due to the fact that volvox algae thrive at a pH close to 8.5 and will not be subject to algal blooms or oxygen depletion that might be seen at lower or higher pHs. The pH of the LIS cannot be altered drastically, finding the ideal pH will lead environmental researchers to rules and regulations about chemical runoff.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Shriya Desai Project #38
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
Circulating mRNAs and Genes as Candidate Markers in the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Over a quarter of a million women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Circulating mRNAs from tumors have the potential to be used as a biomarker to diagnose breast cancer, but as a less invasive and harmful method. Studies have tested biomarkers for multiple types of cancer, which includes prostate cancer. Circulating miRNAs are small molecules which function in gene silencing and expression, and have been proven to be useful as biomarkers, which are substances used to measure the presence of a disease or infection and others. The in silico analysis differentiates the genes and miRNAs which are expressed in normal and cancerous cells. Scientists will be able to test for the concentration of the specific biomarkers in a blood sample. Based on previous research done in the field, the genes HER2 and ER will show a significant association with the presence of breast cancer. This will be mainly due to the different levels of expression of those specific genes between the patient and the control. The main source of diagnosis for breast cancer are mammograms, in which the breast tissue is screened. However, this method has a 50% false positive rate, which can lead to unnecessary treatment, and a 20% false negative rate, which would allow the tumor to grow unchecked. If this method of liquid biopsies proves to be successful, it would be able to replace the current method to test for breast cancer.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Rhea Dey Project #39
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
The Effect of Regional Disparities and Superfund Sites on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Outcome Data
Research shows that residential neighborhoods located near Superfund Sites (SFS) may increase the incidence of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). NHL occurs when the body makes too many abnormal lymphocytes creating lymph nodes. In Connecticut, there are numerous SFS. In this study, we utilized data from the NCI SEER database to evaluate the correlation between SFS, race, age, sex, and region and the incidence and mortality rates of NHL in CT.
Counties that have designated SFS in CT are Hartford, Fairfield, and New Haven Counties. SFS were compared to determine whether they differed in terms of NHL incidence and mortality rates. Furthermore, the races White, Black, American Indian, Asian, and Hispanic for all CT counties were analyzed. The age ranges are less than 50, 50 and older, 65 and older, and then categorized into males and females. Once all of these variables were obtained, maps and excel sheets were generated. After all the data is pooled, the data from SFS will be compared to non-SFS as a control. It is anticipated older white males living in SFS counties will have higher incidence and mortality rates since previous studies showed that men older than 60 are more likely to develop NHL and also exposure to SFS can be linked to an increased risk of NHL. This research will help determine what demographic factors may be affecting incidence and mortality rates. If residential areas that have Superfund Sites impact these numbers, an initiative to start cleaning them up may begin.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Agrani Dixit Project #40
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Desmosterol Mediated Anti-inflammatory Effects in Atherogenesis are Linked to Inflammasome Activation
Ischaemic heart disease, specifically atherosclerosis is the number one cause of death worldwide. It has been shown that inflammation is fundamental in all stages of the disease. This research study aims to understand the mechanism of the potential role of inflammasome, a newly discovered pathway in atherogenesis, when desmosterol levels are low. This will be accomplished by investigating whether an increase in desmosterol will lower inflammation by decreasing inflammasome activation. Two sets of macrophages were used, a WT control and DHCR24 TG macrophages that overexpress desmosterol. Macrophages were cultured and treated to activate the inflammasome via LPS (lipopolysaccharide) and free cholesterol, then run through electrophoresis and western blotting to confirm whether inflammasome was activated. Results suggest that upon increased desmosterol (in DHCR24 TG macrophages) there is a decrease in the inflammasome activation by utilizing caspase-1 and IL-1beta activation and hence lower macrophage activation. This suggests a mechanism of lower inflammation and protection from atherogenesis, proving the hypothesis correct. The implications and results provide new insights that alterations in desmosterol homeostasis is a key trigger for NLRP3 inflammasome activation and explores a clinically relevant mechanism that could be used for future drug therapies in Atherosclerosis.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
McAllister Dixon Project #41
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Determining Best 3D Printing Materials to Create Model Human Vertebrae
Museums are places where people can go to experience artifacts of the past. These artifacts are often delicate and sensitive due to their age. Models that can be touched and picked up would be good additions that would enhance the interactive spaces in museums. Models in interactive spaces in museums are not very realistic and buying model bones can cost a lot of money. This experiment examined which 3D printing material creates the most realistic version of a human vertebrae. PLA (standard 3D printing material), Laybrick stone filament, and BioFila silk were used to 3D print models of human vertebrae. These materials were printed using a Lulzbot Mini 3D printer. The 3D printing program that was used is the Cura LulzBot Edition.The design system that was used is SketchUp. Several participants were surveyed and given a questionnaire.Texture and visual data were gathered from the survey group answers to the questionnaire and compared to gather quality data. The density, weight, and dimensional data was put into an excel spreadsheet and compared to the control. A price analysis was made to see if the printing of model human vertebrae would cost less than buying the bone from a biological company. The projected result was that the BioFila silk was the most realistic material and the most cost effective. There are many potential uses for realistic model artifacts like 3D printed bones. They include use in hands-on classroom activities, interactive play spaces in museums, and replacement bones for models.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Anna Doman Project #42
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
The Effects of Iodothyronine Deiodinase Type 2 Deficiency on Triiodothyronine Conversion Levels in an Athyreotic Murine Model
Hypothyroid conditions currently affect nearly 20 million Americans. Many of these conditions are derived directly from the malfunction of an enzyme called type II iodothyronine deiodinase (D2). This selenoprotein functions by converting the prohormone thyroxine (t4) to the active hormone triiodothyronine (t3), which regulates all metabolic functions in the body. The purpose of this experiment is to test the role of D2 in an athyreotic model. 4 different groups of mice with varying thyroid and deiodinase levels will be observed over a 3 week period. Group 1 will be athyreotic and have a controlled mutation in the DIO2 gene, which synthesizes D2. Group 2 will be athyreotic with proper DIO2 function. Group 3 will have both proper thyroid and DIO2 function. Group 4 will have proper thyroid function but a mutation in the DIO2 gene. To test the metabolic function of the mice, various hormone levels we be tested. Thyroid- stimulating-hormone (TSH), t4, and t3 will be observed through daily blood and imaging tests. It is hypothesized that the athyreotic and DIO2 knockout mice will have the lowest t4/t3 and the highest TSH levels of the four groups. The current treatment for all hypothyroid conditions is a synthetic t4 called levothyroxine (Lt4). This treatment is only effective in about 75% of cases, and doesn't account for abnormalities in D2 function. By testing the role of D2 in an athyeoritc model, a new approach to treatment for thyroid conditions can be developed
Ridgefield High School Ryan Gleason, Teacher
Rosie Du Project #43
Completed Project, Engineering, Environmental
Determining How Concentration and Solution Type Govern Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNTs) Aggregation Behavior
Over the past years, Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been used increasingly in water treatment. The main concerns with MWCNTs are safety and effectiveness, which depend on understanding MWCNT aggregation, or how they group together. The purpose was to determine what factors govern aggregation behavior of MWCNTs, so material scientists can better design materials that may be released into the environment. The independent variables were NaCl and CaCl2 solutions and different concentrations. The dependent variable was the MWNT rate of aggregation from Time- Resolved Dynamic Light Scattering (TR-DLS). It was hypothesized that MWCNTs would be more stable in NaCl solutions and concentration increase would increase aggregation. MWCNT properties were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and a Scanning Electron Microscope. The MWCNTs aggregated less quickly in the NaCl monovalent solutions than the CaCl2 divalent solutions. As the salt concentration increased in the solutions, the aggregation rate increased. This information was used to create models that reflected the behavior of MWNTs as the salt concentration increased and solution type changed. Ultimately, the aim was to create a model similar to the DLVO theory, which describes aggregation behavior of spherical shapes. The created model shows the behavior of MWNTs collectively to help understand their behavior when released into the environment, which will help researchers to redesign MWCNTs. The analysis done helped make this model and determine which factors govern aggregation of MWCNTs as a whole.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Weixin Du Project #44
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
The Role of POU2AF1 in the Regulation of Host Tolerance to Pulmonary Immuno- responses
The gene POU2AF1 regulates the immune system of the lungs, contributing to antiviral host defenses by regulating the expression of other genes which clear virus from the lungs. POU2AF1 deficiency results in a weakened lung immune system, shown by greater viral load in the lungs of POU2AF1 deficient mice. However, how this happens is unknown. This study focuses on the mechanisms of POU2AF1 mediated host defense in influenza lung infection. Preliminary investigation at the Yale PCCSM laboratory suggests POU2AF1 alters expression of interferons, which signals certain genes to respond to viral infection. Knockout mice without POU2AF1 and regular mice will be infected with influenza. Lung tissue samples will be prepared and placed in cell culture injected with interferons, and then the expression of defensive genes regulated by POU2AF1 will be measured through qPCR. If POU2AF1 is needed for greater host tolerance, then the knockout mice will have lower host tolerance as will be seen by the defensive genes' lack of response to the interferons. Two-tailed t-tests will be done on the resulting delta-delta Ct values to check for significance. By finding the exact mechanisms by which genes like POU2AF1 defend the pulmonary system, we could find better or new ways to treat lungs, especially those affected by viral diseases.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Ulada Dubovik Project #45
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
The Effect of Overexpression of Mir-24 of Cell Mortality
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide. It is caused when the respiratory alveoli are exposed to external stressors that are no longer mitigated by cellular stress responses, thus leading to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This research was done to see in what way Mir-24 overexpression affects the cell behavior and viability of cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract, modeling the lungs' response to a specific oxidative stressor. It was hypothesized that when exposed to cigarette smoke (CS), cells with overexpressed Mir-24 (IV) will respond with higher percentages of dead cells (DV). This was tested by culturing four sets of cells: a control with no added CS; a control with CS; a mimic control with overexpressed Mir-24 and no added CS; a mimic test sample with CS. Cigarette smoke was acquired by using a cigarette smoke extract apparatus, and added to the cells in different concentrations. A cell count was done every other day to identify the cell growth curves and percentages of dead cells. To do this, a hemocytometer was used. The results showed that the mimic control at baseline has significantly more dead cells, suggesting that overexpressing miR- 24 may be protective in terms of apoptosis. This research contributes to the goal of seeing what precise mechanism contributes to the development and exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Being such a frequent cause for death, understanding of the mechanisms is crucial for counteractive its effects.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Brian Duffy Project #46
Completed Project, Engineering, Health and Medical
Development of a Mucin Based Biomedical Adhesive Gel
Adhesives, such as bandages, already exist in the medical world, but many will lose their adhesive properties when water is introduced. An adhesive that doesn't lose its adhesive properties when in contact with water is a mucin based adhesive because it absorbs the water around it and uses the moisture to increase its adhesiveness. The preliminary data of my project indicates that mucin combined with iota-carrageenan forms a soft adhesive gel with a low viscosity.
Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Center Kirk Shadle, Teacher
Dana Estra Project #47
Completed Project, Science, Physical Science
Analysis of Efficiency of Varying Heterostructures of Semiconducting Nanowires for Conduction in Photovoltaic Technology Based on Band Gap Properties
Past studies have found that when tensile strain is applied, the band gap of a semiconducting nanowire is reduced. It had not yet been studied how varying heterostructures of semiconducting materials may react differently to applied strain. A heterostructure with the greatest reduction in band gap width would be the most efficient in photovoltaic devices. This project studied the efficiency of varying heterostructures for conduction in photovoltaic applications. It was the goal to find a heterostructure that results in a much greater band gap reduction with the same applied strain as a monolithic nanowire. The Ferret software running on MOOSE framework developed by INL was utilized for forming models of heterostructures of semiconducting materials. The results of applied strain were visualized and examined in Paraview. These results were then recorded. The recorded data was analyzed to determine the heterostructure with the greatest band gap reduction with the least amount of required applied strain. The nanowire heterostructure found with maximum band gap reduction would be the most effective in photovoltaic devices. This heterostructure would be able to utilize a wider range of the solar spectrum, resulting in a device that generates a greater amount of electricity. This would allow for a cheap but very efficient alternative to semiconducting technologies.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Natalie Ferrante Project #48
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
The Antimicrobial Properties of Stevia rebaudiana Whole Leaf Extract Post In Vitro Digestion
There has been an increasing demand for antimicrobial agents stemming from the increase of antibiotic resistance. Previous studies have determined Stevia rebaudiana whole leaf extract contains antimicrobial properties against pathogens that would require oral medication. These studies have been done in vitro and have not addressed if the Stevia rebaudiana whole leaf extract will maintain its antimicrobial properties post human digestion. All protocols unless indicated are developed by student researcher based on prior knowledge and lab experience. The preliminary data indicates that Stevia rebaudiana whole leaf extract will maintain its antimicrobial properties post in vitro digestion.
Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Science and Technology Education Center Kirk Shadle, Teacher
Jacob Feuerstein Project #49
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Impacts of pH on Ethene Degradation and Growth of Ethenotrophs
Vinyl Chloride (VC), a dangerous carcinogen, can be removed from groundwater with monitored natural attenuation (MNA) via ethenotrophic metabolisis, which can only be applied if metabolisis is possible. pH varies within groundwater environments and can impact organisms. Therefore, this research examined how pH impacts substrate depletion rate (SDR) and growth of ethenotrophs. It was hypothesized that pH will impact SDR and growth, which would both be maximized at pH 7. Ethenotrophic cultures were created in replicates with MSM media set to pH 3.0, 5.0, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, and 8.0 via titration, with headspace ethene added. GC and OD-600 tests were conducted daily for two weeks. qMax values were calculated to determine maximum SDR. It was determined that pH 7 had shorter lag times than pH 8, and pHs 6-7.5 had similar lag times. There was not enough growth of pH 3 or 5 to model, so qMax data was unavailable. However, all the other pHs were modeled. It was found that pH 7 and 8 had similar qmax values, as did pH 6-7.5.It is apparent that ethenotrophs are unable to thrive at all pHs. This has practical implications in understanding the applicability of MNA of VC using these bacteria, as certain sites must be ruled out for the process. Sites with pHs of 3 or 5 are not optimal for ethenotrophic MNA. For modeling MNA of VC spill sites, the impacts of pH on ethenotrophic SDRs and growth is necessary in determining the success of the process.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Tristan Filiato Project #50
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Effect of Mushroom Spores on Condensation
Do mushroom spores have a significant effect on condensation in the atmosphere? I became interested in this subject intentionally because of a study done at Miami University of Ohio by Dr. N.P. Money and others that suggests that spores act as nuclei for raindrops. This initially interest lead to this project. First, a mushroom will be placed over a microscope slide in a container to prevent air currents from disrupting the spores. Several different amounts of time over the spores will be tested in order to determine the results for each concentration. Concentration will be tested in a Spec-20. Each slide will be placed in a desiccator. Several small 150 ML beakers of 100 mL of water, equivalent to the number of slides, will be heated over a hot plate to 75 degrees C. This will be done with a thermometer. The beakers will be placed in a tank that's ten gallons (38 Liters). The humidity of the tank will be tested by a hydrometer within the container. A low power magnifier will be used to view each slide, and each slide will be recorded by a mounted camera. The amount of water that forms on each slide will be measured every minute. There is not yet conclusive data to indicate whether or not spores significantly affect condensation. If mushroom spores significantly affect condensation, this would have important implications for understanding weather and how clouds form. This could also suggest that certain areas with heavy rainfall such as the amazon may have a higher concentration of mushrooms.
Newtown High School Timothy Dejulio, Teacher
Emily Findlan Project #51 Cheyenne Li
Completed Project, Science, Physical Science
Positive Holes as Early Indicators for Future Earthquakes
Frequent earthquakes in Japan are initiating intensive research for new ways to determine warning signs of an impending earthquake. In recent studies, it was discovered that electronic charge carriers, also known as positive holes, become activated in rocks when stresses are applied. Positive holes are defect electrons on the oxygen anion sublattice of silicate minerals, which are chemically equivalent to O - in a matrix of O 2-. It is assumed that these positive holes are ionizing the air and creating an electromagnetic signal. Due to the frequent movement of the Fossa Magna in Japan, there is high air ionization activity before an earthquake. If air ionization activity and electromagnetic signals are proportional then it confirms that positive holes are released during an earthquake. The collected data from 4 stations is proportionalized to the seismic data by having the magnitude (M) be raised to the 10th power of M. The total sum of the values will then determine the total energy released by each seismic event. The values from the seismic data will be divided by time, and the resulting data will have a linear trend as it increases over time. Overall, there is a visible correlation with seismic data to air ionization activity when an earthquake occurs. In conclusion, this data will help predict future earthquakes two to three days before.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Thomas Finnegan Project #52
Research Proposal, Engineering, Physical Science
Effective Pitch-Catch Active Sensing Patterns For Aircraft Structural Health Monitoring
To pinpoint structural damage on aircraft frames, there are 3 kinds of methods; external, passive, and active sensing methods. Active sensing methods send a periodic pulse out on transmitters, which are picked up by sensors and map any damage to the aircraft frame. This study would test which configuration of a pitch-catch active sensing method would be the most effective at locating and diagnosing the damage to aircraft structures. 6 patterns would be tested; a standard horizontal, standard vertical, and standard plaid, as well as a wide-spaced horizontal, wide-spaced vertical, and wide-spaced plaid. Each would be tested using piezoelectric pitch‚ catch sensing pairs of actuators and sensors. The tests would be conducted using a SMART Briefcase and would be tested for accuracy in location and size, as well as cost-effectiveness and weight-effectiveness. It is expected the horizontal method will be the most effective, as it will allow for longer strands of sending pairs while not doubling up. Having the best option possible would allow damage repair to be operated much faster and for much cheaper.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Jonathan Fischman Project #53
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Using Myoelectric Signals in the Face to Control a Robotic Aide for Those with Paralysis
Approximately 5.4 million people in America suffer from some form of paralysis (Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, 2013). Most rely on friends/family to be their primary caregivers, who devote their time and energy towards their loved one with paralysis. The objective of this project is to design and prototype a robot that can use myoelectric signals of muscles in the faces of those with quadriplegic paralysis to operate a robotic aide so they can independently complete simple tasks. Materials needed include a "Spiker Shield" and topical electrodes, an Arduino Uno microcontroller, motors and servos, PLA filament for the 3D printed components that will make up the robotic claw, an Arduino "Sketch" program, and various electrical components. The electrodes, when applied to the skin, will sense the myoelectric signals in the muscles. Using a set of facial "gestures," the user can produce signals which will be interpreted and processed by the "Spiker Shield" and Arduino. Depending on the "gesture" made by the user, the Arduino will send a specific command to the motors and servos, in order to control the aide, which will be able to mount onto a table or wheelchair. The prototype will be considered successful if it can interpret a set of facial "gestures" by sensing myoelectric signals and using those "gestures" to control a robotic aide that can do simple tasks, such as picking up an object. If successful, this prototype could be further developed to help millions of people with paralysis become more independent.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Skylar Ford Project #54
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
CRISPR/Cas9 cleavage of viral DNA efficiently suppresses Ebola viral protein 24
The Ebola virus is a contagious, fatal virus that had around 29,000 cases in Africa throughout 2014. The viral particles attack the immune system of the infected person, which often leads to death. CRISPR/Cas9 is a relatively new technique in modifying the genome of cells, and has proven to be effective in the reduction or elimination of viruses. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and the protein Cas9 are used together to cut certain areas of genetic sequences with efficiency. By targeting and cleaving the genetic sequence for Ebola viral protein 24 (eVP24) on the viral DNA in a mouse model, production of eVP24 will cease. Without production of eVP24, the virus cannot attack the host's innate immune system. Multiple single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) will be engineered to target select pieces of the virus's genetic sequence. It is predicted that some sgRNAs will decrease levels of eVP24 within the blood. The predicted results are expected to show how the cleavage of eVP24 will allow the immune system to destroy the infected cells prior to virus replication. With further research and experimentation using CRISPR/Cas9, cleavage of certain aspects of the genome could lead to reduced levels of viral reproduction as well as viral particles in the blood, hopefully serving as a mechanism to help treat Ebola patients and stop the spread of the virus altogether.
Darien High School Guy Pratt, Teacher
Maya Geradi Project #55
Completed Project, Science, Physical Science
Synthesis and Separation Of Chiral Compounds In The Preparation Of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Radiotracer Targeting Synaptic Vesicle Glycoprotein 2A
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a promising technology that utilizes radiotracers for producing detailed, 3D images of the brain. The radiotracer synthesized in my project targets the SV2A receptor in the brain, which is connected to Alzeheimer's disease and epilepsy. However, this radiotracer is chiral, where only one enantiomer is active in the body. My project aims to synthesize an enantiopure compound in preparation of this PET radiotracer. The racemic compound was synthesized at -20C and purified using a silica gel column. Reaction progress was monitored by TLC and structure was confirmed utilizing NMR. Conditions required for separation using the HPLC system were optimized by testing varying combinations of organic solvents in conjunction with different chiral columns and flow rates (0. ‚ 2 mL/min). Two chiral catalysts were tested under varying reaction conditions for synthesizing the enantiopure compound. The racemic compound was successfully synthesized and separated using the HPLC system. Full separation was achieved by using ethanol and hexane in a 25%/75% combination, 0.1% TEA, 1.0mL/min flow rate and the CHIRALCEL OJ-H column. Under tested conditions, one catalyst still produced a racemic compound. The second catalyst preliminarily yielded a higher ratio of one enantiomer. Currently, 2 other catalysts are being tested under new conditions and show promising results. Optimizing synthesis of the enantiopure compound using chiral catalysts could increase yield of the PET radiotracer and lower the cost and reaction time of the synthesis. This increases the viability of this PET radiotracer for diagnostics and research of Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Wilbur Cross High School Bernard Hulin, Teacher
Martin Gnidula Project #56
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
The Impact of Paternal Ethanol (EtOH) Exposure on offspring Behavior and Learning Patterns
Studies examining the impact of alcohol on offspring have looked into the effects of alcohol use prior to and during pregnancy and its consequences on offspring. This study is to determine the effects of large doses of alcohol from the fathers of Sprague-Dawley rats prior to mating on the behaviors and learning patterns of the offspring. The independent variable is the ethanol (EtOH) given to the fathers of the offspring prior to breeding. The dependent variables are the learning patterns and the voluntary ethanol intake of the offspring. The paternal rats of the study were given large doses of alcohol in an 8 day cycle prior to mating. These rats then mated with the non-ethanol exposed females and the offspring are the experimental group. The offspring were measured for the amount of alcohol they voluntarily consumed. The rats were next ran through a T- maze and the learning patterns of the rats were observed. The data will be analyzed by ANOVA to look at the comparisons of rats in their consumption of alcohol and learning patterns of the rats to run efficiently through the T-maze. It is hypothesized that the results will show that the offspring exposed to the paternal ethanol will consume more ethanol than the offspring not exposed to paternal ethanol. The hypothesis also projects that the ethanol will have a negative impact on the rats learning the T-maze system. Findings of this study can then be applied to human child development prior to conception.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
John Goll Project #57
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Effects of Bt Insecticides on the Mortality Rate of Juvenile Horseshoe Crabs
How do Bt insecticides, used to control mosquito populations, affect the mortality rate of juvenile horseshoe crabs, Limulus polyphemus? The objective of this study is to determine if BTi has an affect on the mortality rate of juvenile horseshoe crabs. 10 holding tanks, each with 3 horseshoe crab larvae, were exposed to concentrations of 0, .2, .4, .8, 2, 5, and 10 (g/L Bti). The source of Bti bacterium was from commercial Mosquito Dunks, which contained 10.31% Bti. The number of horseshoe crabs dead in each group was collected each day at 4pm over a period of 10 days. As a result of inconclusive evidence two more trials were conducted using a different source of Bt bacterium, Monterey Bt biological insecticide liquid, which contains 98.35% Btk. 10 groups of 5 petri dishes each containing 5 juvenile horseshoe crabs in 30mL of water were exposed to different percent concentrations Monterey Bt of 0, 1, 2, 2.5, 4, 5, 7.5, 8, 10, and 16 (% Btk). The number of horseshoe crabs dead in each group was collected each day over a period of 3 days. An analysis variance test, ANOVA, was run on the data to determine the means between the groups. The results show that small concentrations of BTi insecticide found in mosquito dunks have little to no effect on the mortality rate of juvenile horseshoe crabs; however, when exposed to concentrations of Btk the mortality rate of the juvenile horseshoe crabs greatly increased in concentrations over 5%. The direct cause for the recent decline in the horseshoe crab populations is still unknown.
Darien High School Guy Pratt, Teacher
Alicia Gopal Project #58
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
Determining the Effect of Enjoyment and
Have you ever heard the axiom "time flies when you're having fun"? This idea involves the psychological concept "flow". Flow, or "the zone", is a state of mind that one reaches when in deep concentration in an activity that is intrinsically rewarding and involves a loss of self-consciousness. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine if and how conducting activities that "flow" and that one does not enjoy affects time perception. Thirty high school students will describe their interest in two activities. Based on their answers, they will be placed into Group A or B (one for each activity). Each group will have three sub-groups- neutral, like, or dislike. In a room with no time indicators, Group A will conduct their activity for a certain period of time. After, each participant will record their perceived elapsed time. For additional certainty, Group B will do the same with the second activity. The data will be analyzed by comparing the amount of perceived elapsed time between the three sub-groups. It is hypothesized that the perceived elapsed time of those neutral will be close to accurate, that of the like group will be less than the correct time, and that of the dislike group will be more. The independent variable is the interest in the activity (sub-group). The dependent variable is the accuracy of estimated elapsed time. This study will help us understand how flow is achieved and how time can be used effectively in various activities to maximize work efficiency.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Tyler Gordon Project #59
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
A Multi-Tier Approach Towards the Mitigation of Eutrophication in Lake Mamanasco
In Lake Mamanasco, eutrophication is promoted by internal loading, which is difficult to control. Consequently, unsightly mats of filamentous algae emerge, harming both the appearance and sustainability of the ecosystem. By inhibiting internal loading and physically removing algal biomass, the dramatic consequences of cultural eutrophication in Lake Mamanasco can effectively be mitigated. An algal based compost will be applied to five pots of plants. For 8 weeks, plant growth will be monitored in comparison to plant growth using commercial fertilizer, and using no fertilizer. Separately, mesocosms will be created to represent the lake system. After adding various amounts of ionic nitrates to the mesocosms, changes in algal biomass and phosphorus levels in sediment will be measured. The application of an algal-based compost should yield strong plant growth, as the algae contains necessary nutrients for plant growth, and excretes bioactive substances that promote soil fertility. The results of the experimental internal loading inhibition via application of nitrates are expected to indicate an ability of nitrates to limit internal loading, which has been observed in different small lakes. If a successful implication of algae in fertilization is achieved, then serious short-term strides can be made to relieve Lake Mamanasco of the overwhelming algal biomass that arises every Summer. By identifying the ability of ionic nitrates to inhibit internal loading, long term solutions to the mitigation of eutrophication within Lake Mamanasco can be achieved. Ultimately, the implications of this research may successfully negotiate the restabilization of the ecosystem.
Ridgefield High School Patrick Hughes, Teacher
Shiva Gowda Project #60
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Investigating the use of Dynamic PET to Improve the Detection and Quantification of Aortic Wall Inflammation
Effective techniques to detect cancers is becoming more essential. Currently Positron Emission Tomography scans (PET) are being used for detection of cancer -- specifically static PET scans which entails using single point time estimates. However, this study will use dynamic PET to improve the detection and quantification of aortic wall inflammation. It is hypothesized that the dynamic PET scans will have more accurate detection and quantification of the aorta wall rather than using the standard static PET Twenty one patients will participate in this study from Yale New Haven Hospital and all analysis will be done there additionally. This data will be converted into dynamic PET scans of the aortic wall inflammation; additionally, a combination of Interactive Data Language (IDL) coding and MatLab will analyze the data. Patient's information will be processed to make an image of the dynamic PET scan. Accuracy of the dynamic PET scan will be tested using previous scans and diagnosis of the aortic wall to compare them to one another. It is projected that the dynamic PET will be more accurate than the static PET. This study will allow the scientific community to gain insight into the efficacy of carrying out dynamic PET scans so it can be used in broader applications. Furthermore, proving the dynamic PET's superiority over the commonly used static PET or vice versa will allow the scientific community to understand which scan is more efficient for a specific purpose. These findings are becoming more necessary as PET scans become more popular.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Jacob Gross Project #61
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Racial Differences in Free Life Expectancy
Life expectancy is 74.6 years for African-Americans and 78.9 years for white people. Since 1980, the prison population of the US has increased by more than 500% and the US has the highest rate of incarceration of any large nation, including North Korea and China. Although African-Americans make up only 12.3% of the general population, they consist of 37.5% of the prison population. We have developed a new measure called free life expectancy (FLE), which indicates a person's projected time alive minus their projected time spent incarcerated. We aim to compare the FLEs of African-American and white people. FLE is calculated using a life table approach. Normally, a life table tracks a hypothetical population of 100,000, divided into age brackets, and multiplies the risk of death for each age bracket by the number alive in that bracket. For this project, we replaced the risk of death with the risk of death or incarceration. Early results indicate that there is a significant racial disparity in FLEs, but more work still has to be done. Hopefully, this project will serve to illuminate the disparities in between these two races. Although it is common knowledge that African-Americans are disadvantaged in many ways, quantifying these disadvantages will help to show the magnitude of this problem. It is important to acknowledge that racial problems exist in our society. Despite the fact that race is a sensitive topic in our society, it is imperative that research be done regarding it.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Danielle Grosso Project #62
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
The Ocean's Presence and its Effect on the Mind
According to the American Psychological Association, the percentage of Americans experiencing stress symptoms has risen from 71% in August 2016 to 80% in January 2017. This stress is taxing emotionally and is a global economic burden that costs billions each year through productivity loss. The purpose is to discover which facet of the ocean best improves well-being. It was hypothesized that presence of all facets of the ocean - sight, sound, feeling, and smell - would decrease feelings of anxiety and increase feelings of well-being. The independent variable was the ocean characteristic. The dependent variable was participants' levels of anxiety, sadness, and well-being. In the first experiment, a group of subjects recorded their moods with the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) survey before entering a room. The group's room played a video of the ocean with audio. A fan was placed in the right side of the room over a bucket of salt water and turned on to disperse the air and salty smell. The group was asked to list as many words as possible starting with the letters A, F, and S. The group completed the questionnaires before leaving the room. The following experiments were repeated following the same procedure but removing one facet of the ocean. The results of the PANAS survey were analyzed by an ANOVA to test whether the ranges in anxiety, sadness, and well-being levels were statistically significant. Potential implications include reduction of anxiety.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Alexandra Gu Project #63
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
The Effect of Music on Task Performance of High School Students during Reading Comprehension Testing
Almost everyone has heard music in their life at least once; Edison Research studied that the average American listens to about four hours of audio a day. Music has been found to impact the brain in a powerful way, such as enhancing task performance. This study is designed to test for if different types of music enhance task performance. The independent variable is the type of music (classical and pop music), the control is silence, and the dependent variable is time, grades, and how the participants feel before and after the test. How the participants feel will be based on a scale from 1-10. The basic procedure is to recruit about 15-30 participants. The 9th and 10th grade students will be in level one or level honor English classes. It's been hypothesized that if students took a SAT practice reading comprehension test while listening to silence, pop music, or classical music, then the students that listened to pop music or classical music during the test will have better scores and will finish faster than the students that listened to silence. From the data, the participants' grades and the times they finish the test will be compared to determine efficiency. If task performance was enhanced, then the test would be finished faster and would result in better grades. The outcome of this study may suggest that efficiency of tasks may be improved with music. This may be used to help people worldwide for any task to be done more efficiently.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Nima Gurung Project #64
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Comparing the Performances of an Aluminum-Ion Coin Cell Battery and a Lithium-Ion Coin Cell
The substance is stirred for about 1 hour and then put into a vacuum after there bubbling ceases.Researchers have been actively seeking a less hazardous and cheaper replacement for the current state of the art Lithium-ion batteries. There has also been an increasing demand in energy storage technology due to advancements in harvesting renewable energy. As a result, Rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs) have recently been spotlighted in the energy community due to its affordability, high specific energy and low flammability. However there are limited suitable materials that are compatible to use as an electrode for AIBs as the active ion in the ion liquid (IL) electrolyte is too large for the battery system and creates complications for the other materials that could be used. In this study, a coin cell aluminum-ion battery is constructed with an aluminum cathode, a Pyrolytic Graphite Sheet (PGS) anode, and a AlCl 3-urea ionic liquid as the electrolyte. This battery is tested and its performance is compared to the performance of a Lithium- ion coin cell battery (constructed commercially). To start the experiment, 2 grams of powder Urea and 5.77g of anhydrous AlC1 3 are added to a glass vial while the mixture is under magnetic stirring and thermoelectric cooling (~5 °C) until a homogeneous liquid is produced. Then a gram of Aluminum foil is added to the substance and the the liquid is heated to 60 °C under a vacuum for about 1 hour. 3.2g of this electrolyte substance is removed to another clean vial while 2 drops of EtAlCl 2 are added to the original substance.
Ridgefield High School Ryan Gleason, Teacher
Sophia Haber Project #65
Research Proposal, Science, Behavioral
Assessing Administrative Attitudes Toward the Implementation of Enumerated Anti-Weight-Based Bullying Policies in Connecticut High Schools in the Hopes of Mitigating Eating Disorder Incidence Rates
The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders claims that 11% of high school students have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, a reality to which weight-based bullying significantly contributes. However, the large majority of schools do not have policies that antagonize weight-based bullying. No research has been done directly examining attitudes about enumerated, anti-weight-based bullying policies among key administrative members even though such policies have been proven to provide better outcomes for youth. Thus, such research is merited. A survey will be constructed to assess attitudes toward the implementation of enumerated anti-weight- based bullying policies in high schools and possible barriers predicted in said implementation. Through the utilization of a random selection mechanism, various administrative staff members at Connecticut high schools will be identified as candidates for the survey. To those chosen, the survey will be sent. The data collected will be recorded and analyzed. It is expected that the majority of Connecticut administrative staff members will be supportive of the implementation of anti-weight-based bullying policies to a significant extent. However, the barriers predicted in implementation are predicted to be obscuring, as the logistical and technical requirements for such an achievement may be discouraging. This research will likely demonstrate that the necessity of anti-weight- based bullying policies in Connecticut high schools is understood by administrators, furthering the pressure to carry out policy-making. Such policies will provide better outcomes for youth, mitigating the confidence-destroyer that is weight-based bullying and working to reduce the eating disorder incidence rate in academic environments.
Ridgefield High School Ryan Gleason, Teacher
Paul Hager Project #66
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Expression & Localization Mapping of PLEKHA7 & RNAi-Associated Proteins in HUVEC Cells
Cancer caused over eight million deaths in 2016, and nearly one billion people worldwide suffer from some degree of high blood pressure. While treatments for both conditions have become increasingly effective in recent years, reliable diagnostic and interventional options remain elusive. PLEKHA7 is an adherens junctional binding protein in epithelial and endothelial cells. A mechanism by which the loss of PLEKHA7 contributes to cell cycle deregulation and anchorage-independent growth (AIG), two hallmarks of cell transformation that contribute to cancer and hypertension, has been identified in Caco2 epithelial cells. Specifically, the interaction of PLEKHA7 with the cellular microprocessor complex (which includes Drosha and DGCR8) has been implicated as an important regulatory event, in the absence of which epithelial cells may undergo tumorigenesis and cell transformation. It was hypothesized that a similar mechanism exists in endothelial cells with implications for tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and hypertension. Immunofluorescence assay and western blot were used to elucidate the role of the key agents of the Caco2-regulatory pathway in HUVEC cells. Analysis of immunofluorescence micrographs revealed extensive colocalization of proteins consistent with the Caco2 model, and western blot confirmed similarities in the protein contents of these two different cell types. These data suggest major similarity in the regulatory pathways of these two cell types. While further analyses of protein and RNA contents, as well as cellular response to PLEKHA7 knockdown, are called for, preliminary investigation points to the existence of a PLEKHA7-dependent pathway of miRNA regulation without which endothelial cells may undergo tumorigenic or endothelial-to- mesenchymal transition.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Carson Halabi Project #67
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Monitoring Northeastern U.S. Bat Colonies for Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the Causative Agent of White Nose Syndrome
White-nose syndrome (WNS), a cutaneous fungal disease, has killed over 7 million bats since its introduction to North America in 2006. The associated fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), is psychrophilic, or cold-loving, and strikes bats during their hibernation. When a bat enters hibernation, its body fat content is high to enable it to survive months without daily sustenance. As the fungus irritates the bat and affects its physiological processes, the bat interrupts its lethargic state of torpor frequently. This causes a premature depletion of body fat which ultimately kills the bat. WNS especially afflicts the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) species, whose female adults migrate to summer maternity sites in May. We monitored seven such summer colonies in Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Bats were trapped, and individuals were assessed for the following: approximate age, sex, reproductive status, forearm measurement, weight, wing swab for Pd, and wing score (condition of wing). We focused on the relationship between the wing score, a visual assessment, and wing swab findings, a molecular assessment. Among bats with a wing score of 0 (no visual evidence of WNS damage), 95% had no laboratory evidence of Pd. If wing scores are accurate, then DNA processing can be eliminated and accelerate WNS research. Additionally, we analyzed data from the most populous site, and found that the percentage of bats with Pd decreased over the summer. The ability of a population to recover from the effects of WNS over a single summer suggests gradual bat resistance.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Charlotte Hallisey Project #68
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Magnesium Micromotor-Enabled Delivery of Oral, All-Natural Antibacterials for the Effective Targeting and Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection Causality in Infant Mortality
~8.2 million children younger than five die every year. 45% are newborn infants and babies in the first 28 days of life. Infections are directly responsible for 36% of neonatal fatalities, and when combined with complications that are primarily the result of in utero infection are responsible for ~ 80% of all neonatal fatalities. Urinary Tract Infections is one of the primary health risks to pregnancy. This research seeks to devise a novel all- natural tablet that is inexpensive, long lasting and comprised of easily obtainable natural ingredients that will kill E. coli associated with UTI's, before it is able to colonize, and create a hostile pH environment in a continuous time frame. It will be taken orally and composed of a unique, self-motorized chemical propulsion system, which relies on interaction of the tablet's coating with stomach acid. At this point in the research process the effectiveness of the all natural antibacterial agents have been proven. They have inhibited the growth of E.Coli both before it starts growing and after it has already grown. The next step is to test the effectiveness of the antibacterial agents together and then include them in a magnesium motorized pill therapy, that will survive the stomach acidic conditions and target the urinary tract. The need for this tablet is evident in the toll that Urinary Tract infections has had on third world countries due to the difficulty in acquiring the current protocol of antibiotics. Infants of women with untreated UTIs experienced increased rates of intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight, and increased risk of premature birth
Greenwich High School Andrew Bramante, Teacher
Michael Haverstock Project #69
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
Testing the Effectiveness of a Fidget Spinner on Focus
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes affected persons to show signs of aggression, depression, or learning disabilities. The traditional treatment for this disorder is medicine. However, recently a new device has been introduced which has been claimed to help this disorder, called a fidget spinner. The independent variable in this experiment is whether or not the participant is using the fidget spinner and the dependent variable is how well they focus. There are many commercial articles regarding their validity; however, an extensive search came up with no reliable scientific studies. The participants will be recruited and after they give consent will be asked to view a slideshow with a series of numbers. First, the participants will be told that they are participating in a memorization study through the consent form and at the time of the experiment. Next, the participants will be shown a slideshow with a series of numbers, each of which will appear for three seconds. The experimental group of seven participants will be using a fidget spinner while the numbers play and the control group, containing seven participants, will not. It is hypothesized that the fidget spinner will be ineffective and that there will be no effect on the participant's ability to retain information. This experiment will provide evidence regarding their validity of the recent fad of fidget spinners in society.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Bennett Hawley Project #70
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Biomimetic Degradation of Persistent Pollutants Using Common Wax Worm Sakaiensis Bacteria
We have produced more plastic in the last 10 years, than the total from the century (Plastic Oceans Foundation). A recent study published in Science Advances in July 2017 estimates that 8,300 million Mt has been produced worldwide - with over 300 million tons of plastic that continues to be produced each day. Sadly, eight million tons of plastic ends up in our environment and in our the oceans each year, swirling around with the ocean currents breaking up into microplastics. Plastics pose an important and pressing environmental problem. Unfortunately, existing methods such as landfills, recycling, and incineration have not been effective in managing our plastic waste. Recent research has focused on the biodegradation of plastics using various fungi and bacteria. While scientists have identified other microorganisms that may have some effect on plastic degradation, Ideonella Sakaiensis is the only one that metabolizes plastic for its own growth. This occurs because the bacteria uses the carbon found in the plastic to hydrolyze it for energy. First the bacteria attaches itself onto plastic using short appendages. The bacteria then releases an exoenzyme that generates a reaction which is responsible for the degradation of the plastic. Bioengineering Goal: This project aims to evaluate the effect wax worms, and more specifically Ideonella Sakaiensis, has on the degradation of common pollutants. The second aspect of the project will aim to test various ways to increase the degradation of the plastic. In order to meet the bioengineering goal, the project has been broken into multiple phases.
Greenwich High School Andrew Bramante, Teacher
Evan Hollander Project #71
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
The Effect of an ER ± PROTAC Drug on Hsp70 Levels in Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Breast cancer starts with imbalances in cell division and death, causing unrestricted growth. In 2018, approximately 316,120 American women will be diagnosed with, and about 40,610 American women will die from breast cancer. Researchers are evaluating the use of a novel drug, PROTAC, that binds to a cancer-causing protein and tags it for destruction. Hsp70 (a heat-shock protein responsible for protein-folding and homeostasis) is possibly one of those proteins and is overexpressed in breast cancer. ER ± PROTACs target estrogen receptors alpha, a hormone-activated protein involved in carcinogenesis that regulates cell division. We will evaluate effects of a PROTAC on Hsp70 levels in breast cancer cells. We will use MCF7 and T47D human tumor cell lines, which are adenocarcinoma and ductal carcinoma, respectively. It is hypothesized that if these cells are treated with the ER ± PROTAC, then levels of Hsp70 will also be reduced. The independent variable will be the treatment, and the dependent variable will be levels of proteins. The control is the untreated cells. I will perform the Western Blot Test to quantitate the amount of Hsp70 in PROTAC-treated breast cancer cell lines. Previous studies have shown that the ER ± PROTAC can entirely destroy ER ± proteins in a breast cancer cell line. Additionally, ER ± and Hsp70 proteins have been shown to associate, and the ER ± has affected levels of other proteins with which it associates. If the ER ± PROTAC eliminates the Hsp70 protein, then this study will prove the effectiveness of PROTACs as a cancer-treating drug.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Jinkuk Hong Project #72
Completed Project, Engineering, Environmental
Investigation of Recycled Concrete Aggregate as low-cost CO 2 Sequestration vehicle through Indirect Mineral Carbonation
Carbon dioxide is one of the main greenhouse gases on Earth and its concentration is increasing at an exponential rate due to anthropogenic activities. Increase of CO 2 concentration will increase the average global temperature, melt ice in the Polar Regions, raise sea levels, change the climates on every regions of the Earth, and increase pollutant concentration in the air. To test the viability of this proposal, recycled concrete aggregates will be pre-treated in an acid wash solution followed by a rinsing and drying process. Candidate recycled concrete will be subjected to mineral carbonation and evaluated based on CO 2 concentrations and pH fluctuations to determine the final CO 2 sequestration values. My innovative project is to sequester CO 2 using recycled concrete aggregate from Construction & demolition waste. the high level of calcium oxide presents as an excellent vehicle to determine CO 2 sequestration values based on the particle size and sequestration permanence. The preliminary date will indicate decrease in particle size of recycled concrete aggregate will sequester more CO 2 than those with larger particle size because more surface area of the aggregate can react with more CO 2. By understanding how much CO 2 can be sequester using recycled concrete aggregate will help us gain broader knowledge on indirect carbonation, which conceivably can reduce CO 2 concentration in the future.
Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Science and Technology Education Center Kirk Shadle, Teacher
Juliana Hopper Project #73
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Effect of EsMCsu1, from Eutrema Salsugineum, on Transformed Arabidopsis Related to Drought Resistance
Due to the growing drought problem in California, it would be advantageous to have crops that are more drought resistant. Arabidopsis, a model organism, can be transformed with the Eutrema Salsugineum gene EsMCsu1, allowing it to synthesize more abscisic acid (ABA). After it is synthesized, ABA closes the stomata to keep water that would be transpired through the leaves, inside the plant, thus conserving water for future use. The arabidopsis was transformed via the floral dip method, with the gene incorporated into the vector pK7FWG2. The seedlings that have a copy of the EsMCsu1 gene were selected for on an antibiotic growth medium. The selected lines were grown along with wild-type arabidopsis. After 4 weeks, the drought simulation test will start. The relative water content (RWC) of the leaves will be measured at three points during the test. Results will indicate the effectiveness of the EsMCsu1 gene by comparing the RWC of the transgenic arabidopsis lines to the RWC of the WT arabidopsis lines. Since arabidopsis is a model organism, the success of this transformation would be beneficial for farmers and water conservation efforts in the future because it could lead to all crops having the ability to use water more efficiently.
Staples High School Karen Thompson, Teacher
Alex Hu Project #74
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
Use of CRISPR-modified stem cell organoids to study the origin of mutational signatures in cancer
12.7 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year. Many deaths caused by cancer can be prevented by quick diagnosis. Mutational processes underlie cancer initiation and progression. Signatures of these processes in cancer genomes may explain cancer onset, and hold extreme diagnostic and prognostic value. Here, a strategy is proposed that can be used to explore the origin of cancer-associated mutational signatures. CRISPR/Cas9, a genetic modification tool, can be used to delete key DNA repair genes to insert a puromycin-resistance cassette in human breast organoids, followed by whole-genome sequencing. It is predicted that mutation accumulation in organoids deficient in the mismatch repair gene MLH1 is driven by replication errors and models the mutation profiles observed in mismatch-repair-deficient colorectal cancers. Application of this strategy to the base excision repair gene NEIL2, which removes oxidative products of pyrimidines, is predicted to reveal a mutational footprint (signature 30). It is suggested that signature 30 can arise from NEIL2 mutations. Further work is required to study mutational consequences of DNA repair enzyme knockouts or mutagen exposure, and other base-excision-repair genes, to dissect mutational signatures and figure out molecular origins of the mutational signatures.
Darien High School Christine Levanthal, Teacher
Sean Huffert Project #75
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
Intratumoral modulation of the Co-Stimulatory Molecule CD40 by recombinant oncolytic virus promotes systemic anti-tumor immunity
Millions of individuals each year are diagnosed with cancer, many after the malignant cells have metastasized. Cancer after metastasis is harder to treat, as the cancerous cells have spread within the body to lymph nodes, the blood, and other tissues. Here, a strategy is proposed to treat metastatic cancer using a recombinant strain of the reovirus that is engineered to express the CD40L protein, a costimulatory molecule of T-cells. A bilateral flank tumor will be established in laboratory mice. Mice will be injected with a phosphate buffered saline control, a wild-type reovirus strain, or a reovirus strain modified to express the CD40 ligand. Each test also being accompanied by the injection of a PD-L1 antibody or a control for comparison purposes. Identical groups will be observed, one for survival rates, one for autopsy purposes. We predict that intratumoral therapy with the reovirus, in addition to the activation of innate immunity, will upregulate the expression of T-cell co-stimulatory receptors, with the CD40 ligand being the most notable. Administration of Reovirus-WT will result in enhanced infiltration with activated T cells in virus-injected tumors. Reovirus-CD28L is expected to drive a better rejection of both distant and injected tumours when used in combination therapy with the PD-1 blockade. These findings are expected to indicate that intratumoral immunomodulation with recombinant oncolytic reovirus expressing an important co-stimulatory ligand can be an effective strategy to drive systemic efficacy of the immune checkpoint blockade and oncolytic viruses system-wide.
Darien High School Guy Pratt, Teacher
Adara Huq Project #76
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Recycling Bin Types Among Teens
Waste management is becoming an increasing concern in our industrializing world. The U.S. is the world's number one trash producing country, producing 250 million tons of trash annually. Americans need to be more conscious of their waste, and if we start by educating young people about the importance of recycling, we can ensure that non- renewable resources don't run out. General recycling, single stream, and slotted bins will be positioned around the school cafeteria. Bins will rotate every three days. Contents of each bin will be tallied for number of items and item accuracy. After completing the bin rotation, final results will be calculated. Students will be asked to complete a survey on if they noticed/used the bins and also their views on recycling. It is predicted that the slotted bin will be most successful in accuracy and number of items as direction is specifically given. It is predicted that students will best associate the bin color blue with recycling (our district New Haven's color) and that students will rate recycling's importance a 5/10 as many students do not have second thoughts about throwing material away and may not recycle at home. Results from this study can help create the ideal recycling bin that would result in the highest and proper usage, whether it may feature specific slots or instructional graphics. By placing these bins in public areas, we can definitely increase the amount of material recycled in cities and the whole country to shape a greener future.
Metropolitan Business Academy Jessica Smith, Teacher
Hiba Hussain Project #77
Completed Project, Engineering, Health and Medical
Non-Invasive, Low Cost Diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) via Smartphone Breath Analysis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an inflammatory disease characterized by progressive airflow limitation in the airway and lung parenchyma (alveoli, alveolar ducts, bronchioles) by the inhalation of noxious particles and gases. It is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, as 24 million people are believed to have COPD. Of those only 12 million have been diagnosed, accounting for greater than 127,000 deaths per year. This issue has now become increasingly dire, as air pollution and smoke-related deaths have surpassed more than 13.5 million people per year (as of 2016). COPD is a result of an inflammatory response in the airways of all people who have smoked, previously smoked, or are constantly around toxic chemical fumes. The normal inflammatory response is magnified in COPD patients, leading to the destruction of tissue, impairment of inflammatory defense mechanisms, and disruption of such mechanisms, resulting in the increase of neutrophils, chemotactic factors, pro- inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. In this research, a smartphone-based detection of COPD will be created. Briefly, a SWCNT and selector ‚PENCIL‚ powder will be synthesized and integrated into an NFC circuit. Upon exposure of this PENCIL- integrated NFC tag to a patient's breath, the presence of compounds normally found in the breath of a patient with COPD (i.e. isoprene, hexadecane, hexanal, and undecane) will react with the SWCNT/Selector PENCIL, and thereby change the material's, and subsequently the NFC tag's resistivity. This will be detected by a Smartphone device, which will be trained to provide a diagnosis for COPD based on calibration of the circuit's resistivity change.
Greenwich High School Andrew Bramante, Teacher
Bryan Ingwersen Project #78
Research Proposal, Science, Physical Science
The Development of Turbulent Structures in Fluids
Turbulence is a complex fluid phenomena that still has many gaps in scientific understanding. Current research has identified conditions that lead to turbulence in certain scenarios such as pipe flow, and certain basic components of turbulence are being examined for their roles in this development. However, we want to examine their role in more complex conditions where precise information is still unknown. Fluid properties, including Reynolds Number in particular, will be altered to examine their effect on the development of turbulence in various flow boundaries. Using computer simulations and confirming their accuracy with experimental replication, the amount of turbulent structures will be measured. Growth and decay rates will be determined by examining the change in such structures over time. After data are collected, the data will be examined using statistical analysis for mathematical trends in order to look for generalized ways of increasing or minimizing turbulent in a controlled manner. In turbulent structures, we hope to find relationships in the replication and decay rates of turbulent structures in relation to changing parameters in order to develop ways of modeling such phenomena. The minimization or creation of turbulence is important in a number of real world applications. Decreasing turbulence is important for increasing the efficiency of systems and preventing unwanted behavior in areas such as plumbing and other pipe constructions. At the same time, the creation of turbulence can be beneficial, such as vortices producing additional lift in aeronautics, as long as it is created in a controlled manner.
Newtown High School Timothy DeJulio, Teacher
Jamielyn Iquina Project #79
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Development of a Portable, Kinetic Driven, and Ozone Based Water Purification System for Application in Disaster Relief
Current technology and innovation has brought water purification products to an all time high. However, a majority of these products require a material that needs to be replaced after multiple uses. With the aftermath of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico leaving residents without clean water and electricity we have developed a new water purification system that operates using durable materials, no outside electricity source, and is light and portable. An original procedure was used to construct the water purification system. Its effectiveness to purify water was tested by running simulated wastewater composed of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and distilled water, through the system. A sample of the purified water was then used as a source to culture the E.coli. When E.coli is not present in the culture, the purification system has successfully cleaned the simulated wastewater. Preliminary results have shown ozone to be an excellent disinfectant of bacterial contaminants like that of E.coli. It was also necessary for the system to have an air pump so that ozone can be entered into the water. The water purification system can effectively remove any bacterial organisms in the water. In addition, it has the potential to be brought to countries with limited access to clean water.
Bridgeport Region Aquaculture Science and Technology Education Center Kirk Shadle, Teacher
Danya Jafri Project #80
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
The Efficacy of Troponin Level Expression and Comparison in the Differentiation Between Myocardial Infarction and Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow decreases or stops to a part of the heart, due to cardiac muscle cell death, causing ischemia and poor hemodynamics. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCMP) occurs when the heart walls thicken, causing inadequate ventricular filling and inefficient circulation. Prior to this research, patients with RCMP were often misdiagnosed based on a failure to distinguish its manifestation from that of a myocardial infarction, particularly in females, due to its vague clinical manifestation. Troponin is a cardiac enzyme that is augmented in myocardial damage. It is hypothesized that the expression of troponin levels will serve as a quick, efficient diagnostic tool in differentiating either condition in its preliminary stages, and will be unregulated in MI patients. This experiment entails centrifugation of blood samples and analyzation of protein expression in the blood plasma by use of the ADVIA Centaur Immunoassay system. It is projected that troponin levels are bound to be clearly augmented in myocardial infarction patients, because it is released upon cardiac muscle cell death with associated ischemia. Additionally, it is predicted that although there may be some upregulation in troponin in RCMP patients, there will most likely be mutations in the troponin complex will be identified in solely this condition, which will efficiently distinguish it from an MI, based on previous studies. This research will not only prevent misdiagnosis of restrictive cardiomyopathy, but also provide an expanded horizon for further research in the field of cardiac biomarkers for investigation required in similar differential diagnoses.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Raina Jain Project #81
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Magnetically-induced, Visual Detection of Trace Arsenic Contaminants in Water Using Fe 3O4 Photonic Crystal Structures
Arsenic is largely used in various fields such as electronics, agriculture, and medicine, increasing the risks this metal being exposed in our water supply. Due to its highly toxic effects such as heart disorders and neurological diseases, it has recently received more global attention. Currently, the most effective detection systems are time consuming, inaccessible, and expensive. To combat arsenic contamination of drinking water supplies, a simple, inexpensive, and easily visualized detection system is needed. The goal of this experiment is to create a low cost and accurate way to instantly detect arsenic in contaminated drinking water. Superparamagnetic Fe 3O4 nanocrystal clusters will be used to construct a simple, and easy-to-use color-change indicator to reveal the presence of ppb-ppm concentrations of arsenic in drinking water. Through the interaction of the PAA-electrostatically coated Fe 3O4 nanoclusters with atomic arsenic in solution, the magnetically-induced color change will vary with increasing arsenic content, so that a simple color-coding scheme can be produced to predict contamination levels.
Greenwich High School Andrew Bramante, Teacher
Anisha Jain Project #82
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
The Role of NCOA4 on Iron Metabolism in the Liver
The liver plays a critical role in iron metabolism and iron regulation in the body as the body's main storage depot for iron. The intracellular protein nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) has been shown to mediate the autophagic degradation of the iron storage protein ferritin.In this study the aim is to determine the effects of repressing NCOA4 in the liver on the iron regulations and ferritin levels. In order to suppress the NCOA4 protein, a NCOA4-targeting siRNA was conjugated to promote the uptake by the hepatocytes asialoglycoprotein. There are two groups of mice with different siRNA: one with the control siRNA and one with GalNAc-Ncoa4. The livers of the mice were harvested after 1, 2 , 3 and 4 weeks. I ran western blots with the liver lysate samples. Ferritin light and ferritin heavy subunits were increased. Immunoblotting of liver lysates revealed that ferritins levels continued to rise with additional weeks of NCOA4 knockdown. I analyzed the data from the immunoblots using the ImageJ program. The data collected suggests that NCOA4 act in hepatocytes to limit liver iron content. This study is important in understanding basic systemic iron homeostasis mechanisms that are currently not well understood. This could possibly lead to research looking at how NCOA4 activity affects tissue iron concentration and serum ferritin and other protein expressions important for iron metabolism in the liver besides ferritin such as the transferrin receptor, a protein that carries iron into cells.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Khaled Jarad Project #83
Completed Project, Engineering, Behavioral
Utilizing Machine Learning for the Classification of Molecular Functions of Genes
The purpose of this study is to create a classification model that utilizes information in biomedical literature associated with genes to identify and categorize the molecular function of these genes specifically, we will use PubMed abstracts and their titles that have been associated with genetic information as a gold standard to build our classification model.We will transform the text data into a matrix representation where the rows of the matrix are the genes and the columns are the words that appear in the pub med abstracts that are associated with these genes. We will apply LDA classifier along with other classifiers to assign the genes their molecular functions. LDA identifies a linear combination of features that characterizes the different molecular function of genes and thus separate them. We will divide the gold standard data into training and testing groups. The classification model will be built using the training group which constitutes 2/3 of the data, and the remaining 1/3 will be used for testing the model. We will evaluate the performance of the LDA model and compare it to the other classifiers using metrics such as: Precision: correctly identifying the molecular function out of all possible functions of genes. Recall: to find all molecular functions of the genes, F-Measure : the harmonic mean of precision and recall.The results can help steer molecular function identification in a more effective direction, Ultimately changing the way we classify and interpret gene data, saving time and money.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Stephanie Jordan Project #84 Paolina Kovalenko-Baloup
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
Testing Natural Substances for Oil Spill Clean Up
Oil spills are detrimental to the environment and ecosystem and can release millions of gallons of petroleum into the ocean, causing numerous detrimental effects. According to Marine Insight, 706 million gallons of waste oil contaminate the ocean every single year. Oil spills can affect humans who consume the fish that have been adversely affected by a spill. Other sea animals also ingest the oil. According to Ocean Service, birds can die from hypothermia after its feathers are exposed to the oil. For our research, a certain volume of water and oil will be placed in containers and natural materials will be added in a biodegradable sack. After a given time, each sack will be taken out of the water and the amount of oil absorbed will be measured. Both fresh and saltwater will be tested. We expect that certain materials, such as activated charcoal and chitosan, will be successful in cleaning up the bulk of the oil in each container. Other novel materials will be researched and tested, and could prove successful as well. Our research and end product will make it possible to protect animals and humans from the devastating effects of oil spills. Our research could be used in the aftermath of future oil spills.
Convent of the Sacred Heart Mary Musolino, Teacher
Charlotte Juan Project #85
Research Proposal, Science, Physical Science
Organoleptic and Physical Properties of Wholemeal Wheat Bread when Various Mass Fractions of Iron, Calcium, and Vitamin A are Added
Bread is a staple food all around the world due to the minor amount of ingredients that is required to make it, as well as the large number of carbohydrates it provides. If important vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium and vitamin A are added to a staple food such as bread, it could decrease the number of vitamin and mineral deficiencies worldwide. However, it is unknown what the addition of these vitamins and minerals will have on the physical and organoleptic properties of the bread. The proposed study would add iron, calcium, and vitamin A to the dough at 0.0%, 1.0%, and 2.0% of the flour mass. Bread loaf volume, porosity, elasticity and organoleptic properties would be analyzed 24 hours after baking is completed. It is hypothesized that the addition of vitamins and minerals would not have a noticeable effect on the bread yield or organoleptic properties of the bread, but the porosity and elasticity will be changed. If the hypothesis is proven true, then the constant organoleptic properties of the bread would indicate that unenriched bread could very easily be swapped for bread enriched with vitamins and minerals. An increase in popularity of enriched bread could decrease the amount of vitamin and mineral deficiencies because of the daily addition of these vitamins and minerals into the diet.
Darien High School Guy Pratt, Teacher
Srilekha Kadimi Project #86
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Effect of Sunlight on the Trapping Speed of Venus Fly Trap
Venus flytraps lure insects by secreting a fragrant nectar and trap insects using trigger hairs on their leaves. This trap closes when an insect triggers at least two hairs within 20 seconds. This experiment examined the trapping speed of a venus flytrap in varying amounts of sunlight. The independent variable was different amounts of sunlight based on distance from a window- faint, medium, and bright. The dependent variable was trap speed. The control group was venus flytraps given no sunlight. It was hypothesized that the greater the amount of sunlight, the faster the trap speed. Each experimental group contained four plants. The traps receiving faint amount of light were placed 0.8 meters from the window, medium amount was 1.7 meters, and bright amount was 2.3 meters. A probing needle triggered the hairs and a timer recorded the trapping speed. The control was tested the same way. Three trials were conducted and each separated by three days. One trial was testing all four groups. The data was recorded in a table. Then, it was graphed to analyze the relationship between amount of sunlight and trapping speed. Data thus far showed plants in more sunlight having a faster trapping speed. The project can help botanists know how much sunlight is effective for their flytrap. Also, it could benefit botanists to further understand plant behavior, specifically the relationship between amount of sunlight and speed of plant processes.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Lila Karl Project #87
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
The Effects of Ocean Acidification on Structural Deformities in Juvenile Coral Skeletons in Indonesia
Corals are sensitive to differences in their environments, especially Acropora Spicifera found in the Houtman Islands in Australia. Increasing ocean temperatures and carbon dioxide may have an effect on coral structural deformities based on prior research in this field. Ocean temperatures and carbon dioxide levels are factors of ocean acidification. Acropora Spicifera found in Indonesia are used to living in warmer temperatures than the species in Australia, therefore higher temperatures will not have a substantial effect on the corals in Indonesia. The study will include a collection of Acropora Spicifera corals in the Molucca Sea. Once the corals reproduce, their offspring will grow for 1 month under four varying temperatures and carbon dioxide levels. Using a high-resolution three-dimensional x-ray microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), minor deformities in the coral skeletons will be analyzed. If the juvenile coral skeletons of Acropora Spicifera are collected from the Molucca Sea, then they will have skeleton deformities only with the elevated carbon dioxide level group, because their structures will not be affected by the elevated temperatures due to their natural habitat in a warm environment. It is expected that very few fractures on the skeleton in the group with elevated carbon dioxide levels will be discovered. Corals will continue to become weaker due to the gradual increase of carbon dioxide that will get worse in the coming years. It is important to research the responses that the coral have to these conditions in order to ameliorate the levels of harm they currently endure.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Jason Katz Project #88
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
The Effect Of Nanoparticle Efficiency on Carbon Dioxide to Fuel Conversion
The human race has a proliferating dependence on fuel sources that power their everyday necessities, yet these resources are depleting rapidly. As the supply of natural gas, coal, and other nonrenewable resources are exhausted, renewable fuel sources such as methane and ethanol obtain a more significant purpose. Alongside the depletion of natural fuel resources is the issue regarding the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere: as resources diminish, carbon dioxide's atmospheric presence accumulates. To counteract this excess of carbon dioxide, various nanoparticles that could be used as catalysts for the reaction involving the conversion of this toxic gas to fuel are currently being tested. The fundamental nanoparticles under evaluation for efficiency in carbon dioxide to fuel conversion in this experiment include Rhodium, Copper, Colloidal Gold, Aluminum Oxide, Silica, and Iron Oxide Ferrofluid. The nanoparticle that is predicted to be the most efficient in this process is the Rhodium nanoparticle. Once sufficient data is collected, an ANOVA test will be conducted to analyze whether or not there is a significant difference between each nanoparticle's efficiency in the conversion process. To further expand the concept of this experiment, a larger variety of nanoparticles and catalysts can be evaluated for efficiency in this process.
Staples High School Karen Thompson, Teacher
Kabir Khwaja Project #89
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Using Piezoelectricity to Harness Human-Generated Energy
Lack of electricity is a global problem with severe consequences. Over 1.2 billion people do not have the means to power a lightbulb. Therefore, the solution would lie in an efficient and widely usable generator. The objective of this project is to harness human movement to power a piezoelectric-based generator. A knee brace will be fitted with piezoelectric transducers inside, which when pushed utilize pressure to generate electricity. The transducers will be positioned in areas along the brace so that when the user runs they will be pressed, inducing a current. This electricity can be stored in an attached capacitor, and further used to power a lightbulb. The prototype will be tested to verify the device's functionality and modifications will be made to maximize efficiency. Three tests will be done in which participants will wear the brace and run on a treadmill at set speeds for five minutes. The first trial will gauge the voltage produced with a multimeter. The expected outcome is that the faster the user runs, the more voltage will be produced. The second trial will measure the heart rate and steps taken using a fitness tracker to assess physical impacts. The third trial will test the prototype's efficacy by evaluating its ability to power and LED light bulb. If it can, the device will be considered a success. If this project is successful, it would imply that piezoelectricity can be developed for further use, and help those who lack electricity by boosting their productivity and connectivity.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Andrew Kim Project #90
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
The Extent Of Teen Peer/Friend Influence Has On The Charitable Choices People Make
We are all affected by the choices made by those around us, and sometimes it can motivate us to do a good deed, such as donating to charity. This experiment was designed to test the extent that peer/friend influence has on the everyday choices people make. The participant was told that in the past, many of their peers have donated to certain institutions, and they will be given specific institutions. They were asked if they would donate to one or two institutions, which ones they would donate to. This question was followed by a list of institutions, in which the organizations from the beginning part of the survey. They were then told that the majority of those donated donated a certain amount of money. The question of how much money they would donate appeared. Finally, they were asked why they donated to the institution or institutions they chose, and why they chose the amount of money they decided to donate. This data will be collected through an online survey. Based on research prior to this experiment, it is predicted that the majority of participants will donate to the same institution as the one in the scenario. The data collected can be analyzed to see the extent of peer influence in not only choices concerning topics such as charity, but also the extent of peer influence on other choices as well, ranging from everyday choices to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Mina Kim Project #91
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Impact of Varying Environment on the Degradation of Polylactic Acid (PLA)
Amount of plastic marine debris (PMD) in oceans has been increasing over several years. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a bioplastic easily polluting the ocean, because it's the second largest production volume. What is the impact of varying environments on the degradation of PLA? I hypothesized that when environment is varied, then PLA in freshwater, will degrade most compared to soil, compost, and seawater. Because PLA is derived from renewable resources (sugarcane), it can be naturally broken down through hydrolysis. Studying PLA provides deeper insight into the world of plastic pollution. Plastic containers are used to hold the media. As a control, PLA straws were in an empty container. Containers were placed in a cupboard in a classroom. Straws in each container were weighed weekly. A half inch brush were used to remove dirt and straws in water were carefully blotted before massing. Gloves were worn so oils from hands do not affect the degradation process. Data and graphs comparing degradation over time and total degradation were analyzed and compared between environments through an ANOVA test. Data thus far shows overall trends of decrease in mass with the largest trend in compost environments. Research on, plastisphere' is apparent in order to better understand our ecosystems. Previously, researchers analyzed PMD and found signs of pitting/cracks, suggesting degradation on PMD. Researchers studied how PMD serves as vectors for infectious diseases to marine life. Several negative impacts including harming organisms in the ocean, interfering ship propellers, and polluting household wastewater continue to arise.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Katharine King Project #92
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
Using Myxococcus xanthus encapsulin as a genetic reporter for cellular MRI
There are limited options of genetic reporters and contrast agents to use for cellular MRI. If M. xanthus encapsulin can be safely expressed in a eukaryotic cell line and is able to provide greater contrast for cellular MRI than ferritin, then the way could be opened for M. xanthus as great tool for both research and medicine. Phase 1 - Feasibility test: constructing lentiviral vector, cell viability, PCR, electrophoresis Phase 2 - In vitro: iron supplementation, cellular MRI, TEM (maybe), control vs. ferritin vs. encapsulated ferritin Phase 3 - In vivo: cellular MRI in mice, control vs. ferritin vs. encapsulated ferritin It is expected that M. xanthus will be safely expressed in a eukaryotic cell as long as it is inserted with little to no human error, and that it will provide greater contrast for cellular MRI than ferritin due to its larger "storage" space and ability to contain iron oxide ions. If the results match the prediction, then M. xanthus encapsulin could be used in research to track specific kinds of cells under cellular MRI possibly more successfully than other genetic reporters (such as ferritin). It could also provide another option to use as a genetic reporter for cellular MRI, and be used in medicine to track cells or test drug distribution methods.
Ridgefield High School Patrick Hughes, Teacher
Sumanth Kondapalli Project #93
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
A Novel Application in using Curcuma Amada Extract as a Cytotoxin to Target Varying Cancer Cell Strains
As 12 million people are diagnosed with cancer yearly it becomes increasingly important we can provide them with "organic" alternatives to common cancer therapies. Currently, Curcuma Amada (Mango Ginger) is generally accepted as a homeopathic treatment for certain ailments, but there is very minimal scientific evidence supporting its efficacy in human medical treatment, let alone specifically in the domain of cancers. As such, the use of Curcuma Amada cannot be fully encouraged or defended for multiple diseases and ailments in society. Viability and cytotoxicity induced by the extracts were assessed using a lactate dehydrogenase release 100ml assay. Various staining techniques such as acridine orange/ethidium bromide, Giemsa, ethidium bromide, propidium iodide, and Hoechst 33342 staining were employed to study the mechanism of cell death induced by the extract. Mass spectrometry was used to confirm causation of cell death. The cancer cells originate from varying lines including breast and neural tissue strains. C. amada exhibited strong cytotoxicity towards breast cancer cell lines MCF-7. The extract also showed less cytotoxicity towards non-cancerous breast cell line HBL-100. The results of staining revealed that the extracts induced cell death in cancer cells through the apoptotic pathway. While Breast cancer cell lines showed the highest levels of response toward the cytotoxicity of C.amada, cancerous neural tissue also showed a similar less-effective response. The other cell lines showed little response deviating from their non cancer cell line counterparts. This research project identified the types of human cancer cell strains that Curcuma Amada can work against, as well as the mechanism by which such cytotoxic activity is established in these cells.
Engineering and Science University Magnet School Roger Rushworth, Teacher
Adarsh Kongani Project #94
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Testing Structural Integrity of Different Patterns with 3-D Printed Materials
Many materials have drawbacks in their uses. For example, iron rusts when exposed to moisture while other types of metals like titanium are very expensive. This project aims to investigate whether materials generated by a 3D printer with varying patterns that will affect the strength and flexibility of the material, and try to help strengthen materials used in buildings. The four patterns that are selected to be 3D printed are: zigzag, concentric, honeycomb, and a randomized pattern. Sketchup Pro was used to design a 7.6 x 7.6 x 2.5 rectangular prism. The slicer program called Slic3r was used to put infill patterns of the aforementioned patterns with a density of 80%. The 3 point bend and impact test were used to test the patterns. The impact test tested how strong it was, while the 3 point bend test tested how flexible the pattern is. In the 3 point bend test, the prototype were placed between supporting pins, and weights were placed at the midpoint. The bend was then calculated. In the impact test, a weight was dropped from 1 meter high and calculate the force (F=MxA) it survives. I hypothesize that the zigzag infill pattern will pass both tests that will be administered. This project can lend insight the way buildings are built. We can use the different patterns to make building materials stronger.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Keerthi Kongani Project #95
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
How do Different Genres of Music Affect a Teens Memory?
Many teens like to listen to music while studying or doing homework. Many, however, are distracted by the music and do not fully study. This experiment will test what 2 genres of music helps in a teen's memory. In a study done in 2012 it states how favorite types of music helped revive memory in patients with dementia. This project will test what genres of music affects a teens short term memory. To accomplish this, ten students from grades 9-12 will be asked to volunteer. After consent, students will be asked to perform a memory task. Afterwards I will put a 10 digit alphanumeric code on the board for everyone in the room to memorize for 30 seconds. Repeat 2 more times and average the scores. Afterwards I will give them a survey that will ask how they felt while listening to each genre of music. The score of the papers will be determined by the # of digits they get out of The total # of digits (10). A data chart, bar graph, and a pie chart will be produced. The hypothesis is that sounds in nature and classical music will help teens memorize faster. Music plays an especially important role in today's world. Teens can work smartly and effectively while enjoying tunes that they like.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Sienna Wang Project #96
Completed Project, Science Health and Medical
The Effect of Knocking Out Rnf40 on Gene Expression
This experiment examined whether Rnf40 is increasing or decreasing gene expression. Do the genes that are present more and the genes that are present less have anything in common? Are they located near each other on the chromosome? Are the genes that are present more longer than the genes that are present less? How are these gene patterns associated with cancer and CHD? How are the gene copy numbers affected? Are the stability of mRNA molecules affected? It was hypothesized that there are patterns in which genes are positively and negatively regulated by Rnf40. The dependent variables were the proximity, length, location, gene copy numbers, stability of mRNA, and associations to cancer and CHD. The associations were found by seeing if the same genes involving Rnf40 knockout were expressed more or less. The independent variable was the gene expression in the Rnf40 knockout. The purpose was to determine whether Rnf40 is making genes be expressed more or less and to apply that knowledge to cancer as well as CHD. My mentor assisted me in gathering data of genes that changed their expression as a result of knocking out Rnf40. The data evaluated the correlation between Rnf40 and these genes and found the proximity, length, location, gene copy numbers, stability of mRNA, and association of genes to cancer and CHD. Future work can be done to find the correlation of Rnf20, Ube2b, and Usp44 to gene expression, as well as application to CHD patients to compare gene expression in normal patients.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Lily Kosnik Project #97
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
Examining Microplastic Ingestion by the Caribbean Spiny Lobster through Basic Feeding Relationships
As plastic production increases exponentially each year, increasing quantities of microplastics are being deposited in marine environments, either as a result of fragmentation of larger plastic items, or microplastics used in health and beauty products. Microplastics, less than 5 mm in size, adsorb heavy metals and toxins on their surface, posing a risk to the organisms that ingest them. Recent studies have identified the presence of microplastics in the digestive tracts of corals and clams, which make up the foundation of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster diet. The proposed research aims to determine if the Caribbean Spiny Lobster is ingesting microplastics found in organisms of lower trophic levels. Juvenile lobsters, 25 to 55 mm carapace length, will be collected from the Anegada Horseshoe Reef, Tortola, BVI. The lobsters will be dissected and the cardiac and pyloric stomachs will be removed and subsequently fixed in formalin. The stomach will be opened and the gut content will be rinsed out using a cold saline solution. Using a dissecting microscope, the contents of the stomach will be examined for presence of microplastics. It is expected that microplastics will be present in the stomachs of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster as a result of its consumption of organisms that ingest microplastics or sediments that contain microplastics. The results of this study will indicate if microplastics can travel up the food chain through basic feeding relationships.
Darien High School Guy Pratt, Teacher
Alexander Kosyakov Project #98
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Versatile, Cost-Effective Sodium-Ion Battery Architectures via New Natrolite Cathode, -Sn Anode, and Metakaolin-Based Solid Electrolyte
Many concerns have arisen in recent years about Li-ion batteries (or LIBs') sustainability, safety, and performance. Less than 20 parts-per-million of lithium remain on Earth. This scarcity means that it is unlikely that there will be enough lithium available in the future for the economical adoption of renewable energy power grids and electric vehicles (EVs) for effective mitigation of climate change. Sodium is 1000 times more abundant than lithium. Natrolite may be utilized in the synthesis of Na-ion battery (NIB) cathodes with high performance characteristics. Meanwhile, the volumetric expansion issues of tin anodes could be solved with the use of the porous -Sn allotrope. Kaolinite may be effective as a solid electrolyte material with cost and sustainability advantages due to its unique crystalline structure. Natrolite has been artificially synthesized using methods described by Loiola et al. Metakaolin solid electrolyte pellets have been synthesized via calcination of regular kaolinite. The pellets have been tested in full CR2032 cell constructions with standard NaNiO2 cathodes and hard carbon anodes. The cells have indicated a maximum voltage of 1.2V over the course of 20 cycles with no indication of capacity loss. Successful testing of the metakaolin solid electrolyte indicates that it could be used in renewable power grid energy storage intermediates. NIBs using metakaolin would be far safer and more cost-effective than LIBs. Meanwhile, the natrolite and -Sn are yet to be tested. However, if they achieve the high performance hypothesized, they may be used in more cost-effective batteries for EVs.
Greenwich High School Andrew Bramante, Teacher
Hallie Kreppein Project #99
Research Proposal, Science, Behavioral
Long-term natal site-fidelity by immature great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) off of Long Island
Little is known about when sharks tend to leave their nursery site. The goal of this experiment is to find out how far juvenile great white sharks travel from the area they are born in. It is hypothesized that if the age of the great white shark increases the distance at which it travels away from the birthplace will increase. This is because as the great white shark reaches maturity, around 20 years, they will travel farther in pursuit of more prey. 20 juvenile great white sharks will be captured and tagged with a Passive Integrated Transporter acoustic tag at a great white breeding ground, near Montauk Point in Long Island. Their location and distance traveled from the birthplace area will be tracked over a 5-10 year period. It is predicted that the sharks will travel farther from the birthplace as they reach maturity. If they have not reached maturity, it is predicted that they will always return and stay around the birthplace. Recently, sharks all around the world have been killed for their fins and meat causing a decrease in the shark population. This is not only a problem for the sharks, but for the whole ocean and even humans and our fishing economy. The sharks bred in long island are most vulnerable to fishing and finning because they are not mobile enough. This could be a key factor in creating new protection policies around the shark breeding grounds and help maintain the shark population.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Akshat Kulkarni Project #100
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Music Genre's Effect on People's Performances
Does music help people perform better physically? I want to research this because I have a passion in both music and medicine. Researching this will help for people to find out how they can easily increase their physical performance in the gym by a means easily accessible to anybody. To carry this experiment out, participants will run for seven minutes, the first time without any music, to record their distance without music. The next trial, people with similar distances will be grouped together and asked to repeat the same task, except while listening to a specific type of music in the weight room under the supervision of whoever is in charge of the room that day. They will not know that the music is going to be played. The experiment will go on for 7 minutes, two times and results will be recorded as a graph of the distance ran, intensity of the run (what level the participants ran at), and their heart rate so that a visual representation is also provided. The data can then be analyzed by looking at the difference between the original distance and the second distance. Data supports the idea that there will be an increase in the differences when someone is listening to music and running. By looking at the graph, the conclusion that music can improve physical performance can be drawn. This will show the genre of music that allows for most improvement as a byproduct of the results.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Lindsey Kupcho Project #101
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
An Examination of the Relationship between Personality and Sympathy on Mental and Physical Illness
In society, mental illnesses are often overlooked as “personal matters” compared to physical illnesses. People are inclined to feel varying levels of sympathy based on whether or not they feel an individual has control over their sickness. This study focuses on how different types of personalities exhibit varying levels of sympathy. The research question is How Does Personality Type Influence Varying Levels of Sympathy Towards Mental and Physical Illnesses? The independent variables are personality type and mental or physical illness. The dependent variable is the amount of sympathy. Personality is calculated by the Big Five Inventory which evaluates openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Participants will randomly receive a hypothetical scenario where the main character has either Depression, Generalized Anxiety, Diabetes or Asthma. Identical questions about the attitude of the participant and the participant's attitude towards the individual in the scenario will follow, regarding sympathy. Sympathy is measured in a 1-5 scale, recorded by the participant, with 1 indicating disagree strongly and 5 indicating agree strongly . It's projected individuals with lower levels of extraversion will have higher levels of sympathy than participants with higher levels of extraversion. Trends thus far are showing individuals that have low levels of extraversion tend to have higher levels of agreeableness and have higher levels of sympathy. The data analyzation focuses on the levels of sympathy depending on personality type and the illness described. This study aims to discover what measures can be taken to improve the conditions of mentally ill individuals.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Julia LaPenna Project #102
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Combining Laser Communication and Power Beaming
Two laser technologies are free-space optical communication, and wireless power transmission. While both are considered newer technologies, they originated many years ago. Progress on both systems had been inhibited by lack of suitable technology. Recently, this technology has become available and has lead to some developments for each system. For all they have in common, laser and photocell receiver, their full potential has yet to be realized as one system. To build this amalgamated system I will set up a transceiver; a laser connected to a battery pack, transformer, and earphone jack. The receiver consists of a photoresistor on a solar cell that is connected to the solar cell, and a microphone jack. The earphone jack receives the information and the laser transmits it. The photoresistor decodes the information for the speaker, both powered by the excess laser light. The preliminary data suggests great energy losses from every energy conversion. The audio quality is equivalent to FM radio. This technology has many different utilizations. It is ideal for when a physical connection is impossible or impractical, and the security it provides from the laser being extremely hard to intercept makes it excellent for the government and military. The secure data connection and ability to connect over far distances makes it perfect for unmanned aerial vehicles, outer space use, and natural disaster relief. This new system improves upon two seperate technologies that are advantageous on their own, but are even more beneficial together.
Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Center Kirk Shadle, Teacher
Ethan Lavi Project #103
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
The Effects of Propolis on the Treatment of Infections
Bee products used as treatment for injuries have been documented in places like Ancient Egypt. Recently, honey and other bee products such as propolis, or bee venom have been discovered to possess antibacterial properties and could potentially be used as treatments. The purpose of this project would to identify and summarize the abilities of propolis as well as seeing if there is a difference between propolis obtained from different locations. To accomplish this, the bee product propolis from Brazil, New Zealand, United States of America, Spain, and China will be tested with Staphylococcus aureus to see which propolis has the most antimicrobial activity. Based on other experiments, the agar well diffusion method is a reliable method when experimenting on propolis. The active ingredients will be extracted using 70% ethanol and then will be administered into Trypticase Soy Broth agar wells. The growth inhibition will be measured by circumference and the growth rate of the bacteria will be measured using spectrophotometry. The data will be interpreted using tables and bar graphs. It is hypothesized that the most effective substance against the S. aureus will be the propolis from Brazil. This is because Brazilian propolis has had increasing credibility in its uses for medicine. The implications of this experiment would be in medicine and research in propolis in medicine. This will allow future researchers to know which propolis is best to use in medicine and to also help to create a potential treatment for antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Michael Lebreck Project #104
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Use of Fuel Cell Byproducts and its Benefits
Fuel cells typically use natural gas but their ability to convert gas to electricity and other useful products without combustion presents a practical option for our energy future. The purpose of this study is to analyze the economic benefit of the heat that is being produced by a fuel cell used at a school, as well as calculating the heat efficiency. This effort will investigate the potential for other uses of heat that can realize economic benefits for the facility. This research will include the collection and analysis of energy outputs and economic factors gathered by the facility department of the school, and formulaic methods to quantify efficiency. The values of heat generated will be used to calculate the heat efficiency by analyzing and quantifying the amount of heat utilized by the school and relate that to how much money has been saved compared to the previous system was used for heat. Through research and analysis of data from the fuel cell and facility operations, this study will provide a quantification of the heat being generated and utilized within the school and represented in the form of heat efficiency as well as the economic profit of the fuel cell. Also, comparing methods in which the heat efficiency can be increased, by making more uses of the produced heat in the facility The analysis will include the effect of outside temperature to heat efficiency and consider how heat efficiency can be increased to provide additional economic and environmental benefits.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Sean Lee Project #105
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Importance of Abundant Amounts of Carbon and Nutrients Provided by Hippopotami in the Mara River
Hippopotami provide the Mara River ecosystem with carbon and nutrients for species that live in the ecosystem. They act as a conveyor belt bringing nutrients from grass to the Mara River through excretion.The main question of this study is, how much time do hippos spend inside the river, and what factors determine this? Images taken by game cameras at various parts of the Mara River at different times were examined. The number of hippos in and out of the water were counted in each photo and different environmental variables were provided with each photo such as temperature or water discharge. To convert the proportions of hippos into time, calculations using ratios will be done. It is hypothesized that hippos spend an average time of about twelve hours in water. It was also hypothesized that time of day, temperature, weather conditions and water discharge affected the amount of time hippos spend in the river. Results from this study will help provide more accurate information on behaviors of hippos, more specifically, contribute information to the calculations of subsidies being provided to the ecosystem. These data are important for other researchers to predict the best time to conduct hippo surveys, which are easier to do when hippos are out of the water. Due to a growth in environmental issues, like climate change, it is necessary to understand how different weather conditions affect this process in order to keep the Mara River and other environments healthy.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Danielle Lee Project #106
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
Monolingual and Bilingual Perceptions of Code-Switching in Adolescent Language Development
As bilingualism increases all over the world due to heightened globalization, it is important to address the educational gaps between monolingual and bilingual language developments. Code-switching refers to the bilingual mode of speech where a speaker switches between two languages mid-conversation. This study will specifically investigate how code-switching in adolescent language development is perceived by monolinguals compared to bilinguals. Monolingual and bilingual individuals will be identified using a Participant Monolingual or Bilingual questionnaire. Demographic information, including gender, age, and spoken language(s), will be collected. After watching a video of a code-switching child, the participants will answer a Participant Response questionnaire measuring their perceptions of the child's future fluency in both languages. Each participant's response will have a numerical value, where positive answers correspond to a higher score, and negative answers correspond to a negative score. The participants' scores will be separated according to his/her number of spoken languages and averaged. It is projected that monolingual participants will have a lower average score compared to bilinguals. If monolinguals view a bilingual language development as more inferior, this may imply that language differences have an effect on cultural divides in America, specifically regarding immigrants, since immigrants make up most of the bilingual population. This knowledge could help educators understand the presence of misconceptions about bilinguals and address possible advantages and disadvantages regarding bilingual education.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Christopher Leppla Project #107
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
The Development of a Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell using Methylammonium Iodide Perovskite Applied to Silica Structures
As global warming is a growing problem, more people are resorting to renewable energy. To increase availability, the price must be drastically brought down without sacrificing efficiency. Perovskites can drastically bring down the price of solar panels and be just as efficient, all why utilizing one of the strongest renewable resource known to man. Although people before have made perovskite solar cells, the perovskites are extremely hard to stabilize. My engineering goal is to find a way to stabilize the perovskites through applying the perovskite to a diatom to provide the stability of the current solar cells on the market while also magnifying the sunlight to maximize efficiency. industry standard solar cells have been modeled with dye sensitized solar cells to serve as the control, preliminary findings suggest that the perovskite cell will yield more electricity. perovskite cell construction is waiting for the completion of a glove box to seal the perovskite off from the atmosphere. the conclusion that can be drawn from the research and development completed to date is that the methylammonium iodide cell will be stabilized by the diatom's unique properties. the methylammonium Iodide cell will also have a higher efficiency than the dye- sensitized cell because of the diatoms ability to attract light.
Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Science and Technology Education Center Kirk Shadle, Teacher
Vince Li Project #108
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Janus Bottlebrush Copolymers: A Universal Strategy Enabling Access to Ultra- Small Phase Separation
Benefits of research in block copolymers include the applications that can arise from the self-assembly of said copolymers into periodic domains. When two incompatible homo- polymers are mixed, they will simply separate into two distinct groups. However, with copolymers, they will separate into alternating groups rather than only two, in various patterns, creating periods of different domains. The applications of these materials include membrane filtration, organic photovoltaics, making templating and porous materials. The tunability of block copolymers, ability to influence physical properties of the resulting material, would be increased if it were decoupled from molecular properties. Another area of interest is the self-assembly of ultra-small domain size phase separations in block copolymers, which can improve membrane selectivity and chip density in microelectronics. Both problems can be solved with Janus bottlebrush copolymers. The purpose of this study was to use Janus bottlebrush copolymers to achieve ultra-small phase separation with high tunability of polymer properties. The method was applied to combinations of multiple polymers, including polydimethylsiloxane, polylactic acid, polyethylene glycol, demonstrating wide applicability. Results have been completed, but due to the sensitive nature of laboratory data before submission for peer reviewing, cannot be detailed here yet. The produced copolymer has applications in microelectronics as a template for nanocircuitry. The method of using Janus bottlebrush copolymers for improved tunability has wider application as well, demonstrating viability of a method to achieve ultra-small phase separation with high tunability of polymer properties using complex architecture block copolymers.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Dan Li Project #109
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Effect of Binaural Beats and Isochronic Tones on Sleep Quality
This experiment will test effects of binaural beats and isochronic tones on your sleep quality. The project is to determine which sound produces a higher sleep quality. Binaural beats induce a phenomenon created by the auditory cortex of the brain which harmonizes two different tones. Isochronic tones, however, are repeated rhythmic sound waves of the same tone. Participants will listen to their designated sound for 15 minutes before going to sleep. Using fit-bits and a survey, participants will track and rate their quality of sleep. A large experimental group will rotate between the two sounds every week. The control group will be individuals who do not listen to any type of music before going to sleep. Participants will be given a specific playlist for both sounds. Data tables regarding sleep data will be made and analyzed. Data from the two different sounds as well as the control group will be compared. The sound which produces the highest quality of sleep can be deduced from the surveys and sleep quality data. This experiment will determine which of the two sounds are best at enhancing sleep quality. The results may help those who have trouble sleeping or sleeping disorders. Listening to the sound which produces higher sleep quality can positively impact your mood and help you sleep well.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Samantha Lindell Project #110
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
Altitude's Effect on Permafrost Thaw
How does altitude affect permafrost thaw in a warming climate? Global warming is one of the new trending topics in science, and permafrost thaw may be one of the newer ways to prove global warming's existence. It is important for people to know about permafrost thaw, since some people may think about the consequences before they choose to harm our environment. This experiment will test the amount of heat conduction underground at different altitudes to measure the amount of permafrost thaw that occurs. The heat conduction will be found using an equation to measure the amount of heat flux. It is expected that at a higher altitude the permafrost thaw will be slower due to the fact that it tends to be colder at higher altitudes. The thawing of permafrost is causing carbon stocks and methane to be exposed since the ground covering it is melting. It is predicted that by the year of 2100, CO 2 emissions will increase by 50% because of this exposure. CO 2 is the world's largest pollutant, and these emissions have harmful effects on our environment. These emissions can create acid rain, and warm the earth to the point that ice stars melting, causing animals such as polar bears to die. This will negatively affect not only the food chain, but our earth as well if the thawing of permafrost is not slowed or stopped.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Felix Liu Project #111 Samuel Mahler
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Analyzing the Association Constants of Various Peptides to Vancomycin
Development of new effective antibiotics is an extremely important topic due to the increasing threat of antibiotic resistance. Recent studies at the Yale Miller Group researched the site-selective modification of vancomycin. The modification was enabled by peptide-based catalysts that bind to vancomycin in a biomimetic manner. Toward an understanding of how well the catalysts interact with vancomycin, a binding study of related molecules was performed. Replication of previous binding studies of such molecules were performed, enabling the study of peptide catalysts developed in the Miller group. Peptides were purchased or synthesized by the Miller group. For each peptide, the experiments were performed at 45° C at pH=5.5 with a buffer solution of sodium hydroxide and acetic acid. The NMR analysis was performed in deuterated water at 0.25 mM concentration with respect to Vancomycin. To this solution, peptide was added slowly until a concentration of 0.8 mM was reached. Controls were set up with Vancomycin and each peptide alone. Based on these changes and the concentrations of peptide used, association constants will be calculated. Based on the association constants, conclusions will be reached as to the features of each peptide that enable it to interact with vancomycin. The structures of these peptides will be compared to the structures of the catalysts developed by the Miller group to look for features that account for the catalysts' effectiveness. Results from this study will help in determining new methods of creating new catalysts for the site selective modification of antibiotics.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Jody Liu Project #112
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Comparison of 14-Day Survival and Development of Lymantria dispar asiatica and Lymantria dispar dispar on Out-of-Season Foliage
European and Asian gypsy moths are non-native to North America consuming over 300 host species. Larvae hatch around spring. During the larval stage, gypsy moths can completely defoliate trees, causing vulnerability to disease and pest infestations. Tree species' susceptibility to gypsy moth defoliation splits into three categories: preferred, less preferred, and avoided. This project aims to determine whether gypsy moths can grow and survive on out-of-season (summer) foliage. Lymantria dispar asiatica (Asian strain) and Lymantria dispar dispar (European strain) were surveyed over 14-days on two out-of-season foliages. One host was preferred-Quercus velutina and one less preferred- Pinus strobus. Weight gain, survival rate, and current instar were recorded. It's hypothesised that Asian gypsy moths would survive and develop better than European ones, because of their broader host range. Also, both strains would survive better on Quercus velutina, the preferred host. With SAS, PROC UNIVARIATE accessed distributional fits for data. Strain, host, and their interactions were examined for effects on survival rate and weight gain over 14-days. For survival rate PROC GLIMMIX was fitted using a beta distribution with logit link function. For weight gain PROC GLIMMIX was fitted using a gamma distribution with a log link function. Only host significantly affected survival rate and weight gain. This research can be used to predict the possibility of gypsy moths establishment during summer. It also helps create a better phenology model for both Asian and European gypsy moths, making it easier to predict when populations arise, which in turn can help improve eradication efforts.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Thomas Livesay Project #113
Completed Project, Engineering, Environmental
Testing a Mounted Airfoil Design with Various Piezoelectric Materials to Maximize Voltage Harnessed from Wind Energy
The field of piezoelectric generators is growing into a promising form of renewable energy. Recently, new boats incorporate the wingsail, a rigid airfoil on the mast that uses lift for propulsion. The goal of this project was to test whether an airfoil effectively produces vibrations for piezoelectric generation when mounted vertically. Next, the objective was to determine which piezoelectric material produced the highest voltage. Different piezoelectric materials were tested in the airfoil model. One material from each subcategory of piezoelectric generators was chosen, a ceramic, a crystal, a polymer and a composite. The airfoil was 3D printed and then coated with Top Flite Monokote to decrease flexibility, maximizing vibrations. The piezoelectric materials were tested in the prototype in a controlled lab environment. The voltage produced was measured using a multimeter. After multiple trials, the measured voltage results will be analyzed to determine the ideal material for use in this design. The material that averages the highest voltage during the time tested will be the most ideal material. Projected results would be the ceramic material averaged the largest peaks, .5 volts for its peaks during measurement. This would mean it is the ideal material for use. This new technology is a cheaper method of generating electricity. If further developed, it could produce significant amounts of electricity. In addition, it could be used by homeowners for lower prices. In a world with nonrenewable resources running out and renewable methods much too costly for many people, under development this could be a solution.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
William Livesay Project #114
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
The Effect of Allergy Severities on People's Social Lives
More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. Any type of allergy can have a massive effect on the lives of the people that have them. This experiment is designed to determine how a person's allergy severity affects somebody's social life. Specifically, the study will investigate if and/or how the participants with food, animal, or environmental allergies feel that their lives are impacted by their allergies. It is planned to have about ten participants per severity level. This will be based on the participant's allergic symptoms. In this experiment, participants will asked to rank their symptoms using the likert scale. People with lethal symptoms are level four, painful or harmful symptoms are level three, few minor symptoms are a two, little to no symptoms are a one, and no allergies are level zero, the control group. The independent variable will be the participant allergy severity, and the dependent variable will be the effect on the participant's social life. It is hypothesized that if the allergy severity affects someone's social life, then the more severe the allergy, the more it will impact one's social life (based on a 2008-2011 study on Korean adolescents with asthma). In changing the allergy severity of the participants in different groups, the response of how the allergies affect their social lives should differ unless there are no correlations. This is important because people need to understand how people's social lives are affected by their allergies.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Raymond Lu Project #115
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Relationship Between Energy Consumption, Human Fertility Rate, and Average Annual Population Growth Rate
Projections show the increase of global population well past 2100, and the impending issue of overpopulation must be addressed because of growing demands for resources. Several factors affect the population growth of a country (AAGR), for example total fertility rate (TFR), female education, birth control, and economic development. These factors are all impacted by energy availability. The experiment studied the effect of energy consumption on fertility rate and population growth. Data was collected from World Bank to determine the current fertility rates, AAGR, and energy consumption (measured in a composite variable) of the 184 countries with data in the world. Results were examined using two correlation tests, one for TFR vs. energy use and one for AAGR vs. energy use. A basic regression was also run between TFR and AAGR of the 184 countries to find this relationship first. The data showed a positive correlation between TFR and AAGR, showing that as the fertility rate of a country increased, so did its total growth rate. Also, as energy consumption increased, TFR decreased, supporting the hypothesis. This was the case between AAGR and energy consumption as well, showing a negative correlation as AAGR decreased when energy consumption increased. The data collected can further the idea that energy consumption drives development which in turn slows down population growth. Wealthier countries or the UN can help less developed countries in becoming more technologically and economically advanced, which can help lower the TFR and address the overpopulation issue throughout the world.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Kevin Lu Project #116
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
The Impact of Perceived Performance On Self-Esteem In Relation To Actual Tested Academic Capacity
Currently, self-esteem (SE) is a major factor intertwined into the academic and social functions of our societal mechanisms, especially educational systems.This experiment will explore potential correlations between self-esteem and academic performance, as well as uncover the influence perceived academic performance has on self-esteem. A group of 20-30 volunteer participants will be taken, briefed, and then assessed on general academic performance through a modified PSAT 10 Practice Test. Self-esteem will be measured via 21 self-esteem scale (SES) questions derived from State Institute and Rosenberg SES scales, which will be distributed in groups of 7 questions to each participant before the test, after the test, and after results are received individually, respectively. Following the test, the participants will be split into 3 data-based groups, and two groups will receive scores with deviations by 120 points above or below the actual results, respectively. Whilst the experiment has not been conducted, it is hypothesized that in this study, higher self-esteem values will correlate to either higher or lower performance, whilst average self-esteem will correlate to average performance, as stipulated in the Dunning-Kruger effect. It also is likely that those who receive modified scores will have their SE impacted relative to the manner of positive or negative reinforcement. This experiment may lend us much insight into this field of psychology and may allow for future studies to explore other influences on self-esteem, whilst also having implications for modern educations systems and educational functions as a whole in how they can reinforce self-esteem through changed performance perception.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Tracy Lu Project #117
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
The Effect of Different Melanoma Treatments on Surface Protein Expression of Innate Immune System Cells
Mass cytometry analyzes high dimensional data sets with up to 40 parameters. It displays cells based on surface protein expression. A study by Wei et al. examines the effect of various treatments on T-cells in melanoma patients using mass cytometry. The study did not thoroughly examine innate immune system cells. This project aims to analyze the effect of different treatments on surface protein expression in innate immune system cells. It is hypothesized that treatment type will impact surface protein expressions of innate immune system cells. Cells will be gated using Cytobank. They will then be displayed using SPADE, viSNE, or CITRIS, which are automated programs that cluster cells using a mathematical approach. This groups cells based on the surface proteins present, and will show the abundance of each cell type. A color heatmap showing the amount of various proteins on the cell surface will be generated for each relevant cluster. This allows for the comparison of protein expressions between similar clusters from different patients. Differences between samples can then be observed. Statistical tests will be used to evaluate the significance of any differences, as well as find any trends in the data. This research will provide insight on the nature of innate immune system responses in a tumor environment, as well as examine the behavior of innate immune system cells in response to different treatments.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Ningxin Luo Project #118
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Investigating the Role of Sodium Chloride on Pathogenic B Cell Function in Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by destruction of myelin. Sodium chloride (NaCl) has been shown to drive proinflammatory functions in T-cells which attack protective myelin. High salt conditions promote proinflammatory T-helper subsets and proinflammatory protein production. Defining how environmental factors affect B-cell function is crucial because they present antigens (APCs) for T-cell activation. This study investigates whether NaCl can prime B-cells for pathogenic functions in MS. Because sodium intake intensifies inflammatory T-cell activity, and B- cells act as APCs, it is hypothesized that if NaCl is added to B-cells, then there will be higher expressions proinflammatory molecules IL-6, CSF2, and CD80. Extracted B lymphocytes will be cultured with media for 96 hours, measuring the gene expression; ELISAs quantify cytokine emissions. q-PCR and ELISAs will yield relative gene expression and protein concentration in treated and untreated samples, answering whether treatment conditions affect B-cell function. Results thus far indicate that NaCl prompts greater IL-6 production. It is projected that high salt conditions will cause increased levels of CSF2 and CD80 as well. Continuation of this research can contribute to a greater understanding of how environmental factors impact communication in the immune system and the consequences of dysfunctional B-cells. In future experiments, treated B-cells can be co-cultured with T-cells to see if T-cell function is directly altered when B-cells are exposed to salt.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Margaret Luo Project #119
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
Determining Whether Fish Are Capable of Intelligent Pattern Recognition
Fish are considered unintelligent despite recent observations of their problem-solving abilities. This project is to test how quickly a goldfish can recognize a pattern, if it is capable of recognizing a pattern. If a colored light is repeatedly shone into a fish tank and only one fish is permitted to respond, then that fish is expected to associate that color of light with itself. The light's color is the independent variable and the days it takes for each fish to respond is the dependent variable. To test this, a colored light will be turned on, and one of the four fish being used will be isolated from the others using a large sieve so that it is still in the tank. It will then be fed a food pellet and released. This procedure will be repeated with every fish (each with a different color of light) daily. It is hypothesized that the fish will eventually learn the pattern, but the amount of time that this will take is uncertain. However, if fish are capable of intelligent pattern recognition, then they could be efficiently trained for human or piscine benefit. This ability could also be used to aid other studies of fish behavior.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Manvi Malhotra Project #120
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
A Theoretical Model of the Emergent Effects of Increasing Temperature on Predator-Prey Interactions between Didinium and Paramecium
As global temperatures rise, it is essential to study the implications of changing temperatures on the metabolic processes of species and how this affects the relationship between predator and prey, and thus the entire ecological food web. This study aims to model the emergent effects of temperature on population density and stability. This will be based on predator-prey interactions using the ciliates Didinium and Paramecium respectively in a microcosmic environment. It is expected that as the temperature increases over a gradient from 10 ⁰C to 30 ⁰C, the metabolic processes of the Didinium will also increase, resulting in a greater consumption of Paramecium by predator, and hence a lower population density. To study this, Didinium and Paramecium will be placed in 11 separate microcosms, replicated three times for a total of 33 samples, each with temperatures starting at 10 ⁰C to 30 ⁰C in intervals of 2 ⁰C using a gradient instrument developed by Yale University's Vasseur Lab. The population densities of both will be counted every 24 hours for fourteen days using a dissecting microscope, diluting samples depending on population density. The projected results are that as temperature increases, the Didinium will consume a greater amount of Paramecium until reaching a thermal optima where consumption will be greatest due to metabolic demands. This study will define how predator-prey interactions change over given temperatures, even more significant with increasing climate change, and serve as a theoretical model for other keystone species and key elements of the food web.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Aamnah Malik Project #121
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Designing and Testing a Solar Powered Wireless Charging Pad
The purpose of this project was to make a solar powered wireless charging pad in order to make it completely wireless and more energy efficient. The solar panel was connected to the charging pad to allow the charger to receive energy from the solar panel. The device was tested to see if it charges a phone. If proven ineffective, another model will be made. This was repeated until there was a working prototype or until time did not allow for another attempt. The second phase was to see if solar power would make the charger more efficient, and combined, the two phases allowed a conclusion of whether a working solar powered wireless charging pad could be produced, as well as whether it was more efficient, less efficient, or just as efficient as when it did not use solar energy. The projected results are that the solar powered charger would be more effective. This project is beneficial for multiple reasons. Solar energy is more efficient, and is also more cost effective. As well as this, with solar power, the charger becomes easy to transport, making it easy to use anywhere.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Emma Mansourian Project #122
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
Comparative Study of Blood Metal Levels in Post-Mortem and Living Samples Related to Cancer
Post-mortem studies of toxins in the body is important in order to determine the different factors that causes one's death. This information is necessary in order to determine how someone has died. It can help determine how a crime happened and help catch criminals based off of the way the person was killed. Different levels of metal in the body can determine how long someone has been dead for. The purpose of this experiment is to test the levels of different metals in the post-mortems body to see if the levels are related to cancer. These metals include, Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, Aluminum, Arsenic and Uranium. If the post-mortems metal levels are increased from the, then the post-mortem died from an increase of these metals. This is because these metals will affect your immune system and will create an increase in cancer morality. This experiment will be conducted with the use of post-mortem samples and will screen for xenobiotic by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The constant in this group would be a post-mortem body that died from natural causes in good health conditions. The predicted outcome is that there will be a relationship between the levels of the heavy metals and post-mortems cause of death. What is expected to learn from this experiment is the correlation between cause of death and heavy metals. This research can be used to determine which heavy metals cause cancer.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Samantha Margolin Project #123
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
Thioflavin T Fluorescence Effect on Amyloid A Fibrils
Alzheimer's affects 5.5 million people in the United States and is a terminal disease of the brain. As it advances, Tau proteins located in the brain continue to make Amyloid A fibrils, which begin to stick together. If Thioflavin T fluorescence is used to detect Amyloid A fibrils than Alzheimer's will be detected in its early stage, allowing it to be targeted by certain drug remedies. Amyloid fibrils will be grown in separate tubes to create a controlled environment. They will be washed with water and submerged in the Thioflavin T fluorescence. Once expressing the Florence, the amount it radiates will be recorded. This would be repeated again with various types of brain tissue and the where the Amyloid A fibrils will be detected. From this experiment, it should be determined whether Thioflavin T fluorescence can be used to detect Amyloid A fibrils in the brain diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The expression of the fibrils would show the presence of these fibrils in the brain detecting the presence of Alzheimer's and the stage. Alzheimer's is a disease located in the brain that over about a ten-year span leads to the degradation of the synapses. This research could revolutionize the way Alzheimer's is diagnosed because currently there is no method that uses Thioflavin fluorescence to detect the Amyloid A fibers and with the detection, the disease could be diagnosed earlier on.
Ridgefield High School Patrick Hughes, Teacher
Ella Marin Project #124
Completed Project, Science, Physical Science
The Effectiveness of Ceramic Membranes with a Manganese Oxide Coating in Filtering Dyes from Industrial Wastewater
Membrane technology has been widely used for filtration. Polymer membranes have a high susceptibility to membrane fouling. Ozone is commonly used to decrease membrane fouling, nonetheless ozone often degrades polymeric membranes. Ceramic membranes appear to be an ideal alternative because not only are they resistant to ozone, but when coated with catalytic materials, they reduce membrane fouling. Coatings affect the surface morphology of ceramic membranes. Changes in surface morphology can affect membrane properties. In the present study, the effectiveness of manganese oxide coated ceramic membranes using a spin coater with different calcination temperatures was tested in the removal of dyes from wastewater. Flux was used to determine the effectiveness of the membrane. It was hypothesized that the ceramic membranes with the manganese oxide coating will prove to have a significantly higher flux than a ceramic membrane without a coating and polymeric membranes, and thus be more effective as a filtration method. Water was run through each of the different membranes, and the amount of pure water (mL) was collected and recorded. Although the data has not been fully analyzed yet, trends support the hypothesis, suggesting that the ceramic membranes with the coating are more effective than ceramic membranes without the coating at a calcination temperature of 550 C. With more knowledge about the optimal conditions for a manganese oxide coated ceramic membrane, then a new staple for water filtration can be proposed, which can be just as effective and more durable than polymeric membranes.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Dey, Teacher
Elise Maro Project #125
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Perceived Limitations in Sports in Youth with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and has no cure. 1.6 million Americans suffer from IBD and that number increases by approximately 70,000 each year. Exercise helps improve mood, decrease stress, and increase quality of life. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a correlation between perceived limitations in sports and disease activity, fatigue, and quality of life. It is predicted that IBD patients with greater disease activity, greater fatigue, and poorer quality of life will have a greater perceived impairment in sports. A survey was distributed to patients ages 12-17 with IBD by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America that asked questions about disease activity, fatigue levels, quality of life, and perceived impairment in sports. This data was transferred into a database to use for analysis. Descriptive analysis and an independent sample t-test were performed. It was found there was no significant difference between patients with Crohn's Disease and patients with Ulcerative Colitis for perceived limitations in sports. Initial analysis indicates there is a correlation between perceived limitations in sports and disease activity, fatigue, and quality of life.
Darien High School Guy Pratt, Teacher
Erin McCormack Project #126
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Effect of Mutations on Plant Resistance to Powdery Mildew Disease
Powdery mildew is a disease that attacks almost every type of plant. This fungus attacks the plant through airborne spores. PM creates a pathogenic relationship with the plant. How does removing or adding different receptors in a plant change its immunity to the powdery mildew fungus? The independent variable is presence of the receptor in the plant, the dependent variable is the amount of conidiophores per leaf area, and the control will be the wild type plants. It is hypothesized that removing the agb2/3 receptors will increase the immunity in the plant. Seeds will be planted in agar plates and placed under 12 hour light for one week. The seedlings will then be transplanted into flats. After two weeks, the plants will be infected with powdery mildew, and then left to grow for another two weeks. Leaves from the plants will then be sterilized, dyed with trypan blue stain, then plated onto microscope slides for analyzation. The plates will then be analyzed under a microscope, and the conidiophores that are seen will be counted and averaged. The projected outcome of the project is that the plant will have a complete Resistance to the powdery mildew fungus when the agb2/3 receptors are knocked out. This is perceived true because of the agb2/3 receptors, when knocked out of the plant, are known to be completely resistant to almost all fungi. The implications of this project is to find a way to protect plants from a disease that kills many plants.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Clayton McGoldrick Project #127
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Development of a Migration Model For Morone saxtilis Based on Thermal Shifts in Long Island Sound
Morone saxatilis (Striped bass) follow a historical migration pattern along the East coast from North Carolina to Maine. Since 1960, average water temperatures of Long Island Sound have risen 5℃ potentially impacting the migration patterns. In an effort to predict the environmental impacts of these migration shifts, historical angler survey data has been analyzed to develop a representation model of the migration timing throughout the years. Historical water temperatures have also been correlated to formulate a prediction model of migration as impacted by temperature shifts in Long Island Sound. With the prediction model in place a location will be selected to deploy an artificial reef. The artificial reef will enhance the surrounding habitat for M. saxatilis by introducing rigid structure consisting of reef balls as well as cinder block. Overtime as the reef develops baitfish productivity will rise creating an ecosystem that caters to the need of M. saxatilis. The presence of baitfish in deeper, cooler water will allow the M. saxatilis to limit exposure to their zone of stress while preying on baitfish species. Eventually due to the ripple effect the fish will be able to migrate along side of the baitfish in turn leading to a positive feedback loop.
Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Science and Technology Education Center Kirk Shadle, Teacher
Katherine McTigue Project #128
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
Testing Cono-RF amides on Mice to Better Understand ASICs and Pain
Experiments using Cone Snail venom (CSV) have shown how different properties of the venom can increase the potency of Acid-Sensing Ion Channels (ASICs) in mice. ASICs are sodium channels in the Central Nervous System (CNS) that are linked to muscle pain in humans and rodents. Conditions such as synaptic plasticity and neurodegeneration require ASICs to thrive and manifest in organisms. CSV can be separated into different properties using liquid chromatography, and those properties can then be tested on mice with muscle pain. Cono-RF amides are conopeptides in the venom from the Cone Snail species, Conus textile. One peptide from Conus textile called RPRF amide potentiates an ASIC called ASIC3, which makes pain worse in the mice. Another type of ASIC called ASICa was tested with RPRF amide, but there was no reaction. As a result, ASICa has not been researched further. This study will test to see what will happen when a different Cono-RFamide from Conus textile is injected into an organism with ASICa. If another property of Conus textile venom is injected into a mouse with ASICa, then scientists will be able to uncover the pathways of ASICa and understand how to stop painful acidosis in people. This can replace current methods of treatment, such as antibiotics, that can lead to addiction in patients. It is important to test different properties of CSV on mice with neurological diseases so that researchers can better understand pain and the various uses of non-toxic components of venom.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Tanmay Mehta Project #129
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Mean Platelet Volume as a Possible Diagnostic Marker for Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Disorders
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are blood cancers in which the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. If the diagnosis of this disorder is delayed, this blood cancer could lead to acute leukemia which lowers patient survival considerably as reflected in a 10-year study. Past research has indicated that a high Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) could be a possible diagnostic tool for this disease because a higher MPV signifies that there is an influx of young, immature platelets. To analyze the correlation between MPV and MPNs, this study analyzed 139 blood samples from 86 patients of the three MPN types: polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) with the Cell Dyn 1800 Hematology Analyzer. Using the TI-84 Plus calculator and Analysis Toolpak from Excel 2003, histograms and a T-test were conducted to determine if there was a statistically different MPV value between the MPN and healthy patients. This study also determined whether there were notable differences in the MPV between the three types of MPN patients. The results of this study indicate that the MPV value of PV patients are in the low to normal range (7-10 fL), ET patients in very low range (6-7 fL), and PMF patients in mostly normal range (6-9 fL). This study suggests an inverse correlation between platelet activity of MPN disorders and MPV (more platelets, lower MPV), indicating that MPV value could be a biomarker for MPNs quickening the diagnosis and treatment of them.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Ameya Menta Project #130
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Effect of Blood meal Induced Apoptosis on Basal Lamina Integrity in the Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes
Arthropod borne arboviruses are the cause of significant morbidity worldwide. After mosquitos take an infectious blood meal the virus enters the gut and replicates within the midgut epithelial cells. The virus eventually escapes the gut through the virus- impermeable basal lamina, which is the main topic of question, due to the fact that the mechanisms used to escape are still unknown. We hypothesize that blood meal induced apoptosis compromises the integrity of the basal lamina, facilitating virus escape. This hypothesis pursued two sub aims, the first determined if multiple blood meals alter basal lamina integrity. The independent variable is the different feeding background, and the dependent variable is the integrity of the basal lamina. Basal lamina midguts were dissected and put into glutaraldehyde solutions, OsO4 buffer, and degraded through an ethanol series. Sub aim two determined if blood meal induced apoptosis causes breaks in the basal lamina. The independent variable is the induction or inhibition of apoptosis and the dependent variable is the integrity of the basal lamina. The inhibitor (AeIAP) and initiator (AeDronc) genes were suppressed using RNA interference by intrathoracically injected individual mosquitoes with dsRNA. A non-specific gene, such as the bacterial encoded lacZ gene, will serve as a control. Data trends have shown that multiple blood meals increase virus escape and SEM data suggests blood meal acquisition increases permeability of the BL. By suppression of the gene it can be determined whether or not apoptosis is a contributing factor to the basal lamina breaks, leading to knowledge about virus control.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Dante Minichetti Project #131
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Honeybee Melittin Apitherapy for Targeted Cancer Cell Suppression and Decimation
Chemotherapy continues to play an important role in treating various cancers; however, it cannot differentiate between cancerous and healthy cells, which causes great short-term and long-term side effects. This research explored the selective anticancer properties of a peptide called melittin, a type of protein found in the honeybee venom. Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) were created to simulate healthy and cancer cell lipid bilayers using an integrated ITO glass chamber to assess the peptide's discriminatory properties. Honeybee melittin (0.11 mM) was introduced to the cancer and control GUVs. Confocal microscope images and ATR-FTIR scans of the GUV samples provided compelling evidence in support of melittin's selectivity. The cancer lines PA-1 (ovarian), MCF-7 (breast), and SKMG-4 (brain) were then subject to various concentrations of melittin (µg/mL). Fibroblast cells were tested under similar conditions as the control. The ovarian, breast, and brain cancers were all affected by the melittin treatment. Microscopy analysis highlights melittin-induced cancer cell suppression with as little as 2 µg/mL, and only when the concentration reached 10 µg/mL did the fibroblasts begin to show minimal signs of toxicity. Cell viability studies demonstrate the following significant onset suppressions for melittin: PA-1: 60% inhibition with 4µg/mL, MCF-7: 90% inhibition with 8µg/mL, SKMG-4: 85% inhibition with 8µg/mL. Melittin was found to be an effective, targeted cancer treatment that shows great potential for treating cancers that are notorious for developing resistance and being a better alternative to chemotherapy.
Greenwich High School Andrew Bramante, Teacher
Maggie Moffatt Project #132
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
Effect of Bee Apiary Location on Most Prominent Characteristic of Colony Collapse Disorder
Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) occurs as majority of the worker bees in a hive disappear, leaving behind a queen with plenty of food, and a few nursing bees to take care of the remaining immature bees and the queen. There are many different variables that could be responsible for CCD. However, it is difficult to pinpoint one specific variable because there are so many that could be the cause independently or combined. This study will focus on what symptoms of CCD will be the most prominent in bees from different temperature regions. If bees suffering from CCD are observed in regions of different temperatures then, the bees in warmer temperature will experience stronger effects of CCD. 500 bees from each region will be dissected and checked for 17 possible symptoms. A 200-50 ratio of suffering to healthy bees in warm and cool regions. The strengths of their symptoms will be recorded and compared to see which symptoms region are most prominent. Then, the symptoms and their occurrences in different temperature zones will be compared. It is hypothesizes that bees from warmer climates will experience stronger effects of CCD. Bee's pollinate 70% of the crops that are responsible for feeding 90% of the world. Without these plants that bees pollinate, the animals that depend on those crops would begin to decline and so on up the food chain. If colony collapse is not further investigated the bee population will continue to decline and a rapid pace and ultimately become extinct.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Prastik Mohanraj Project #133
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Novel Organic Synthesis of Usnic Acid Derivatives with Tumoricidal Properties
Usnic acid, a potent antibacterial agent, remains unusable in human pharmaceuticals because of how it restricts human mitochondrial respiration. Prior studies have been performed to investigate derivatives of usnic acid that maintain antibacterial functionality while limiting this harmful property against humans. This research study was performed in order to investigate if novel derivatives of usnic acid could also have tumoricidal properties, a previously unexplored realm of usnic acid's properties, while being safe for human use. Organic synthesis reactions of derivatives were performed in flash reactors using organic reagents in various conditions. Products were extracted using distillation and were compared to the usnic acid reactant using chromatography. Products were analyzed using mass spectrometry and NMR to resolve chemical structure, compared to that of usnic acid. Finally, samples of cancer tissues were exposed to the derivatives, and cell death was measured and compared to control samples of healthy human tissue. Preliminary results showed successful synthesis reactions of derivative compounds under low pressures and temperatures, with product yields ranging up to 90%. Derivatives maintained multiple similar chemical properties to the precursor usnic acid, including molecular polarity. The effect that these compounds have on cancer tissues and healthy human cells has yet to be determined in continued experimentation. This study has major implications through the development of novel compounds that are innocuous to humans yet are potent anti-cancer agents. By understanding the unexplored methods these derivatives use to target cancer cells, different approaches can be investigated in the future for chemical treatments of cancers.
Engineering and Science University Magnet School Roger Rushworth, Teacher
Henry Molot Project #134
Completed Project, Science, Physical Science
The Effect of Ski-Boot Tightness on Ankle-Flexion
The tightness of a ski boot is a key factor in creating pressure, which is vital for maximizing acceleration and turn efficiency. However, the rigid make of a ski boot has been a leading cause of ankle injuries in skiers of all levels. The purpose of this experiment is to identify the level of tightness in a ski boot that will be least susceptible to ankle injury while skiing. Data will be collected on how changing the ski angle impacts the movement of the ankle within the boot. The tightness of the boot will be varied, and tested at different angles of ski movement. This data is predicted to give an indication on which tightness level leads to the closest ratio of ski movement and ankle angle, which is predicted to be the safest condition. It is hypothesized that the tightest boot-level will result in the closest correlation between the angle of a ski during a fall and the movement of the ankle during a fall, which thus indicates the lowest chance for injury. Data will be collected at various ski-angle measures under 20 different tightness levels. An apparatus to test various trials will be designed and built. This apparatus will accurately simulate the forces acting upon the ankle while skiing. The outcome of this project may provide more information to skiers regarding safety and performance. This experiment will help competitive ski racers locate the boot tightness level that provides the best balance between ankle stability, (safety), and performance.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Nicole Mongillo Project #135
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Effect of the Altering of the Light-Dark Cycle on the Mass (g) of Leafy Green Algae (Ulva lactuca) Eaten by Periwinkle Snails (Littorina littorea)
Research shows that exposure to artificial light at night blocks the natural light cycle for marine invertebrates, which then impacts their behaviors and biological processes. It has also been found that natural light cycles determine organisms' activity levels and predation. Therefore, this study examined the effects of artificial light on the mass of algae (Ulva lactuca) eaten by periwinkle snails (Littorina littorea). Organisms were collected, and 60 snails were separated into four outdoor tanks. Algae was blotted and massed, with 1 gram per tank. Lights on timers were in each tank and each were on for different lengths of time at night. After two weeks of testing, algae was removed from each tank, blotted and massed again. The difference will be calculated between the mass of the algae before and after testing. Results will be analyzed using an ANOVA. It is expected that snails exposed to artificial light the entire night will eat the least algae. It is also expected that snails exposed to no artificial light will eat the most algae. This study investigated how how artificial light at night may possibly impact the feeding behavior of one of the most influential types of herbivores in the Sound, and how it can impact that marine environment. The results can provide a case for limiting the use of artificial light at night near marine environments and provide support for the dangers of marine light pollution.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Leah Mongillo Project #136
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
The Effect of PASS on Students' Focus
Previous studies have shown that after 17-20 minutes of inactivity the brain begins to lose focus and stop paying attention. This is the basis for the Physically Active School Systems program or PASS. The research question was how does the integration of PASS effect the focus of students.The hypothesis was that students' focus in class will increase after PASS has been integrated. The independent variable was the integration of PASS. The dependent variable was the students' focus. I was trained in PASS so that I could lead the classes through the brain energizers. A survey containing questions about a student's ability to focus in class using the Likert scale was distributed to students in a high school class along with a few open-ended questions. The students were led through brain energizers 20 minutes into class. If the students were stimulated within the first 20 minutes the brain energizers were conducted 20 minutes after the stimulation ended. At the end of each week students were asked to fill out another survey asking about their focus. The results of the surveys were averaged and then compared to the results of the first survey. A t-test was used to see if there is statistical significance. The qualitative data was coded to look for themes. If the data shows that PASS does improve students' focus, it would be the start of implementing PASS into different high schools across the state.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Jay Moon Project #137
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Simulation and Synthesis of Vitamin C Derivatives to Understand the Effect of Vitamin C on Cancer Cells
Approximately 170,000 cases of leukemia were diagnosed in 2017, but future treatment is looking hopeful. Laboratory studies revealed that vitamin C (VC) may slow the growth of pancreatic, liver, and other cancer cell types. VC has shown positive effects on regulating the TET2 enzyme, one critically related to leukemia cancers. This prompted the question, “How may differences in structure, oxidation strength, geometry, and aqueous stability influence regulation of TET2?” A set of VC derivatives were synthesized for the purpose of revealing the function of VC at the molecular level. Using computational chemistry software including Avogadro, and Gibbs free energy change calculations, my mentor and I studied the subtle difference on a few VC derivatives, in terms of geometry, electronic structure, oxidation strength, and the stability in aqueous environments. Then, Gibbs free energy calculations were utilized to optimize the proposed synthetic schemes for a few VC derivatives, such as ascorbic acid derived lactam. After that, I used experimental methods to test the optimized synthetic schemes. The synthesized structures were used to verify the projected results in the previous stated aspects, such as geometry, structure, etc. In summary, in order to understand the function of vitamin C for potential leukemia therapy, I used computational chemistry and experimental methods to study a few proposed VC derivatives. The revealed difference in geometry, electronic structures, oxidation strengths, and stability provides the insights for understanding the molecular mechanism of vitamin C in regulating TET2 enzyme activity, allowing for the discovery of new cancer cell treatments.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Kayla Morgan Project #138
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Internet Traffic: Security and Control
The flow of information on the internet occurs in "packets". Packet traffic refers to the flow of packets of information from a source to a destination. However, packets are left open to infiltration by malware, leaving what could be confidential information open to interception. The research questions that this proposal aims to answer are how does malware infiltrate and information packet, and how can information packets be protected from malware? The first step in the procedure is to research. This research includes exploring what is in a packet, what can be exploited in a packet, and how to use Wireshark and VMware. Wireshark is able to see inside of packets. The next part of research is to understand how a bot is formed and named and how it makes a packet vulnerable. At this point, designing malware will start. The malware will be designed in a virtual machine using VMware. After the malware is designed, a defensive measure will be made to protect packets from the designed malware. The results will first be analyzed by the effectiveness of the designed malware to infiltrate a packet. After that, the effectiveness of the defensive system is measured by the ability for the defense system to block the malware from getting into the packet. This project will help secure the transfer of information on the internet, so sensitive information is not collected by malware.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Aurora Mu Project #139
Research Proposal, Science, Physical Science
The Creation and Application of a Machine Learning Algorithm to Analyze Hand Drawn Chemical Structures
Artificial intelligence is integrated with daily life ranging from Google's search algorithms to voice/face recognition. Subtopic computer vision focuses how computers collect and analyze information from digital images. The project will tackle the subtopic on a smaller scale with image recognition. The purpose of this project is to create an algorithm that scans and analyzes handwritten molecular structures and convert into chemical formulas. A machine learning algorithm model will be used to create this algorithm. To start, 4 molecular structures will be used. Various different handwritten versions of each structure will be collected to train the algorithm to recognize the chemical structure. This training data set will be used to adjust the parameters of the algorithm and a test set collected will be used to test the accuracy of the algorithm. This project will create an algorithm to analyze molecular structures. The end goal is to refine the newly created algorithm after each test run to increase the accuracy. This would result in an algorithm successful in converting handwritten formulas of various molecules accurately into digital formatted formulas. This algorithm would be a new application of machine learning algorithms in the chemistry field. It would facilitate chemists and scholars during their research through the recognition and processing of hand drawn chemical structures and automatically format it into the desired molecular formula digitally. In addition, this algorithm would expand in the research and understanding of machine learning.
Ridgefield High School Ryan Gleason, Teacher
Aria Muchhal Project #140
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
The Effectiveness of Gene Therapy on Mice of Different Ages Carrying the WAStm1Sbs Mutation.
Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) is an x-linked recessive genetic disease characterized by thrombocytopenia, eczema, and immunodeficiency. The central method of treatment was bone marrow infusions, which, while occasionally difficult to find and dangerous, work regardless of age. Two new studies, one testing a group of children, and the other a 30-year-old, revealed an alternate solution. The purpose of this experiment is to test whether gene therapy will be effective in mice with WAS despite varying ages. Ten male mice of different ages carrying the WAStm1Sbs mutation will undergo gene therapy using the Lentiviral Vector LV-w1.6 WASp. Once the therapy is completed, the effectiveness will be determined using the percent change in the platelets per microliter of blood. An increase in platelets is a sign of decreasing thrombocytopenia, an indicator of WAS. The results of the experiment will show a decrease in effectiveness of the gene therapy as the age of the mice increases. It is expected that, while gene therapy has been shown to be effective for 30-year-olds and children, it will be more effective when the individual is younger. This research will push parents and doctors into looking into gene therapy for treating WAS as soon as possible, as waiting would decrease the effectiveness of the therapy. The results could also influence other research on gene therapy and WAS as scientists would now know the optimal age range for gene therapy treating WAS.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Sean Mullin Project #141
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Effects of Soil Composition on the Decline of Fraxinus americana
Fraxinus Americana, one of America’s most treasured native trees, is under constant threat from diseases and invasive species that are infesting their populations and killing them by the millions. Through studying the makeup of the soil they live on, this experiment has been conducted in the hopes of uncovering trends between the availability of key nutrients for the trees and their vulnerability to decline. In the hopes of gaining a further understanding of this ash decline problem, testing involved observing a randomly selected host of trees with varying levels of health. On a monthly basis, soils samples were taken and analyzed for levels of calcium and magnesium for comparison to the tree’s vigor. Observing the quality of the leaf canopies, and the condition of the bark and branches were the primary indicators for determining the tree’s health. It is suspected that the trees that lack the most in their key nutrients are infirm or ill as a result of malnourishment. Once the collected soil is properly analyzed, we believe that there will be a direct correlation between the lack of nutrients in the soil and an ash tree’s susceptibility to the diseases and pests that cause decline.
Joel Barlow High School Katherine Nuzzo, Teacher
Aniruddha Murali Project #142
Completed Project, Engineering, Health and Medical
Using Machine Learning Through a Classification and Regression Tree Algorithm to Predict if a Breast Tumor is Malignant or Benign
Breast cancer is responsible for causing the greatest number of cancer-related deaths among women, impacting 1.5 million women every year (WHO). One way to reduce the number of deaths caused by breast cancer is to perform an early diagnosis to detect the presence of a malignant tumor before the tumor gets too harmful. While there are several methods of diagnosing and testing a tumor, they all have their own sets of problems: they are time-consuming, expensive, and limited in their ability to diagnose a variety of tumors. In this study, a machine learning algorithm called the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) algorithm will be used to predict if someone has breast cancer. The diagnostic model will use ten different parameters received from a screening or an ultrasound test of the breast tumor to output its prediction. The decision tree model is able to return a prediction of whether the tumor is malignant or benign, given a row of data in which the ten parameters are radius, texture, perimeter, area, smoothness, compactness, concavity, concave points, symmetry, and fractal dimension. Accuracy was consistently between 90.5% to 93.5%. By using machine learning to assess a breast tumor, there will be a rapid, non-invasive, and inexpensive way to diagnosis a breast tumor. This algorithm can help thousands of women get early treatment and provide a way to address any type of binary classification problem.
Staples High School Karen Thompson, Teacher
Bridget Murphy Project #143
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Tracking the Abundance of Odocoileus virginianus (White-Tailed Deer) to Determine the Effectiveness of Deer Management at the Mianus River Gorge
Research involving the deer population at the Mianus River Gorge Preserve has been conducted since 1965. It was found that between 1965 and 2004, as the white-tailed deer was overpopulated, the old-growth eastern hemlock in the forest was affected, causing the soil to not properly filter the area's water supply. The purpose of this project was to see whether there has been a decrease in the deer population since 2012. Data has been collected and analyzed during several years from 2004 to 2011 but analysis was needed from 2012 to 2016. To track deer population, unbaited cameras were placed at 14 specific locations throughout the MRGP each year between 2012 and 2016. For accuracy of events, photos were taken at a rate of one photograph per second, almost continuously. These photos were analyzed and events of animals were recorded. The results for the deer that inhabit from 2016, the year on which this study focuses, had an almost identical range to 2004 with 15 to 32 deer and a median of 17.78. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the deer population has increased since 2009 and 2012, meaning that the deer management program would need to increased in order to lower the population number. By having the approximate deer population, the workers at the Gorge know how effective the deer management program has been, and what needs to be changed to reduce the population. A decrease in the deer population would help increase the vegetation around the banks of the river.
Convent of the Sacred Heart Mary Musolino, Teacher
Emma Neumann Project #144
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
The Effect of Pembrolizumab on Malignant Glioma in Mice
In cancer's interactions with the immune system, the PD-1 protein on T-cells binds to the PD-L1 protein on tumor cells, which tells the immune system not attack the cancer. Monoclonal antibodies can block this binding, and boost immune response against cancer. If the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab is administered after tumor debulking surgery for malignant glioma in mice, then a MA such as pembrolizumab will work better than a placebo in preventing the cancer from growing. This is because cancer is able to avoid immune checkpoints that prevent it from increasing in size, and immune checkpoint inhibitors will stop this augmentation. 50 mice will be implanted with tumor cells derived from a primary malignant glioma in a mouse. After 30 days of growth, tumor debulking surgery (where the bulk of the tumor is removed for a better prognosis) will be performed on the mice and Micro-CT images will be taken before and after. 25 of the mice will receive medication, and the other 25 will receive placebo for 30 days. After that, Micro-CT images will be taken after the last dose of medication. Tumor growth will be quantified based on the images, specifically using the Windows Utility program with a updated formula inputted. Pembrolizumab, the medication will most likely be proven to have little tumor growth. By gaining a better understanding of cancer and immunotherapy, we can use this treatment in a wider variety of cancer and other diseases.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Catherine O'Connor Project #145
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
Depletion of the IkB Kinase and Inhibition of the NF-kB Complex as Gene Therapy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
In the United States, over 50,000 adults are diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma each year. The pancreatic tumor's resistance to radiation treatment and chemotherapy has resulted in a meager 20% one-year survival rate. In pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the NF-kB protein complex's ability to control transcription has been linked to increased expression of cancer-supportive genes that promote cell proliferation and inflammation. Therefore, it is hypothesized that genetic depletion of the IkB kinase, the activator of NF-kB, will attenuate tumor metastasis and prolong survival. In order to confirm or refute this hypothesis, patient-derived pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines will be transduced with a lentiviral vector tailored to knock down the IkB kinase. Through the utilization of Rt-qPCR analysis and WST-1 proliferation assay, the gene expression and proliferative capacity of induced cell lines will be compared to the untreated control. To examine the treatment's impact on duration of survival, the cell lines will be injected into the pancreases of mice. The projected successful depletion of the IkB kinase will deactivate the NF-kB pathway and inhibit its adverse regulation of transcription. With decreased expression of target genes that promote proliferation and inflammation, adenocarcinoma tumors in mice will experience slowed growth, which will result in extended survival time. If the hypothesis is confirmed, the study will pave the way toward the development of a valuable genetic therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients. For the multitude of people who suffer from the lethal cancer, the targeted therapy presents hope for an improved treatment and a longer life.
Darien High School Guy Pratt, Teacher
Brendan O'Hara Project #146
Completed Project, Science, Physical Science
Was There a Large Amount of Dense Dark Energy at the Big Bang
Scientist have found that before the big bang there was a dense collection of matter I Hypothesize that this dense point had been collecting from around it due to gravity and there was a large amount of dark energy that was collected. When the explosion from the big bang happened the dark energy fueled it and caused the rapid expansion to be much quicker than if there was no dark energy. Now the edge of the universe is hitting the dark energy that was too far from the original point to be collected by gravity and is causing more rapid expansion. And now the farther the universe reaches out the more dark energy the edge of the universe will hit and continue to speed up. So what I am trying to find is was there a large amount of dense dark energy at the big bang and are we now hitting the dark energy that was not collected at the big bang. I plan on doing this by collecting data from the background radiation of the big bang and by looking at the red shifting of celestial objects. I am hoping to find data that shows similarities in how the universe was expanding in the big bang to how it is expanding now. As well as compare things like supernova to the big bang to see if there was a lot of dense dark energy with in the super nova could a similar blast like the big bang occur. However right now I do not have any data. Dark energy is an elusive idea that could unlock the secrets to what came before the big bang and all the matter we know today. As well as possibly help humanity find speeds near light. With even more answer maybe we could find a way to stop our cosmic doomsday and keep our universe from being completely empty and void.
Newtown High School Tim Dejulio, Teacher
Evan O'Keefe Project #147
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Amplifying Heat Shock Protein Expression in Glycine max for cross protection against substandard growing conditions
Plant growth is prohibitive in Martian regolith due to higher concentrations of metals and the lack of nutrients. Previous research has been conducted on cross-protection of heat shock proteins against other aspects such as high salinity and anoxic conditions, but there is a lack of research into substandard soil conditions as a whole. First the Glycine max will be grown. During this process the height of the plants is periodically measured. The plants are separated into 4 groups: Earth control, Mars control, Earth heat shock, and Mars heat shock. The two heat shock groups will be shocked and the same measurement process will be completed on both control and heat shock groups. Stem, root, and leaf samples are taken and protein electrophoresis will be performed. The results of the 4 groups will be observed and analyzed. Preliminary data from the control groups have found significant differences between Martian regolith and normal top soil. The plants grown in the regolith have a substantially smaller root system and appear to be nutrient deficient. The heat shock groups still need to be grown. Then, electrophoresis must be performed for all four groups. This project not only has implications in space travel but in extreme terrestrial conditions. Manned missions to Mars are in the works, and through having the ability to grow food on mars these missions could last much larger. Additionally, heat shock could be applied in the field of agriculture on Earth in areas with substandard soil conditions.
Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Science and Technology Education Center Kirk Shadle, Teacher
Catherine Odendahl Project #148
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
A Novel Heavy Metal Remediation Technique Utilizing a Photocatalyst Driven Graphene-Cupric Oxide Matrix
Heavy metals contaminate soil through mining, manufacturing, and the use of synthetic products within the proximity of the soil. Current methods of remediation are high temperature treatments and a washing process. Although these methods are effective, they require copious amounts of energy, time, and money. Both treatments require the soil to be transported from its source to a factory and be treated. It is proposed that using a photocatalyst driven graphene-cupric oxide matrix is needed. The matrix will capture and trap the metal ions by using the cupric oxide as a photocatalyst. Experimentation will be conducted using: a control (untreated), soil with the heavy metal contaminate, and soil with heavy metal contaminate, and the graphene-cupric oxide solution. Rye grass will then be grown in each environment and analyzed. Rye grass is known to uptake heavy metals if they are present in the soil. The initial concentration of the heavy metals will be compared to the final concentration, using atomic absorption. Preliminary data currently includes information for making graphene-oxide. No experimentation has begun yet. This experiment will yield a more cost effective and energy efficient soil remediation method. Future studies can adapt this technique as a method of heavy metal remediation.
Bridgeport Region Aquaculture Science and Technology Education Center Kirk Shadle, Teacher
Romano Orlando Project #149
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Design and Fabrication of a Smart, Medicated Gel Bandage to Deliver Antibiotics to a Draining Wound
For adhesives and wound dressings, consumer options are limited. Besides flexible Band-Aid strips, the only other inexpensive option for wound coverage is a liquid bandage. Although liquid bandages are better than their solid counterparts at covering an affected area, as their contact interface is more complete, they are still plagued by a common deficiency: the wound receives little to no assistance to fight initial-trauma bacterial infection, other than coverage from outside contamination.In this research, a Smart, medicated gel bandage was created that would release antibacterial agents into the wound while solidifying, then provide hardened protection, and subsequently release antibiotics only during additional periods of drainage, when it is needed most. 65mg of tetracycline (Tc) was embedded into 210mg of HydroMed-D, an ether-based hydrophilic, biocompatible urethane, creating a gel-like formulation that is applied via a squeeze tube. When administered, the Smart bandage dries in 5 minutes, releasing Tc during that time of initial wound drainage. Once dry, it provides durable structural support for a cut/abrasion that is far improved relative to a stick-on cloth bandage. During the subsequent dry healing (scabbing), the Smart bandage retains significant Tc load, and can release it should drainage reoccur, further increasing the effective life and infection-fighting ability of the bandage. For a cut that is covered with a traditional Band-Aid, 210mg of the Smart bandage will deliver up to 42åµg of tetracycline to the localized area as needed, as a function of (cut) bleeding, or drainage.
A Smart, medicated gel bandage was created that would release antibacterial agents and provide structural support over the duration of the healing process.
Greenwich High School Andrew Bramante, Teacher
Arnav Paliwal Project #150
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
The Effect of Playing Video Games on Short Term Memory Test Scores
Many high school students play video games. Studies have shown that playing video games may have positive effects on memory. This study aims to discover the relationship between playing video games and immediate short term memory. The participants in the experiment were high schoolers. The participants were given instructions on how to complete their testing at home and report the results to the experimenter. They first took the short term memory test and recorded the score. Next the participant either did nothing for ten minutes or played the video game for ten minutes. After that, they took the short term memory test again and recorded their scores.
The projected results are that high schoolers who played video games have higher short term memory test score improvement. This is based on the fact that a study showed that long term video game usage has a beneficial impact upon short term memory. The data from both the people who played video games and those who did not will be compared based on percentage improved on their memory tests. To be successful on high school tests, people need good short term memory. If video games either boost or worsen short term memory, it can directly affect how people do in school. Thus helping high schoolers and their parents make more informed decisions about video game usage. This research could potentially help people with short term memory loss or diseases such as Alzheimer's by informing them either to increase or decrease video game usage.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Simone Paradis Project #151
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
Air Quality in Schools
Air quality impacts every aspect of life, from work to home to fun. In schools, air pollutants can negatively impact child development and education. Poor air quality in schools increases the number of children with asthma, and can increase the occurrence and severity of illnesses. As an asthmatic, I aim to measure the air quality in nearby public schools to identify what impact the school buildings have on health. I plan to use an Office VOC and Formaldehyde Test, which measures and reports total levels of VOCs, growing mold, and toxic formaldehyde, which are the most common air pollutants. I will use this test first in different wings of Newtown High School to compare the air differences in one building. After I gather this data, I will test the lobby air quality in other Newtown public schools to compare. I expect to find some air pollutants in school buildings, but with strong variations from building to building. In larger schools, there is most likely variations from wing to wing, depending on when each wing was built. The age of the building will have an impact on the air quality, because of the technological advancements in HVAC systems. Air quality has a remarkable effect on health, even beyond second-hand smoke and asbestos. Children's health should not be negatively impacted by going to school. By measuring the air quality of schools, families will know if their school is safe.
Newtown High School Tim DeJulio, Teacher
Taryn Pardo Project #152
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
The Effectiveness of Oral Immunotherapy in the Desensitisation of Peanut Allergies in Adults
The systematic study of oral immunotherapy is important research in the development of a cure for food allergies. About 15 million people in the United States live with a food allergy. Oral immunotherapy has been proven to help desensitize children of their food allergy. When children are young, they are still in the process of development, which gives them the opportunity to outgrow their allergies before their development ends. The effectiveness of oral immunotherapy in adults is still unknown. The purpose of this experiment is to test if oral immunotherapy can be used to reduce the severity of allergic reactions to peanuts in adults. Exposure to peanut flour through the oral immunotherapy study will desensitize adults with peanut allergies. The experiment will be conducted as a double blind placebo controlled experiment (DBPCE). The control groups will maintain peanut avoidance, the active groups will receive either different doses of peanut flour mixed into food before ingestion, or a placebo of the peanut flour. The data will be measured through the the increased amounts of doses the patients tolerated and the completed symptom diaries. The predicted outcome is that oral immunotherapy will be effective in the desensitization of adults with peanut allergies. These results can be used for further research in the fields of food allergies and oral immunotherapy.
Darien High School Guy Pratt, Teacher
Sebin Park Project #153
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Examining variations in immunity related genes of bananas of different geographic regions through genotyping
Banana diseases have been a continuous problem for many years. Bananas are easily susceptible to diseases because most commercial bananas are clones of each other. This study will look into the variation of genes related to the immunity of the bananas from different geographic regions. It is hypothesized that there will not be significant variations in the immunity related genes because most bananas are clones of each other. The first step of this project will be to identify specific genes related to the immunity of bananas from the chitinase family and find markers. Bananas from different regions will be collected from available stores, and DNA samples will be extracted from each. Next, the samples will be ran through a genotyping test, Sanger's sequencing, to see the variations of the specific genes identified before. The sequencer software was used. The sequence data collected was uploaded to a software program that aligns the sequences obtained with the known sequences. The data is presented with allele frequency table or figure. If the data supports the hypothesis, the range of the regions can be taken into consideration to suggest the lack of genetic variation in such range of area.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Sana Pashankar Project #154
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Risk Factors Associated with Anxiety and/or Depression Among Childhood Cancer Survivors
The aim was to identify risk factors associated with a high risk of anxiety/depression. The independent variables were: sex, age at diagnosis, time, insurance, use of radiation, treatment intensity, the use of anthracyclines, current age, and number of late effects. The dependent variable was the outcome of anxiety affective disorder. It is expected that sex, treatment intensity, and radiation exposure would contribute to a greater risk. We will conduct a cross-sectional study of patients currently >18 years old and post therapy after a childhood cancer who attended the regional Yale childhood cancer survivorship clinic(2008-2017[RW2]). A positive history of affective disorder will be established by determination by the psychologist from the interview, a BSI score in the impaired range, or patient report of mental health treatment. To analyze the data, we will calculate the frequency of affective disorder in our sample. We will use unadjusted logistic regression to identity associations between the patient and treatment factors and affective disorder. Additionally, a multiple variable regression will be used to adjust for the effects of patient and treatment factors to determine which are significantly associated with a greater risk of affective disorder. Our results will help identify specific groups of childhood cancer survivors to be targeted for psychological evaluation.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Armaan Patel Project #155
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Effect of Citric Acid on the Growth of Spinach Plants
Citric acid is an important chemical compound used in agricultural environments for its many benefits to certain plants. In an article, it increased the heat resistance of turf-grass, increasing growth and photosynthesis rates. This study was created to specifically investigate how citric acid affects plant growth. What is being investigated in this experiment is: "How does citric acid affect the growth of spinach plants?" The I.V. is the amount of citric acid (in the form of lemon juice) given to each plant, while the D.V.s are their heights and colors. The control group is the plant only receiving water, while the experimental group is the plants receiving water and citric acid. All plants will be indoors, in front of the same window side-by-side so they all receive the same amount of sunlight. The plants will be watered and given lemon juice on the same day, every other day, for two weeks. The recorded heights of each plant will be used to make a line graph depicting change in height over the two weeks for each plant. Then, the recorded colors of each plant will be used to make a pie graph displaying what percentage of the plants were green, dark green, and not green at the start, day eight, and end. Human population is exponentially growing worldwide, and more people need food. If citric acid can be proven to increase crop growth, it could increase annual food growth, replacing fertilizer whose noxious runoff harms the surrounding environment.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Nishaan Patel Project #156
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Using Different Fabrics to Conserve Body Temperature
According to the Raynaud's Association, 5-10% of all Americans have Raynaud's Syndrome. They are apprehensive about going outside because the syndrome makes you lose blood at joints when cold. Then the joints swell up when blood flow returns. People with Raynaud's Syndrome are advised to seek out warm clothing, especially for their extremities. This study will investigate what type of fabric helps conserve the most body temperature. Twelve water bottles will be divided into 4 groups of 3 water bottles each. The independent variable will be the type of fabric: wool worsted yarn, polyester yarn, or silk bead thread. The dependent variable will be the change in water temperature over time. The control group will have no fabric. The water bottle temperatures will be measured indoors and outdoors. The fabric group associated with the least temperature change is assumed to conserve the most body temperature. It is hypothesized that the wool will conserve the most body temperature. According to US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, wool has better insulation than polyester and silk. Also, polyester will conserve more cold moisture. This investigation will help people with Raynaud's Syndrome know what type of fabric they should have in clothing while outside.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Ashwini Patel Project #157
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
Finding the Source of Cetuximab Resistance in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer with over 200,000 cases in the United States per year. Cetuximab is an anti-epidermal- growth-factor-receptor (EGFR) therapy that targets NSCLC. However, drug resistance often arises, and acquired resistance and de novo resistance, which are typically caused by genetic alterations, are common barriers to anti-EGFR therapy. To study the resistance of cetuximab in non-small cell lung cancer, we will generate cetuximab-resistant cells by exposing cetuximab-sensitive-NSCLC cells in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional cultures for comparison. Whole exome sequencing and RNA sequencing can help to see if there is any overexpression or upregulation. The predicted results would entail an overexpression of long non-coding RNA MIR100HG and two embedded microRNAs, miR-100 and miR-125b. In cetuximab-resistant cells, miR-125b would target GATA6, a zinc finger transcription factor which normally represses MIR100HG, allowing MIR100HG to become overexpressed. åÊAdditionally, miR- 100 and miR-125b in combination are predicted to repress five Wnt/ë_-catenin negative regulators, which results in an increase of Wnt signaling. Inhibiting this Wnt signaling in the cetuximab-resistant-NSCLC cells would most likely restore receptivity of cetuximab. This would imply that there is an epigenetic resistance to cetuximab, meaning that the resistance is caused by a non-genetic influence. If the resistance is epigenetic, then the resistance can be reversed, which allows cetuximab to continue attacking tumor cells and increases the efficacy of the drug.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Akanksha Paul Project #158
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Effect of Various Water Salinity Ranges on the Growth of the New Zealand Mud Snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum)
As an invasive species, the New Zealand Mud Snail (NZMS) can cause biofouling, costing billions to repair, breeding in city water intake lines, and reduction in native invertebrates. In the present study, the impact of salinity ranges on the growth of juvenile NZMS is tested. The independent variable is the water salinity (ppt). The dependent variable is the growth of NZMS (åµm) after salinity exposure.
It was hypothesized that juvenile NZMS would grow more when exposed to salinities below or on the lower end of their tolerance range (14-16 and 24-26). The other salinity groups were 0-2, 3-5, 30-32, and 33-35 ppt. The salinity was adjusted by measuring the initial salinity with a hydrometer and adding oceanic salt to it.
The salinity was measured each day and adjusted accordingly because it increased as water evaporated over time. The increase was recorded and fresh water was added to balance the difference. NZMS growth was measured with an ocular micrometer. Thus far, NZMS in the highest three salinities have been growing more than those in the lower salinities. Sediment was available as food at all times for NZMS. The growth averages for each group was then analyzed through statistical analysis.
Findings from this study may help create a new management technique by determining the salinities that limit growth so that NZMS cannot reproduce as rapidly. This may then be used to limit the rapid spread of this invasive species, which is vital in preventing the threats it poses from becoming a reality.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Connor Percarpio Project #159
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The effect of Diadema antillarum on coral reef benthic community composition in the British Virgin Islands
The population of the long--spined sea urchin or Diadema antillarum, a main grazer of macroalgae in the British Virgin Islands, was diminished by disease in 1983. Since then, levels of fleshy macroalgae on coral reefs in the area have increased dramatically. These high levels of macroalgae, along with many other man--made factors, have led to the near destruction of one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. This research focuses on how the population of D. antillarum in an area affects the macroalgae population and the live coral population. We conducted this research on coral reefs throughout the British Virgin Islands over a one-year span. Two methods were used to assess the relationship between D.antillarum and macroalgae. The first method was conducted by students in July, 2016 in Discovery Bay, Tortola. This method used nine, .5 m x .5 m, square quadrants. We recorded any D.antillarum visible from directly above the quadrant, along with the dominant substrate (live coral, dead coral, algae, sand, other invertebrates) in that quadrant. I conducted the experiment through the second method in July of 2017 in Discovery Bay and Sandy Spit Isle. In this method, we used a 10 m belt transect to record the number of D.antillarum in a 2 m radius. Every 10 cm, we recorded the benthic composition under the transect to compare to the D.antillarum abundance. The results for both methods supported a strong negative correlation between D. antillarum and macroalgae, and a strong correlation between D. antillarum and live coral. The impact of D. antillarum in these benthic communities is critical when compared to its small population in the Caribbean.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Jonah Pereyra Project #160
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
A study of the coral immune response and its relation to the bleaching process
Rising CO2 levels within the atmosphere are causing ocean temperatures to rise. The Higher temperatures cause coral to expel the photosynthetic algae living within their tissues that provide them with energy. Unfortunately, little is known about the mechanisms behind this occurrence. This experiment seeks to find whether the coral's immune system is overreacting to the algae, hoping to identify the mechanisms behind bleaching to help the search for a solution. The experiment would be performed by collecting a coral sample from its natural environment and bringing to a lab setting. The sample would then be injected with a virus known to elicit an immune response in corals. The reaction of the coral infected with the virus would then be studied under a microscope at progressive intervals of two hours and compared with the immune reactions of a coral undergoing the bleaching process. The the results are expected to show that the reactions of the coral to the virus and the coral undergoing the bleaching process to be nearly identical. These findings would show that the coral immune system treats the algae as a virus, expelling it from its tissues. If the hypothesis of this experiment is proven right, the mechanisms behind the bleaching of coral would be known. This knowledge would help in the search for the solution to the bleaching process. This would potentially save the world's coral reefs, helping to prevent a negative impact on the environment and the surrounding ecosystems.
Ridgefield High School Patrick Hughes, Teacher
Daniel Pfrommer Project #161
Completed Project, Science, Physical Science
Fast Point-based Raytracing with Sphere Bounding Volume Hierarchies
Quickly rendering three dimensional scenes has been a longstanding challenge in computer graphics research. Whereas current approaches for ray tracing scenes involve polygon-based ray tracing or voxel-based rendering, relatively little research has been done into ray tracing point cloud data, where a 3D model is represented by thousands of tiny spheres as opposed to polygons. The ray tracing algorithm proposed and used in this research address the challenges of quickly rendering three dimensional scenes from high volume point cloud data. Current methods for point cloud ray tracing approximate a point cloud with a series of elliptical discs called ‰ÛÏsplats‰Û� and performing ray-splat intersections in an efficient manner. Conversely, the method proposed in this research builds on Bounding Volume Hierarchy (BVH) techniques, where the desired scene is recursively split into sub-volumes, allowing large parts of the scene to be omitted when calculating ray-scene intersections. While popular partitioning schemes for BVHs include octrees and k-d trees, this research utilizes a sphere-based bounding hierarchy where the entire rendered scene is represented as a tree of nested spheres, with the leaf nodes in the tree representing individual points in the point cloud. This approach accelerates ray-scene intersections, allowing for fast ray tracing of point-cloud based data, which is commonly found in laser-scanned data. Although a GPU-based implementation was not considered as part of this research, proposed future improvements include GPU-accelerated rendering and integrating more complex rendering effects such as shadows and reflections into the rendering algorithm to evaluate its performance on more complex scenes.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Emily Philippides Project #162
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Controlled-Release Delivery of Ovarian Anticancer Paclitaxel via Vortex Ring, Donut-shaped Hydrogels
In 2012, ovarian cancer affected 239,000 women and caused the deaths of 152,000 worldwide. Current treatments for ovarian cancer include chemo and radiation therapies, both of which cause severe side effects, including the destruction of neighboring, healthy cells. Alternatively, anti-cancer drugs can be injected into the cancerous region via abdominal intravenous port injection (IP), however location and conditions within the ovarian cavity limit the accurate coverage of the tumor, and prolonged effectiveness of the drug, as the drug-tumor interaction time is shortened by moisture dilution. A method where chemotherapy is temporarily implanted at the cancer site and subsequently time-released would be preferred, to both adhere the drug to the tumor and minimize side effects associated with immediate IP overdosing. The aim of this project is to design and test a drug delivery system that is capable of efficiently delivering a chemotherapy drug (paclitaxel) to an ovarian malignancy, over an extended period of time; the delivery system will involve microscopic, vortex ring-derived hydrogel nanoparticles (referred to commonly in this paper as ‰ÛÏVRH‰Û� or ‰ÛÏhydrogel donuts‰Û�), that when loaded with paclitaxel, can be used for targeted cancer therapy to treat ovarian cancer. Once implanted into the target area of the ovarian cavity, the hydrogels release the chemotherapy drug after enzymes, water, or acidic/basic conditions cause the disintegration of the implant, with its biodegradable components ultimately digested by the human body. The highly toxic chemotherapy drug can thus be delivered directly where it is needed in the body, without affecting other neighboring, healthy cells.
Greenwich High School Andrew Bramante, Teacher
Madelyn Pickett Project #163
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
ERë± and PR Status and the effect of Estrogen and Progesterone Hormone addition in Meningiomas
Meningiomas are tumors forming from meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord where a 2:1 female predominance exists. Estrogen and another hormone, progesterone, are known to be related in their in the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and other functions. Progesterone is thought to have an effect on ERë± and have shown to be present on about 70% of meningiomas. The question was to investigate the hormone receptor status of Progesterone and Estrogen in a meningioma cell line, and how the meningioma cells are affected by the addition of the hormones. It was hypothesized that the meningioma cell line would reveal a transcriptional difference after treated with progesterone hormone, showing that an effect of progesterone on ERë± at protein localization level and mRNA level. The cell lines were first prepared and the cells were grown for this study. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the ERë± and PR status. The IF will be used to identify if the PR is present in the meningioma cell line. The cell line was treated with estrogen and progesterone hormone, and we assessed the effect of the IF after the treatment. Then, we looked at differences in the protein localization, and any differences on mRNA level. If the hypothesis is supported, there will be a significant protein localization and mRNA level difference in the meningioma cells treated with Progesterone compared to the control cells treated with Estrogen. Results from this study may provide insight into progesterone hormone's role in meningioma cells. In future research, other hormones that may play a role in the development of meningiomas in women could be studied, which could aid in the diagnosis and treatment of meningiomas.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Anisa Prasad Project #164 Serina Prasad
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
Variation of Pattern Recognition Receptor Agonists as Adjuvants to PLGA Nanoparticles in Truncated Peanut Oral Immunotherapy
Current treatments for peanut allergy are limited to strict avoidance of peanut proteins and epinephrine injections as emergency medication. Recent studies using TLR9 agonists as peanut allergy vaccine adjuvants to induce a Th1-dominated immune response have been successful in preventing anaphylaxis in mice. However, potential targets for vaccine adjuvants include all PRRs, not only TLR9. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of different PRR agonists in producing a Th1 response and preventing anaphylaxis in peanut-allergic mice. Female C3H/HeJ mice will be used to assess which PRR agonists are the best vaccine adjuvants in peanut oral immunotherapy. The mice will be sensitized using defatted peanut extract and cholera toxin, and then treated with nanoparticle vaccines during the 17-day treatment period. Following oral peanut challenges, responses to the allergen will be evaluated using symptom scores, body temperature, plasma histamine levels, MMCP-1 release, peanut specific IgE, IgG2a, and IgG1 levels, and cytokine recall responses in splenocyte cultures. The null hypothesis in this study is that the PRR agonist used as the vaccine adjuvant will not affect the magnitude of the Th1 immune response. This study may identify the PRR agonist that best prevents anaphylaxis in mice. These results can be used to further develop peanut oral immunotherapies administered through nanoparticles by increasing their efficacy and reliability.
Staples High School Karen Thompson, Teacher
Alexander Price Project #165
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Modeling Permafrost Degradation to Estimate the Irreversibility of Runaway Climate Change
To develop a model that predicts the amount of Carbon Emissions in the future using changing environmental factors. I decided to do this because of how big a problem it is, and when I started, this problem was not getting enough press in my opinion. Got Data from mentor. Collected Permafrost degradation, and co2 data from data banks, and his research. Used excel to make simple models Combined data for model. Created habitability timeline as well as predictive model. An upward trend in carbon emissions, increasing every year. In 100 years there will be a 10.6 degree farenheit increase in global temp. The global habitability timeline will provide valuable knowledge to many researchers. If this research helps an experiment for a solution to this , then it can benefit the whole world. Not only can this timeline provide help for this field, but it can indirectly affect everyone in the world if climate change is reversed. For it to be realized, it needs to be combined with a field study.
Ridgefield High School Ryan Gleason, Teacher
Natalie Prinz Project #166
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Effect of Sea Level Rise and Salt Marsh Change on the Population of Uca pugnax
Atlantic Marsh Fiddler crabs (Uca pugnax) prefer to live in the low marsh area of salt marshes where burrowing into the ground is easier. Because of sea level rise, the low marsh area of New England marshes is becoming limited while the high marsh area is becoming wetter and therefore easier for Uca pugnax to burrow. Previous studies suggest that the Atlantic Marsh crab population is increasing, but because of changes in salt marsh ecology, it is unclear if these population trends are still occurring. The research questions being addressed in this study are 1) Is the population trend of the Atlantic Marsh Fiddler crab still occurring with respect to changing marsh ecology? And 2) How does the population of crabs compare to types of vegetation in the salt marshes? The population of crabs was sampled and the percent vegetation coverage in the sections of salt marsh where the crabs were collected was measured. The independent variable is the time period when the population of crabs was assessed and the percent vegetation coverage in each section of salt marsh where the crabs were collected. The dependent variable is the population of crabs both in total and per section. Initial data shows an increase in Uca pugnax population compared to previous years.
This study will further assess how the ecology of salt marshes is changing. It will provide insight into how organisms on New England salt marshes are reacting to increased sea level rise compared to previous years.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Siavash Raissi Project #167 Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Phenotypic Characterization of Therapeutic Macrophages using Tissue Specific Exosomes
Cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction are the most common cause of death in the West. Affecting 5 million Americans every year, it has similar mortality rates with forms of cancer. My mentor and I are proposing utilizing new forms of macrophages and the extracellular vesicles (exosomes) of mesenchymal stromal cells. Do the immunophenotypes of macrophages that are cultured with cardiac fibroblast-derived exosomes show greater properties for cardiac therapy than macrophages that cultured with BM-MSC exosomes? It is hypothesized that if a macrophage is cultured with cardiac fibroblast-derived exosomes, then the immunophenotype will house more properties for cardiac therapy than macrophages cultured with BM-MSC derived exosomes. Types of exosomes will serve as the independent variable, while the immunophenotypes of the macrophages will serve as the dependent variable. A series of tests will be done on both groups of cells, to determine the properties of their immunophenotype. Data from the Magpix and qPCR findings will be analyzed for properties that suggest cardiac repair and regeneration. This procedure will be repeated, but with bone marrow MSC exosomes rather than CF exosomes. There is an expectation for a greater expression of genes that suggest repair and regeneration of cardiac cells within the CF-derived exosome macrophages rather than BM-MSC macrophages. With data confirming the therapeutic properties of these macrophages, knowledge of these properties can be utilized to synthetically create anti-inflammatory and regenerative medications addressing cardio-repair. Data will also be utilized in a larger project where the effectiveness of different macrophages be finally put into practice.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Amit Ramachandran Project #168
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Simple Gold Nanoparticle-based Colorimetric Detection of Escherichia coli in a Tap Water Matrix via Microfluidic Chip Assay
Escherichia coli O157:H7, a toxin-producing bacteria, threatens global health and food safety. A need for a rapid E. coli detection is present in the world today, especially in underdeveloped countries with higher rates of contamination. Current total coliform count methods require specialized conditions, take hours to yield results, and create hazardous waste. This research investigates the application of a rapid method involving colorimetric detection, based upon aggregation properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Naturally red citrate-capped AuNPs will aggregate and turn blue when exposed to a strong base, as the positive cations will bind to the negative citrates; E. coli blocks this reaction. Ratios of E. coli:AuNPs in a tap water matrix, as well as concentration for the base used (NaOH), were determined through optimization studies. Since the aggregation of AuNPs relies on it being in solution, a paper test strip is not viable. Instead, for commercial use, a kit comes packaged with a microfluidic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chip, nanoparticles, a pre-measured syringe, and NaOH pellets. Through optimization studies, a ratio of 2:1 AuNPs to E. coli, as well as a 0.25M concentration of NaOH, were determined to produce optimal color change. Through confirmation studies, it was determined that the microfluidic chip assay has negligible interference with the detection method. The detection method has potential to be mass-produced for very low cost, yields results in seconds, and is non-hazardous to dispose of, as the NaOH kills the E. coli during the testing procedure.
Greenwich High School Andrew Bramante, Teacher
Hannah Rappaport Project #169
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
The Effect of Misophonia on Selective Attention Control
Misophonia is a newly-recognized disorder where sufferers react to specific trigger sounds in a similar way to the 'fight or flight' response. This study examined whether these reactions stem from deficiencies in attention control or conditioning as for danger sounds. It was hypothesized that misophonics and control participants would perform equally well in attention tasks and that misophonic participants would have similar reactions between trigger and danger sounds. Selective auditory attention was tested with one baseline trial where participants listened to a passage and no other sounds and three trials with a sound set (control, danger, or trigger) and a passage. Participants were told to focus on the passage. The Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) measured emotional arousal. Questions about the passage and sound sets were asked. Attention control was measured through standardized scoring of WIAT listening comprehension tests (attention to the passage) and analysis of the sound questionnaires (attention to the sounds). The GSR was used as another proxy of attention and emotional reaction to the sounds. Projected results may show that misophonic participants had similar attention control to the control participants and reacted similarly between their trigger sound trials and danger sound trials of all participants. If it is shown that misophonics do not have a deficit in attention control or salience, other roots of misophonia should be researched. As approved therapy methods for misophonia are lacking, this study may contribute to knowledge on the basis of misophonia with the goal of developing more targeted therapy methods.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Molly Hellman Project #170
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medicine
For a long time it was thought that mammals were the only animals that used mastication to catalyze the digestion of prey. Recently it was discovered that the Potamotrygon Motoro, a species of stingray also uses mastication to digest prey Paralichthys, a closely related species to the Potamotrygon Motoro, with similar diets and behavior may also use mastication. Do Paralichthys use mastication to digest prey? In a regulated environment, as the amount of chitin in the exoskeleton of the prey increases, the length and amount of Paralichthys mastication will also increase. To test this hypothesis, purchase Paralichthys from an aquarium, and allow them to acclimate for 2-3 hours to a regulated stimulation tank, with realistic habitat features. Various levels of chitinous prey and ventral, lateral, and frontal camera views to record their digestion process. After the video is processed, film will be analyzed to count the amount of any mastication done for each variation of prey. It is expected that as the concentration of chitin in the marine arthropods increase, the length and amount of mastication done by Paralichthys will also increase. To analyze the data, film will be processed into one computer, where it can be analyzed for chewing motions and mastication behaviors. This study is important to the evolution of marine animals. By knowing the mechanics of their digestion, scientists will gain a deeper understanding of prey behavior and marine evolution. Its results point to the problem of how these marine mammals evolved into using mastication during digestion.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Arushi Samal Project #171
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
The Effect of Nerves on Regulation of Cardiomyocyte Proliferation and Heart Regeneration in Adult and Embryonic Zebrafish
Heart failure affects nearly 6 million individuals in the United States. Currently, the treatments for heart failure do not mend the damaged tissue, but rather try to reduce the many side effects of heart failure. The reason there are no treatments that directly target the cardiomyocytes, muscle cells of the heart, is that once the cardiomyocytes are damaged, the human heart does not have the ability to regenerate this tissue. An organism that has tremendous regenerative ability is the zebrafish. After injury, adult zebrafish have the ability to regenerate cardiomyocytes in order to restore previous cardiac efficiency. In previous studies, nerves have been proven vital to this regenerative ability. The objective of this experiment is to determine whether zebrafish in the embryonic stage are better suited for cardiac regeneration than adult zebrafish. This will be done by inhibiting nerve function in one group of zebrafish with atropine, a known agent that restricts nerve function, while not disturbing nerve function in another group, in both adult and embryonic zebrafish. The process of regeneration will be observed in both groups by using acetylated-alpha tubulin staining and acid-fuchsin orange staining to specifically study the nerves and regenerated tissue. It is expected that in both embryonic and adult zebrafish, nerves are essential for regeneration to occur, however, in embryonic zebrafish the regeneration will be more successful. Studying zebrafish may provide insights into possible future treatment options for humans.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Anika Satish Project #172
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
The Effect of Insomnia on Declarative and Nondeclarative Memory Consolidation in Children
Healthy sleep is necessary for optimal mental and physical function. In the critical childhood development stage, healthy sleep is especially important for memory. The motivation of this study is to find the correlation between childhood insomnia and both declarative and nondeclarative memory consolidation. This research could lead us to further understand insomnia and its effects on memory. This study hypothesizes that if insomnia is present in childhood, then declarative memory will be impacted more negatively than nondeclarative memory. The techniques that will be used in this experiment are the Alternating Serial Reaction Time (ASRT) task to measure nondeclarative memory and the story recall task to measure declarative memory. The control group will consist of 20 children ages 6-11 not affected by any disorders, and the variable group will consist of 20 children ages 6-11 diagnosed with insomnia. The study is predicted to find the control group to have an easier time with the story recall task, and little difference in the data for the ASRT task. This research could lead to figuring out how other sleep disorders affect the brain and memory consolidation. It could also lead to figuring out the impact of childhood sleep disorders on memory at an older age, and how it relates to diseases regarding memory.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Peter Savelyev Project #173
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Effectiveness and Feasibility of Different Biodegradable Plastic Replacements in Water Containers
Biodegradable materials have been recently investigated in replacing conventional - petroleum based plastics due to its effect on the environment. Normal plastics release toxins and effectively become rampant waste that can harm plants and animals through pollution. The independent variable was the type of biodegradable plastic for the replacement: plastic dog waste bags, plastic containment bags, water balloons, and 3d printing filament. The dependant variable was effectiveness of the water container. This was measured by pH of the water using pH testing strips, TDS of water, quantity of the water in ml, and observing any change in physical characteristics in the container over time; The control was the original plastic container. I tested the effectiveness every day by cutting/molding each plastic so it’s max capacity was 400 ml and then putting 250 ml of water in each type of bottle. I monitored them over a period of 3 weeks. The containers were created by 3d printing, molding/shaping, and utilizing the unchanged material. It was hypothesized that the most effective biodegradable version of a standard container would be the one made out of 3d printing filament because it was closest to a normal container in texture and flexibility (physically the closest). A conclusion to this experiment can be used to determine which biodegradable plastic can better serve as an alternative to any conventional water container. This may lead to better environmental awareness in companies and people that use and/or produce standard water containers and in turn helping the environment.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Summer Schaaf Project #174
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
Does Anxiety Interfere with School Activities?
Anxiety is known as a feeling of fear, nervousness, or worrying about a certain situation that is currently happening or that may happen in the future. In this study, anxiety in children from 6-16 years old will be assessed to how it interferes with school activities. It is hypothesized that the more anxiety a child reports or feels, the less likely they will be to participate in class, perform well on tests, and socialize with their peers. Participants took surveys entitled, the “CAIS-C” and the “MASC”. Data from a preexisting study will be analyzed in this study. In the CAIS-C, the children were asked how much trouble they have had doing certain activities because of anxiety. In the MASC survey, the children are given 50 statements and the children must state how true the statement is about themselves. Participants took surveys entitled, the “CAIS-C” and the “MASC”. Data provided in a preexisting study will be analyzed in this study. In the CAIS-C, the children were asked how much trouble they have had doing certain activities because of anxiety. In the MASC survey participants are given statements and they must state how true the statement is about themselves. During the school day, children participate in a variety of activities, such as riding the bus to school and taking tests.Anxiety interferes with how a child operates and this study allows a better understanding of how anxiety interferes with school activities by using and comparing the “CAIS-C” and the “MASC” surveys.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Sarah Scheck Project #175
Research Proposal, Engineering, Physical Science
Evaporation Driven Engine
The evaporation driven engine to produce electricity has the ability to harness energy from a water source. Ozgur Sahin made this discovery at the University of Columbia in 2015. He began to propose different variables that would affect the engine’s productivity. The motivation for this project is to study the machine in a saltwater environment, which is more accessible than freshwater, and would be more accurate for real world situations. The machine works by opening and closing shutters that spores can expand and contract on, which produces the energy. The generator will be tested in water with different levels of salinity and in different climates to show its potential in becoming a clean energy source. With the completion of this experiment, it is expected that the evaporation driven engine will be just as efficient in producing electricity in salt water as it is in fresh water. There are many implications of the success of the generator. Salt water is more plentiful than freshwater, and using saltwater over freshwater would preserve the limited freshwater resources.
Ridgefield High School Patrick Hughes, Teacher
Lana Schmidt Project #176
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
The Influence of Coral Reef Geometry on effects of Ocean Acidification
Increase in coral bleaching and ocean acidification lead to a rapid decline of coral growth. Corals are an ecosystem that has widespread effects on people around the world. Corals need rapid growth in order to adapt to the warmer temperatures and the decrease in pH. Ocean acidification lowers the aragonite saturation, which prevents the corals' absorption of the proper ions to produce their calcium chlorate skeleton. In the presence of ocean acidification, corals cannot grow fast enough, which hinders their ability to adapt. Decrease of aragonite saturation within linear reef ecosystems has been proven to be caused by the rise in CO2 imbalances from photosynthesis to respiration and calcification upstream. From these three main causes of aragonite saturation decrease; the hydrological cycle, photosynthesis and respiration, and calcification, the Apo Reef will be influenced by the same drivers as the linear reef. The Apo reef is circular, contrary to the linear reefs in previous tests, but photosynthesis/respiration and calcification will cause a significant decrease in saturation as the water travels into the reef. Measurements are taken of the AT, alkalinity, and the CT, dissolved carbon in spots along the reef and the AT and CT will be assigned to the driving factors. This data will determine what factors have the largest impact on the decline of aragonite saturation in the Apo Reef. This information will help to create steps to improve the health of the corals and determine if ocean acidification engages with different shapes of reefs in unique ways.
Darien High School Guy Pratt, Teacher
Peter Scully Project #177
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Designing an Online Study Resource for High School Students
High schoolers often prefer to use digital resources to help them in their studies, creating the need for an online study aid that is engaging and instructional. This project aims to provide an answer to this need by giving educators and students a unique and free online resource that they can use to make or play highly engaging and educational games. The website provides students and educators with several game templates to introduce the educational aspect into, unlike other websites with pre-made lessons or just one format. It was made using Javascript, HTML, and CSS. Its efficacy was measured when, at their homes, freshmen in Geometry at Amity Regional High School took a pretest on mathematical bases, used the program to learn about them, and, finally, took a survey and post-test. The resource will be considered successful if there is an average increase in scores from the pretest to the post-test of 50% or more and if the majority of feedback is positive on both open-ended and close-ended responses. Projected results are an increase in scores by 60%, 70% of the close-ended responses being positive, and the majority of feedback on open-ended questions being positive. The website is available to any instructor or user to facilitate learning and make it more engaging.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Lucie Scura Project #178
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
Biodegradation of Polyester Polyurethane by Endophytic Fungi
As of 2006, 245 million tons of plastic has been produced, and though the persistent pollution issues are becoming progressively well known, the global plastic demand has increased more than 150-fold. In an effort to identify new organisms with novel metabolic capabilities for polymer degradation, an effort is going to be made to explore the biological and chemical diversity of endophytes. A subset of these organisms is going to be screened for their ability to degrade polyester (PES). The organisms will then be observed on their ability to efficiently degrade PER in both liquid and solid suspensions. Then in these same suspensions, they will be placed in aerobic and anaerobic conditions and PER will be suspended in only water to ensure that PER will be the sole source of carbon growth. It is hypothesized that the ability of these microorganisms to degrade polymers as complex as lignocellulose would suggest that these organisms are able to biodegrade polyester in aerobic and anaerobic conditions and will be able to use PES as a sole carbon source. The studies are predicted to find that endophytes will successfully biodegrade polyester in these various conditions. The implications of this study could help to find out how endophytes biodegrade other forms of plastic.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Jacob Silbert Project #179
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
Impact Of Multisensory Perception on Reaction Time
Multiple senses can coordinate to process a simple situation. One study conducted at UCLA found that when sound was associated with the movement of dots, the participants were able to better identify the direction in which the dots moved. Similarly, the goal of this experiment is to determine how the removal or addition of a sense affects one's reaction time. There will be five groups of five participants each. All participants will be high school students, and each will attempt to catch a dropped ruler. The independent variable will be the sense removed with each trial: sight, sound, or neither. The dependent variable will be the participant's reaction time, measured by the ruler. Each participant will perform three trials for each of the sensory conditions. The results of this experiment will be recorded in a data table. Statistical tests will be performed to analyze the data. The hypothesis is that the removal of a sense will result in slower reaction times. If the trials in which participants use both sight and hearing produce a quicker reaction time compared to when participants use only one of the two, then the hypothesis will be supported. The information gained from this experiment could help to better understand the impact of individual senses on a multi-sensory situation. Driving, for example, requires a person to pay attention to visual and auditory cues. This information could be applied to a situation like driving and would help to emphasize the importance of total alertness while behind the wheel.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Hunter Sims Project #180
Research Proposal, Science, Behavioral
The Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Adolescents
Recently, the Ridgefield Public Schools board of education made a controversial decision to delay school start times. They claim the choice was inspired, at least partially, by scientific studies that show later school start times and more sleep result in cognitive and psychological benefits to students. This study aims to find a number of links between the number of hours a student sleeps each night and certain aspects such as positive and negative affect, academic performance, after-school activities, etc. Data will be collected via surveys of Ridgefield High School students. The data collected will then be closely analyzed to draw conclusions from. Results are expected to show that most students do not receive an adequate amount of sleep, especially those who participate in afterschool activities. Those who sleep the least will exhibit poorer academic performance as well as an increase in negative affect and decrease in positive affect. As far as changing school start times goes, it is predicted that those who participate in more after-school activities will be opposed to changing to a later time regardless of the fact that they receive less sleep than most. The information collected in this study could provide more evidence for why school start times should or shouldn't be delayed. Furthermore, the study could quantify sleep deprivation in terms of how it affects academic performance and affect.
Ridgefield High School Ryan Gleason, Teacher
Ethan Skuches Project #181
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
The Analysis of Crotalus atrox Venom as a Functional Tumor Growth Suppressant
Cancerous tumors kill more than half a million people every year in the United States alone. Treating cases with the venom of Crotalus atrox applied directly into the tumor has the ability to bring a treatment strategy for cancerous tumors and can enable cancer patients to be forced into remission without the discomforts of chemotherapy, while being equally as effective. Trials will be conducted at the initial growth start time of the yeast cells, halfway through growth at the 10 minute mark, and at the final growth stage after 20 minutes. In each trial there will be three different testings and applications of western diamondback rattlesnake venom through manual pipetting. Cortisone will be applied to battle inflammation in the cells and a 2% Methylene Blue solution will be used to distinguish live from dead cells.
Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Science and Technology Education Center Kirk Shadle, Teacher
Abigail Slanski Project #182
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Simulating the Chemical Structures in Atomic Details for Photo-Responsive Polymeric Hollow Nanospheres using Force Field Molecular Dynamics
Recently, a new type of photo-deformable hollow nanospheres was fabricated using poly(acrylonitrile)-stat-poly(4-vinyl-pyridine) (PAN-stat-P4VP) bound with metanil yellow (MY) dyes through self-assembly. These have gained attention in the biomedical world for their use in drug delivery and their unique photoresponsive properties.. In order to use these nanospheres effectively, the detailed chemical structure of the nanospheres must be known. However, an accurate, representative model has yet to be made. This project aims to create a model of PAN-stat-P4VP/MY nanospheres using different softwares. Avogadro will be used to build the nanospheres on an atomic level, and Visual Molecular Dynamics (VMD) will simulate an aqueous environment around them. This structure will then be run through NAMD2, a force field molecular dynamics software, to calculate the movement and location of each atom in the nanosphere based on molecular force-field parameters. The output from the simulation will be an accurate description of the three dimensional chemical structure of the PAN-stat-P4VP/MY nanospheres. The structure shows the relative location of polymer chains, the bound organic dye molecules, and the location of water molecules inside or surrounding the nanospheres. This simulation will be important to future studies using PAN-stat-P4VP/MY nanospheres for drug delivery. It will provide insights on explaining the mechanism of photo-deformation of the nanospheres. The structure will provide insights on which location in nanospheres is optimal for attaching a drug molecule.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Niels Sogaard Project #183
Research Proposal, Science, Physical Science
Sabatier Reaction
Currently the world has a problem with pollution and an upcoming problem with energy generation after fossil fuels have depleted. Due to some recent compeling research, it is now possible to fix two problems with a cell that converts CO 2 and hydrogen into water and methane for use as fuel. This experiment is done by introducing 4H2 and CO 2 into an environment together in the presence of a catalyst (Nickel for instance), and through the process of hydrogenation of the CO 2. The process results in the creation of Water and Methane. This Methane can be later used a fuel. This research could lead to more eco- friendly fuel with the additional benefit of removing CO 2 from the atmosphere. I expect that the resulting material can be used as a fuel (However when it is burned it still produces CO 2) that is renewable as long as a reliable source of CO 2 and H2 is given. This research could lead to more eco-friendly fuel with the additional benefit of removing CO 2 from the atmosphere. I expect that the resulting material can be used as a fuel (However when it is burned it still produces CO 2) that is renewable as long as a reliable source of CO 2 and H2 is given.
Ridgefield High School Patrick Hughes, Teacher
Christian Spallone Project #184
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
Analysis of the Public's Understanding of Meteorological Graphics
The general public lacks adequate understanding of meteorological graphics which display important information needed to prepare for potentially dangerous weather events. It is essential to learn the public's gaps in knowledge and decide the best approach to improving their understanding. This will enable them to properly plan in advance of an occurrence. Understanding of the public's knowledge will be modeled by a survey that tests the participants on their comprehension of various meteorological graphics. The survey will include questions regarding their opinions on the products. The proposed research will give scientists a better idea of the public's perception of the graphics created by meteorological organizations. It will pinpoint areas where graphics can be improved and how this could affect the actions someone takes to protect themselves from a storm as a result. Analyzing these gaps will allow for a reevaluation and revamping of the graphics in order to produce a more public friendly product. The widespread use of this type of visual would allow people to understand and prepare accordingly for dangerous weather events that pose a threat to their area, therefore saving lives.
Ridgefield High School Ryan Gleason, Teacher
Lucas Stone Project #185
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
Testing for Optimal Reduction of Fossil Fuel Use in the United States
Temperatures have increased by 0.8% since 1880, and two thirds of that increase since 1975 (NASA). This increase in temperature can be widely attributed to the use of fossil fuels. In 2016, 64.2% of all energy generated in the USA was from coal and natural gas. In order to decrease the carbon dioxide emissions, different fuel sources would be needed. There are multiple different sectors in carbon dioxide emissions. An algorithm will be created to test how much carbon dioxide should be removed from the commercial, electrical, residential, industrial and transportation, and what form of energy would replace it to get an optimal reduction. The algorithm will be based off of data from the US energy information, as well as information on the different forms of energies uses. The algorithm will produce a result that shows the optimal amount of each type of clean energy that should be used in each sector to bring the carbon dioxide emission down by 5%. This data that is produced could then be set into motion in order to reduce the world's carbon footprint, and allow for the global temperature to decrease. This could then allow for the water levels to lower, and the decrease of extreme weather.
Staples High School Karen Thompson, Teacher
Allison Su Project #186
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Utilizing Plant Fertilizers to Expedite Microalgae Growth for a More Viable Approach to Biofuel Production
The aim is expediting microalgae growth using nitrogen, phosphate, and potash fertilizers to make algal biofuel production more viable. Microalgae are rich in lipids that can be separated and used for fuel in the form of biodiesel. To grow algae, arable land does not have to be used; however, the process is currently unviable and unmarketable. Microalgae was collected in bowls and filtered through a 150-Micron Filter Bag. There were five bowls per group, three experimental groups with 46-0-0, 0-0-50, or 0-46-0 Fertilizer, and a control group with no fertilizer. Fertilizer was added twice per week for two weeks, then thrice per week for three weeks. Growth was measured every 24 hours using the quadrat method. The lipids were extracted with an expeller press and analyzed. Data was compared using a table and line graph on Google Spreadsheets to represent algal growth. The bar graph was used to compare the amount of lipids. Statistical analysis determines if any of the fertilizers produced a significantly greater amount of oil. Projected results are that potassium fertilizer will make algae grow the fastest and have the highest oil content after eight weeks. Potassium fertilizer is necessary for a viable approach to biofuel production. A better energy source, like biofuel, is vital as other resources, like fossil fuels, dwindle. Maximizing algal biofuel production with fertilizer means lowering production cost and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Energy resources would decrease at a slower rate and environmental health would be improved.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Neha Sudhir Project #187
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Analyzing Determinants of Heart Attack Recurrence using Health Related Behavior Patterns
Studies have found people who have had heart attacks in the past are likely to suffer recurrence. However, there are no studies that look into the extent to which behavior could contribute to recurrence, such as taking prescribed heart medication or maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine. This study will investigate patient habits to find the relative importance of these habits after a heart attack. This will be done by studying habits in a nationally representative sample of people who suffer from heart disease. The independent variable is whether the subject of the survey has had a heart attack in the past. The dependent variable is behavior regarding heart health. It is hypothesized that people who have suffered from heart attacks will not make healthier choices for heart health than those who have not. Participants from 2016 NHIS were divided into groups based on heart attack occurrence. Difference in behavioral patterns between groups was computed based on the aforementioned risk factors, such as diet and exercise routine, as well as smoking habits and compliance to prescribed medication. The exact method of analysis will be determined after a detailed look at how the data for each relevant variable is presented in the NHIS database. The results of this study could speak to what can be done to educate survivors of heart attacks on how to prevent recurrence, which they will be at risk for for the rest of their lives.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
David Sugarmann Project #188
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Effect of Soil Type on the Erosion Rates of Natural Soils
Soil erosion is a substantial problem because it can cause pollution of streams, rivers, and lakes, and affect our ability to grow crops. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of some natural soils that affect their susceptibility to erosion. The question to be investigated was, “What are the general properties of soil that affect their erosion rates.” To find the answer to this question, groups of natural soils with clay, silt, sand, and plant matter were exposed to a measured volume of water applied over a fixed duration of time. The independent variable was the type of soil being used. The dependent variable was the amount of erosion that occurs during each trial. The amount of erosion of soil was measured using the runoff plot method. This method most accurately measured erosion. The experiment was done in a lab in order to minimize the amount of error that occurs in the experiment. It was hypothesized that the least amount of soil erosion would occur when the plant debris are covering the soil. It was also hypothesized that the clay in the soil sample would decrease erosion because clay limits the amount of water movement within the soil. The results from this study may help scientists predict the locations of severe soil erosion. With this information, they would be able to implement erosion prevention techniques in these locations. The data was tested to see if it has statistical significance.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Joseph Sugarmann Project #189 Christina Lee
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
The Effect of Heart Rate on the Prevalence of Symptoms in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an incurable autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. There are two main types: Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Both can lead to diarrhea, joint pain, weight loss, and stunted growth in children. Past studies show that patients with IBD may experience benefits from exercise including reduced symptoms. "Does a short-term increase in heart rate affect symptoms in patients with IBD?" We expected a short-term rise in heart rate to not cause an increase in IBD symptoms. The independent variable is one's heart rate, and the dependent variable is the severity of one's IBD symptoms as measured by a questionnaire. We obtained consent from adult patients with IBD and in clinical remission. The control group did not have IBD. Prior to and immediately following exercise, participants completed a modified version of the Short Quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ) and had their resting heart rate measured. The SIBDQ was modified by us to better fit the needs of our experiment. Study subjects ran/walked on a treadmill for 30 minutes under the constant supervision of our mentor. A fitbit worn on the wrist was used to monitor each participant's heart rate throughout the experiment. Participants could slow down or stop entirely if they felt exercise was too difficult or painful.We measured participants' heart rates immediately after exercise. Thereafter, participants filled out a modified SIBDQ similar to before exercise to determine changes in symptoms. Data was recorded and statistically analyzed for possible trends.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Christian Chen Project #190
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Effect of Tilling Depth on Soybean Plant Growth
Tilling is a practice that mixes soil to allow better seed deposition and nutrient distribution. However, tilling has been found to cut fungal relationships in soil, lowering plant health. How does tilling depth affect plant growth? The purpose was to discover the possible relationship between the two variables, and there was interest in the possible discovery of an optimal tilling depth. Sixteen soybean plants were cultivated into seedlings. A fork was used to till at depths of 0 cm (control group), 1 cm, 3 cm, and 5 cm, as tilling depth was the independent variable. The dependent variable was soybean plant height, which was recorded weekly for 8 weeks. It was calculated by collectively averaging the heights of the plants within each experimental group. When tilling depths were increased in the vicinity of the plants, plant growth decreased. Throughout the experiment, less tilling yielded a greater growth rate and final height. Data was put into Google Sheets in the form of a data table and graph. The results were analyzed and compared to determine the possible association, and the most effective tilling depth was revealed. Results were used to find if different methods of tilling will yield healthier crops, and agricultural industry, as well as the local farmer could adopt different tilling depths to improve crop output. The experiment could provide necessary, informative results that could reveal an optimal tilling depth and possible interactions within soil, which would be based on the heights of the plants that share a tray.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Alexandra Swift Project #191
Completed Project, Science, Physical Science
The Bioaccumulation of Methylmercury in Atlantic Silversides
Atlantic silversides are a key foraging species in coastal bays along the North Atlantic from Florida to the Magdalen Islands, Canada. These fish are prey to piscivorous fish such as tunas, sharks, and other fish commonly caught in the Long Island Sound. Methylmercury accumulates at high concentrations in these marine predators, and through bioaccumulation, humans can end up attaining these methylmercury concentrations by eating fish. Growth is a known factor of methylmercury bioaccumulation in fish; however, this relationship has not been supported by empirical data thus far. Hence why it is difficult to quantify the significance of growth on the process of methylmercury bioaccumulation. Fish are caught in Mumford Cove in Groton, CT, as research is already being carried out here, and scientists are attempting to make it a model base for research. Atlantic silversides produce daily rings on their otoliths, which are 3 small calcareous ear bones that help to sense gravity and movement. Otoliths are used to determine the fish's growth rate, which is then compared to the fish's methylmercury concentration. Methylmercury concentrations and growth rates of juvenile Atlantic silversides are inversely correlated. Otolith-based growth rates and total mercury--a proxy of methylmercury--are useful in demonstrating the relationship between growth and methylmercury bioaccumulation. Furthermore, juvenile Atlantic silversides that grow at a faster rate accumulate less methylmercury in comparison to their slower growing counterparts. This research will be useful in protecting humans, and the ecosystem, from the harmful effects of mercury.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Jack Tajmajer Project #192
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Regulatory Mutations in the PAX6 Locus as Pathogenic Lesions in Aniridia
Aniridia, a congenital eye disorder, causes compromised vision and other complications. Aniridia is monogenic and caused by abnormalities in the PAX6 region. This study investigated where, when, and how mutations impact PAX6 expression. It was hypothesized that mutations would affect PAX6 expression and the differentiation of these cells. The CRE reporter transgenic gene lines were crossed to zebrafish gene lines bearing fluorescent reporter gene cassettes to visually mark stages of differentiation of the embryonic eye. The dual color zebrafish reporter transgenic assay enabled the injection of the CRE cassette into a zebrafish genome. I am analyzing data once it has all been collected, and providing input on the setup. Measurements were recorded using genome editing, live imaging, and raw data. The genome editing generated mouse embryonic stem cells harboring these human mutations. Live imaging showed the effect of Aniridia-associated mutations on their function, which is the control, and this was compared to the zebrafish embryos. The size of the mutation was measured using imaging software to view growth, while the forming, or failure to form, of structures was seen using the naked eye. They experienced live imaging from 18 hours post fertilization to 5 days post fertilization for accurate results. The impact mutations had on the development or function of PAX6-associated genes was determined. Aniridia-associated CRE mutations were deemed pathogenic by their effects on PAX6 expression and embryonic eye development. Discerning between pathogenic and non-pathogenic CRE variants enhances the understanding of Aniridia and enables diagnosis and genetic counselling for patients.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Jory Teltser Project #193
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
Study on the Effect of Weather Patterns and Events on the Nocturnal Migration of Birds
The goal of this experiment is to determine the weather conditions in which birds move in large numbers in coastal Southwestern Connecticut during nocturnal migration. It is predicted that a period of sustained strong southwesterly winds followed by a cold front in the spring will produce the highest concentration of movement. In the fall, the same conditions but with a period of sustained strong northwesterly winds followed by a warm front will also produce the largest movements of birds. One study tracked the bird flights in multiple coastal locations in the Northeast. The researchers did so in an effort to understand how topography, winds, and the size of the migration movement affect morning flight (defined as the visible migration carried over from nocturnal movements in the very early morning) (Van Doren et al., 2014). There has also been review done on the significance of research in the field (Farnsworth, 2005). The hope is that the knowledge of which weather conditions produce large movements of birds can help predict when such movements will occur. It was found that the hypothesis was proven correct. The favorable nights of migration for nocturnally migrating birds were nights with wind direction at birds' backs, with low cloud ceiling and little to none precipitation. More accurate measurements of these windows can help in the preservation and protection of birds in the Northeast, as well as across the country, specifically those threatened by extinction.
Staples High School Karen Thompson, Teacher
Keri Tenerowicz Project #194
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Assessment of Cation Competition on the Effectiveness of Paramagnetic Lanthanides as Shift Agents for Sodium-23 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
One of the characteristics of a healthy, viable cell is the ability for it to maintain a strong sodium gradient. However, calcium may interfere with this gradient, disrupting the function of the body. To see the condition of the gradient non-invasively, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) is used. Through in-vitro experiments, the competitiveness of calcium versus sodium to form bonds with TmDTOP 5-, a substance used in NMR measurements, will be determined. Samples will be created in the lab to simulate conditions of the gradient inside the body and studied using NMR. They will be kept the same, apart from the presence of calcium. The independent variable will be the cation, calcium with or without the sodium, and the dependent variable will be how both cations act in the presence of TmDOTP 5-. There is currently no control in this experiment. It is hypothesized that calcium will be the more competitive cation due to its higher electronegativity. Measurements of the samples will show the frequencies of sodium, and the peaks will represent the sodium ions that formed bonds with TmDOTP 5- and those that did not. These peaks will be analyzed to determine the response of sodium to TmDOTP 5- with and without the calcium. I will be creating some of the samples, taking scans using NMR, and analyzing the graphs. Often in diseases, the sodium gradient is not maintained as well, and its weakening can be indicative of a pathology well before many other symptoms are detectable. Thus, to detect a disease as early on as possible, it would be beneficial to confirm the state of the gradient. The results of this study will be useful in diagnosing diseases earlier through a non-invasive method.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Aman Thombre Project #195
Completed Project, Science, Physical Science
Expanding the Materials Genome of Dielectric Materials Through Polyureas
A dielectric material is an insulating material that can be polarized. Dielectrics make up capacitors, which are used in renewable energy and pulsed power applications. The overall objective of this project is to find whether calculated and experimental electrical properties of dielectric materials match. My more specific objective is to see if a large dipole moment and having high aromaticity will yield desired properties, such as a high dielectric constant and thermal stability. To test this, different polyureas will be synthesized and analyzed to find their properties. In order to make the materials, polyureas will be synthesized and then characterized using condensation polymerization techniques. Then, using spin coating and doctor blade techniques, films will be casted. These films will then be analyzed through classical polymer characterization techniques as well as electrical measurements. Condensation polymerisation techniques include: TGA (sees whether condensation polymerization is complete), DSC (glass transition, degradation, melting and crystallisation temperatures), GPC (molecular weight) and IR spectroscopy (types of bonds present). Electrical measurements include: TDDS, breakdown measurements and UV-Vis (bandgap). TDDS and breakdown measurements will aid in determining the energy density of the material. Using this data, the experimental and calculated properties of the dielectric materials can be compared. Using the gathered data, this project aims to improve the current computational model for calculating properties of dielectrics. This project also aims to find out whether high dipole moment and aromaticity will yield desirable properties of dielectrics. With this information, it will be possible to identify monomers that can yield dielectric materials with desirable properties. This will allow us to potentially find novel dielectrics.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Anthony Tom Project #196
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Based on Native Tissue Fluorescence Using Wide-Field Multispectral Fluorescence Imaging
In the United States, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for women. As with most cancer, early detection is important. Currently, the only way to determine malignancy is a biopsy with histopathological analysis. The current methods for a biopsy are invasive, time-consuming, and depend on the judgement of the pathologist. An alternative is fluorescence spectroscopy. This is non-invasive, quick, and can quantify properties of the tissue for more accurate diagnosis. Concentrations of various metabolites, such as reduced NADH and FAD, change as cancer develops due to the change in the level of metabolism. This means fluorescence can be used to determine those changes and the tissue's malignancy. In this proposed study, a fluorescence microscope obtained multispectral fluorescence images of the fixed tissue specimens embedded in paraffin. From those images, multivariate analysis method analyzed the data and classified the samples' redox ratios. The results will be compared with those using other analysis methods. It was hypothesized that once the fluorescence of cancerous and normal tissue cells is measured, relative concentrations of different fluorophores can be retrieved, and changes in the chemical composition of the fluorophores and redox ratios may be detected. This study sought to identify clear differences between the key fluorophores in paraffin embedded cancerous and normal breast tissue using the multispectral imaging with a wide field fluorescence microscope. This allowed for identification of tissue as cancerous more efficiently than current histopathological techniques. In the future, in vivo techniques will be developed for medical uses.
Amity Regional High School Day Deborah, Teacher
Evan Tong Project #197
Research Proposal, Science, Physical Science
A Method of Refining the Estimated Semi-Major Axes of Kuiper Belt Objects
Recently, a ninth planet has been proposed to explain the behavior of some Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) as a result of their orbital clustering. Through observing and simulating the behavior of several Kuiper Belt Objects, the possible location of a hypothetical Planet 9 has also been reduced. However, there is a degree of uncertainty in the orbits of some KBOs due to limits in observation and resonances. The objective of this project is to use a method of simulation to further reduce the probable semi-major axes of KBOs. By using known positions of the KBOs and a simulation model, the predictions of the semi- major axes of the KBOs can be further refined. The simulation will utilize multiplexing, where six clones of each KBO are made in a computer program, with differing semi- major axis lengths for each. One variant of each KBO will then be input into a n-body simulation of the solar system and simulated for 1 billion years.. Trials will be conducted with the consideration of current proposals for a Planet 9 and without. The results for each combination will then be judged on several criteria, such as the length of time that the system remained stable, and the fidelity of the KBO models to their observed behavior. This could provide more accurate data about the KBOs input into the simulation. This study could assist in locating Planet 9, if it exists, or providing evidence that Planet 9 does not exist.
Darien High School Guy Pratt, Teacher
Davis Tuzinkiewicz Project #198
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
Regeneration of Tails in Carolina Anole Lizards
This experiment will provide information on the mechanisms of regrowth of lizard tails; specifically of the species of lizard, Anolis carolinensis. Lizards are able to regenerate tails after a severe injury resulting in amputation. It is hypothesized that if the tails of lizards are medically amputated the individual's body will respond with a combination of unspecialized cells and expedited cell growth of the affected region in order to regenerate ones tail. A lizard will be captured then amputated under close supervision of multiple cameras and devices to measure the regeneration of the arm over a length of time. Computer programs will allow the data to be quantified. The results of the experiment will show what mechanisms are used to regrow the tail. It is likely that the regeneration of a lizard’s tail will share many evolutionary mechanisms as closing an open wound. The process and chronological order of regeneration will be revealed through the study. Once completed, the results will be analyzed in order to determine if there are any implications regarding limb regeneration of amputees in human subjects. If results show a correlation with current human stem cell research there will be changes in the process to obtain stem cells from undeveloped human fetuses.
Darien High School Guy Pratt, Teacher
Katelin Ulmer Project #199 Grace Flanagan
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
A Tale of Two Schools: Ant Biodiversity of Urban and Suburban School Campuses
Arthropods are excellent candidates for studying the effects of urbanization. Ants in particular, perform a wide range of ecosystem services and thus serve as important bioindicators of ecological change. Given their short generational timeframe, ants respond quickly to environmental change. Moreover, ants are abundant, highly diverse, and easy to collect and identify. Because of their role as essential ecosystem engineers, ants are excellent ecological indicators of the effects of urbanization on biological diversity. Ants will be collected at each urban and suburban site and the process of DNA barcoding will be applied for identifying the ants. This process involves extracting the DNA, amplifying it using PCR, confirming the amplification process through gel electrophoresis, and then sequencing the PCR products. It is hypothesized that the urban school campus will have less biodiversity than the suburban school campus due to the disturbance of natural habitat in an urban setting. Previous studies have hypothesized that in disturbed habitats there will be less ant-mediated nutrient redistribution and a homogenization of diversity may occur. Thus, ant species diversity may be suffering at the hands of urbanization. Alternative studies, however, have additionally argued that the biodiversity of ants can, in fact, be greater in an urban setting due to species importation, favorable habitats, an abundance of crumbs and other food resources. For many native species, urban habitats may actually be more attractive, for they provide easier access to water and food resources, warmer temperatures in the winter, and often fewer predators. Controversy on this topic has sparked interest and debate among many scientists regarding ant biodiversity in urban and suburban settings. Scientists argue that the growth of cities, resulting in the fragmentation of natural habitat, is causing biodiversity of species, including ants, to decline.
Convent of the Sacred Heart Mary Musolino, Teacher
Justin Van de Graaf Project #200
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
Testing the Reliability of the HUMAC Potentiometer for Assessing Power and Velocity Between Sessions In the Baseball Throwing Motion
The prevalence of elbow and shoulder injury in youth and professional baseball pitchers has been steadily increasing, resulting in research with the goal of recognizing and mitigating the risk of these injuries. Musculoskeletal injuries, accounting for around 30% of all active injuries, require early diagnosis and monitoring in order to protect young athletes, especially overhead throwers. This experiment explores the reliability of the HUMAC 360 Potentiometer between testing sessions in assessing power-metrics during the throwing motion. Subsequently, the researchers will assess how anthropometric measurements correlate to power-metrics during the acceleration phase of the throwing motion. The potentiometer will be used to measure power and velocity in the linear acceleration phase, where the thrower generates peak force, going from maximum external rotation to maximum internal rotation. The participants will go through repetitions of this phase of the throwing motion during two sessions with a 15 minute break to assess the variation between sessions and participants. The expected outcome would be an ideal, reliable tool, which means that the variation was less between an individual's two sessions, than between individuals. If reliable, the variables such as height, exercise, etc will be compared between participants using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to show correlation between those variables and the power-metrics. Determining the reliability of this tool will contribute to the effort to prevent and recognize injury in its early stages. Additionally, this tool could be used by youth baseball leagues to assess injury in a cost-effective manner, especially when training staffs are inaccessible.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Christopher Vernal Project #201
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Creation of a Screening Tool for Assessing Baseball Pitching Biomechanics
One of the most common injuries in baseball pitchers is a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), which can sideline a player for at least a full season. Previous studies have identified biomechanical flaws in the pitching motion that contribute to UCL injury. The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a screening tool used to assess jump- landing biomechanics in relation to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk. Higher scores correlate with greater injury risk. A similar system, the Baseball Pitching Analysis Tool (BPAT), was adapted to evaluate baseball pitching biomechanics in relation to UCL injury risk. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the BPAT in identifying UCL injury risk. The hypothesis is that the BPAT is reliable and pitchers who have suffered UCL tears will have a higher score than those who are healthy. Using YouTube and Google, twenty videos of collegiate and professional pitchers were found. Ten had suffered UCL tears and ten remained healthy. Three raters, blinded to the injury status of the pitchers, evaluated the pitching mechanics of each pitcher using the video analysis application, Hudl Technique, and the BPAT. Similar to the results of the LESS, injured pitchers are expected to have a higher score than healthy pitchers. Like the LESS, the BPAT has the potential to be a simple and accurate screening tool to evaluate UCL injury risk. The BPAT may help pinpoint specific biomechanical flaws and identify corrective changes to lessen injury risk.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Shyam Viswanathan Project #202
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Harnessing heat energy from compost to create power
Electricity is something which people are dependent on in first world countries. The majority of sources which electricity comes from are non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels (coal), oil, and natural gas. In modern day composting has become more common among households. Composting is a process which breaks down plant matter and creates carbon dioxide and heat. The purpose of this project is to create a device which would produce electricity in a renewable and cheap way from compost. Compost was put in a garbage can and placed outside, one layer of leaves and soil, one layer of vegetable scraps and grass, and one more layer of leaves and soil. A peltier cell was placed in the middle layer of the compost (this is the layer which get hottest therefore creating the most energy). A battery was waterproofed using duct tape and placed outside of the box. Measurements of the voltage given by cell and the battery were taken periodically. This project would be considered successful if the peltier cells are successfully able to transfer electricity to a battery. Predicted results are the peltier cells will be able to charge the cells but not to full capacity. Though there are renewable sources available, countries do not invest in them because the technology is expensive and usually take up more space than the old technology. This technology can help the world by reducing fossil fuels and protecting the environment. This project aims to provide relatively cheap electricity for less fortunate countries.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Christopher Vogelman Project #203
Research Proposal, Engineering, Physical Science
The Effect of Controlled Crystallization and Chemical Additives on Stone Products
Natural, untreated aggregate and stone products have a limited amount of applications and uses, some which even artificial stone or concrete cannot fill. These products can also prove to be expensive because of costly equipment and time consuming processes used in manufacturing. My hope is to find more practical treated or artificial aggregate products that can be used in a wider range of uses. By subjecting various forms of rock to heat, pressure, and/or chemical additives I will study the properties of the new material. These samples will then be tested on different aspects such as tensile strength, resistance to changes in pH, and resistance to heat. Currently a barrier that may prove to be a problem in my experiment is specialized equipment to heat and handle the samples during the process. My findings will hopefully reveal more efficient and beneficial forms of natural stone and aggregate that can be used for a larger amount of applications than synthetic alternatives. With recent research I have found little past data of this process being carried out and used, and I myself am not entirely sure what the outcome will be. This form of treated rock could be used in a wide range of applications in architecture, producing better aggregates, or even artistic uses. Where synthetic alternatives may not be applicable, these new forms of stone may be more practical.
Newtown High School Timothy Dejulio, Teacher
Kelsey Vrooman Project #204
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
The Effect of Various Types of Exercise on D2/D3 Regeneration in People With Methamphetamine Use Disorders
In the United States, approximately 1.2 million people reported to have used methamphetamine putting not just themselves, but also the public at danger from the reckless effects of the drug on the brain and body. Methamphetamine binds to dopamine and causes an overload in the synapse that causes D2/D3 receptors to shut down. The projected experiment will take place in Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, CT and will last for three months. The experiment will need a total of ninety participants that meet the qualifications of having a methamphetamine abuse disorder, thirty per group. The control will be in cognitive based therapy for one hour a day. The next two groups will do exercise for one hour a day, one group will do only cardio, and the other will do game and teamwork based exercises. PET scans and structural MRIs will be conducted before the experiment and after three months to track D2/D3 regeneration in the striatum. The projected results are that the group participating in games as a method of therapy will show increased D2/D3 receptor availability by 20%. The cardio exercise group will then have a 12-15% D2/D3 increase in availability because exercise also has been proven to help with D2/D3 rehabilitation. Through this experiment, scientists will be able to figure out the fastest and most beneficial method possible to restore D2/D3 health making it harder for people to relapse.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Samantha Wagner Project #205
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
Possible biomarkers for spinal muscular atrophy could include miRNAs
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a disease that predominantly affects children and their spinal cord motor nerve cells. It is the result of defects in the SMN1 gene that limit production of the SMN protein and cause deterioration of lower motor neurons. SMA is similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease which causes progressive muscle wasting. On a molecular level, both diseases cause a loss of connection between nerve and muscle at a specialized synapse. In an ALS study, circulating blood-based miRNAs were used as biomarkers for disease classification, progression, and observing responses to drugs. These miRNAs were profiled to determine any signatures and trends. This proposed research hypothesizes that the same miRNAs can be used as biomarkers in a person with SMA, due to the the same characteristic of motor neuron degeneration. This will be tested by the analysis of blood samples taken in serum-separating tubes, and a Circulating Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit to extract the miRNA. Then a miRNA TaqMan Low Density Arrays (TLDAs) will be used to determine the expression level of these miRNAs. Results of the ALS study showed while there was some overlap between the ALS patients miRNAs and the controls, there was a definite difference in expression and number when compared to patients with similar diseases, this is expected to be repeated in the SMA study. The research could implicate a better understanding to how ALS and SMA are related, as well as bring forth a higher survival and earlier diagnosis for SMA.
Darien High School Guy Pratt, Teacher
Rachel Wagner Project #206
Research Proposal, Science, Environmental
Operation Compost
The goal of Operation Compost is to reduce food waste in landfills via composting school-wide. Motivation stems from AP environmental science coursework last year and desire to aid planet. Collecting and massing daily compost, comparing it to other classrooms without compost bins to see effect. Turning (aerating) compost twice weekly. Paper scraps added twice weekly to avoid fruit flies and increase carbon content (1:1 ratio with 'green' matter). Perhaps taking temperatures of compost bins. Donating leachate to local farm. TBD These results will show the large impact of small actions such as composting, and their numerous benefits of reduced methane production and increased soil quality.
Joel Barlow High School Katherine Nuzzo, Teacher
Sophia Wang Project #207
Completed Project, Engineering, Environmental
Sinkhole Detection using Wireless Sensor Networks and Structural Health Monitoring
Currently, the only sinkhole detection technique commonly used today is by interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), which is both costly and inefficient. This project aims to provide more efficient sinkhole detection. It is hypothesized that designs derived from the structural health monitoring system (SHMS) and the wireless sensor network (WSN) will be used to more efficiently detect sinkholes compared to the current method. In the previous year, this project was conducted with PIR motion sensors, however, the sensor only allowed a limited data range. This year, accelerometers were used and WSN establishment allowed for real-time data access via wireless connection. To test the approach, a cover-collapse sinkhole was created, which lasted hours. The sensor data throughout this time period was recorded. The sensors were placed in set locations to determine different activity throughout. This system located areas of strain and activity, thus indicating a sinkhole. The data was then analyzed for patterns and a threshold could be set. The independent variable was time in regards to sinkhole activity and the dependent variable was the sensor's monitoring data. If there were any issues with sensor range, further trials were conducted to improve data quality and accuracy. Through the data analysis, an alert could be sent before reaching the critical point. In the future, this system can be automated instead of using manually controlled or threshold based approaches. If successful, these designs have the potential to save thousands of lives affected by such catastrophic cavities.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Timothy White Project #208
Research Proposal, Engineering, Health and Medical
CRISPR-Cas9
CRISPR- This is the topic in which my project is centered around. It is a genetic engineering technique that has been developing fast over the past two years, and starting in the past decade. With this tool (and its manipulation of the protein Cas9) there are numerous tasks that are able to be done. Such as, change a DNA strand that has been damaged through various events. My approach to going about an experiment would first consist of learning all the background as well as then looking for inexpensive kits that can be sold to school to conduct a test experiment. Findings is that there are limitations to what a student could do within the genetic engineering field. However, multiple companies supply kits to have a beginning CRISPR experiment and to conduct experiments using this, freely. Implications consist of the restrictions the school would put on this experiment as well as the cost of said experiment. Certain CRISPR-Cas9 experimentation kits are low cost, but may not have the materials within that you desire, or would be helpful to your specific procedure.
Newtown High School Timothy DeJulio, Teacher
Emma Williams Project #209
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
Association of Positive Personal Attributes and BMI on Physical and Mental Health among University Students
Anxiety and depression top the list of mental disorders most prevalent among college students. Therefore, a possible treatment needs to be discovered. Happiness, determination, hope, and BMI are attributes that could improve lives of people diagnosed with these diseases. If BMI and positive attributes are tested on physical and mental health in university students, then all variables will contribute to physical and mental health, due to data from past studies. This experiment requires 1,000 students from a US university. Students would receive surveys with 5 point Likert scales. One to determine their health level, another to see how much joy they feel; one to check ability to overcome difficulty, and one to see if they could achieve a goal. The students would have their BMI measured. Then, descriptive statistics, MANOVA, ANOVA, and multiple R- squared linear regressions would be performed. The expected results should show a positive correlation between mental and physical health and the positive personal attributes, therefore supporting the hypothesis. It is predicted to show that a decrease in BMI will improve one's health, therefore BMI will be a negative contributor to one's health. It is anticipated that the data will prove that health is most affected by the level of an individual's happiness. This research proposal will attempt to identify a possible treatment to help individuals who are suffering. Additionally, this experiment will give these mental disorders more awareness, and determine a mental and physical health profile for a US university's student body.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Will Wilson Project #210
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
Evaluating the treatment of endocrine insufficiency following total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation - A systematic review
Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) has been shown to prevent the onset of endocrine insufficiency in patients undergoing total pancreatectomy. A systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate TPIAT, with an attempt to ascertain the efficacy of the procedure in preventing endocrine insufficiency and its overall viability as a treatment in terms of patient quality of life. The MEDLINE/PubMed database was searched using the key terms total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation, outcomes, postoperative, pancreatic insufficiency, endocrine insufficiency. Boolean indicators were used to connect each search term. A total of 13 articles were returned however after a review of each abstract only 7 were relevant for inclusion in the review. This review follows the PRISMA guidelines. TPIAT demonstrated insulin independence in approximately 30% of patients, however the majority continued to need extraneous insulin to combat endocrine insufficiency. The viability of TPIAT was demonstrated through decreased narcotic requirements and pain levels in almost all patients. Thousands of individuals are diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer each year and by demonstrating the efficacy of TPIAT through current literature, better treatment decisions can be made by these patients.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Quin Wolters Project #211
Research Proposal, Science, Health and Medical
A study of the relationship between the possession of the APOE4 gene and the leakage of mouse blood brain barrier
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) of humans plays a critical role in protecting the brain from unwanted molecules and pathogens. Over time, the barrier becomes leaky, leading to the infiltration of harmful bacteria into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The buildup of amyloid beta protein, produced to kill unwanted pathogens, leads to cognitive decline such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The known function of the Apolipoprotein (APOE) is the transporting of lipoproteins, fat-soluble vitamins, and cholesterol into the lymph system and then into the blood. It is primarily synthesized in the liver but has also been found in other tissues such as the brain. Current research on the role of APOE in biological processes related to AD stems from studies suggesting that the APOE4 is interacting with amyloid protein. The isoform 4 of APOE, encoded by an APOE allele, is the largest known genetic risk factor for AD. In this study, two groups of mice will be observed over 24 months to see differences in build-up of nonspecific bacteria in the CSF. One group will be genetically modified to possess the APOE4 gene, the other will not. It is expected that the genetically modified mice will have a larger amount of bacteria in their CSF after 24 months. If bacteria is found in the CSF of mice at anytime, the BBB is likely to have become leaky. Results correlated to the hypothesis can influence AD research towards finding a more specific cause of the disease, affecting 5.4 million people in the USA.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Melissa Woo Project #212
Completed Project, Engineering, Environmental
Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Capture and Purified Gas Release Using Asphalt- Waste Derived, Porous Carbon Filtration
The human pollution of the environment through carbon dioxide emissions is a challenging issue to remediate, for it is difficult to stop the increasing industrialization of human civilization. An asphalt derived compound that can absorb carbon would effectively lower the amount of pollutants contaminating the atmosphere. Asphalt is already a widely used and available substance and has the potential to form an activated porous carbon with high CO2 uptake performances. 1. Purification of Asphalt (from roads. A sample of asphalt is taken from a road and purified to remove rocks, sand, and aggregate. After removing visible dirt or grass, break asphalt into smaller pieces and grind to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. Using a sieve, filter the asphalt mixture to remove any large pieces of asphalt or rock. Continue until 5 grams of asphalt dust is produced. Synthesis of Asphalt Derived Porous Carbon. Grind 2.5g of KOH into a powder using a mortar and pestle and mix it with 0.5 grams of asphalt. Heat this mixture in a furnace at 700oC for 1 hour under nitrogen gas flow (N2) at 500 sccm, 1 atm. After cooling the mixture to room temperature, remove and wash it thoroughly with distilled water and acetone, until the powder filtrate reaches a pH of 7. Dry in the oven at 100oC until a constant weight is achieved. Synthesis of Nitrogen-Doped Asphalt Derived Porous Carbon (A-NPC) and Reduced Nitrogen Doped Asphalt Derived Porous Carbon (A- rNPC). Asphalt derived porous carbon will be nitrogen-doped with aqueous ammonia solution under low temperatures. 200mg of A-PC is added to 70ml of 28% ammonia solution; the resulting dispersion is ultrasonicated at 55oC for 3 hours.
Greenwich High School Andrew Bramante, Teacher
Kevin Yanagisawa Project #213
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Analysis of Factor Involvement During and After Hepatitis C Viral Infection Treatment to Predict Future Risk and an Intervention Program
Hepatitis C viral infection (HCV) is prevalent in Connecticut, and especially in the New Haven area. HCV can get transmitted through the sharing of equipment used to inject or inhale drugs.Patients can be cured of infection with medications used to treat HCV. It is less known that you can get re-infected after being cured. We sought to determine among patients cured of HCV, how do risk factors for HCV infection change during treatment to after treatment, in order to predict risk for reinfection and develop a patient educational intervention. It is hypothesized that most patients who have been cured of the Hepatitis C viral infection have lessened their use of risk factor involvement for HCV reinfection. The independent variable is risk factor behaviors (i.e., ongoing drug use and sharing equipment)during HCV treatment and the dependent variable is risk factor involvement after being cured of HCV. A survey will be designed by the experimenter with assistance from the mentor to ask patients about risk factor involvement during, and after HCV Infection treatment. With this survey, a data collection tool will be designed to gather data during patient interviews. Data collected by the experimenter and the mentor will be inserted into a spreadsheet for data entry and analysis. A statistical analysis will be run on to compare risk factor behavior during HCV treatment to after HCV treatment.Using the data from this study, a tool to predict ongoing risk behaviors will be developed and a patient education program will be created to accompany HCV treatment. A statistical analysis will be run on the compiled data. This can be use to enlist an intervention program for future HCV treatment to prevent future common risk for HCV reinfection.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Verna Yin Project #214
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Cost-Effective and Fully Recycled Filtration of Heavy Metals from Drinking Water Using Used Coffee Grounds Embedded in Discarded Polyurethane Sponges
Coffee is a universally-known drink that is consumed everyday by millions of consumers. However, each day, chemically useful components of the coffee are wastefully thrown away. In fact, certain components of coffee could be used for the purpose of removing heavy metals from wastewater, as these components are easily able to trap heavy metals. [1] The existence of both carboxylic and basic groups in coffee residue of nearly the same values explains the adsorptive behavior of this commodity when the metal is anionic. In the agrofood industry, companies regularly generate significant inedible residue from processed foods. Due to the chemical composition of residue, the waste would sometimes be a relatively viable option for the remediation of heavy metals, as used in previous research papers. In this research, though, coffee is proven to be a better alternative in the remediation of aquatic pollutants. Chavan et al recently demonstrated the use of spent coffee bioelastomeric composite foams to remove heavy metals from water. The primary characteristic of the prepared foam was its easy disposal. However, this method is significantly less efficient than other methods due to its use of polymers, as this use eliminates the idea of using coffee because the glue from the polymers impedes on the coffee's ability to pull the metals from the water.[4]Preparation of Adsorbents [3]: Coffee grounds are first washed and rinsed with distilled water. The coffee grounds are then dried at 100å¡C and sieved with a mesh size of 200ë_m. (The smaller the particles, the more effective they are at heavy metal remediation, so that's why particles are necessarily less than 200ë_m in diameter.) Both portions are then combined with polyethylene so as to not react with the nearby environment. [2] (This helps to determine whether particle size affects treatment efficiency.)
Greenwich High School Andrew Bramante, Teacher
Olivia Yoo Project #215
Research Proposal, Science, Behavioral
Perivascular Macrophages and Neurovascular Dysfunction in a DOCA-Salt Hypertension Model
Hypertension is defined as high blood pressure that affects millions of people, and it has shown a correlation with dementia, a severe decline in mental ability. The mechanisms of this correlation are unknown, but previous studies suggest hypertension impairs the cerebral blood flow response and damages the brain. Perivascular macrophages (PVMs) are immune cells in the space between the brain and blood vessels. This proposed research aims to study how PVMs affect blood flow response to stimuli in a desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt hypertensive mouse model. It is hypothesized that if PVMs are depleted, cerebral blood flow response to stimuli in the hypertension model will increase because PVMs are suspected to contribute to the neurovascular dysfunction caused by hypertension. Liposome-encapsulated clodronate will be administered in normotensive and DOCA-salt hypertensive mice to deplete PVMs. The mice will undergo a craniotomy to assess blood pressure and blood flow response to stimuli with laser doppler probes. An immunohistochemical analysis of PVMs will be performed on the brains. The results are expected to show a decrease in blood flow response when PVMs are present in the DOCA-salt model, and restoration of the blood flow response when PVMs are depleted. These results are similar to previous studies of PVMs in different hypertension models, as PVMs are suspected to affect neurovascular function in response to any type of hypertension. The results of this study may implicate PVMs in the mechanisms of neurovascular function, and identify them as a therapeutic target for dementia in hypertensive patients.
Darien High School David Lewis, Teacher
Victor You Project #216
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
The Molecular Genetics of Familial Cardiovascular Disorders
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in the world. It occurs when the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart are damaged or diseased. Symptoms range from no pain to heart attacks depending on the severity of the arterial blockage. This project aimed to identify possible genetic markers that increase triglyceride levels which in turn increase CAD risk. DNA samples were collected from consenting patients and the samples were processed for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis and underwent PCR. PCR products then underwent gel electrophoresis. This data was then entered into Microsoft Excel. The data was then filtered through based on genes of interest, frequency, significance, bioinformatic databases, etc. Any genetic markers that were found were further analyzed using additional sample sets and statistical analysis tools offered by Excel. In addition, bioinformatic databases were used for data analysis. It is projected that a new genetic marker for increased levels of triglycerides will be located on chromosome 9. This research can be used to help identify individuals at risk of CAD. Currently, CAD prevention involves reducing certain risk factors. These risk factors are only statistically related to CAD.The genetic markers found could be used to establish a novel approach to identifying one's biological susceptibility to CAD. This data can be used to help one take the necessary precautions.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Kate Yuan Project #217
Completed Project, Engineering, Physical Science
Enhancing Cybersecurity by Developing a User Authentication System Using Keystroke Dynamics
In an increasingly technological world, the need for more secure user authentication methods is more paramount than ever. The most common authentication system, username and password, has consequences which include vulnerability of all other accounts if one is hacked, and risk of forgetting multiple passwords. The objective of this project is to develop a biometric user authentication system based on a continuous keystroke analysis of the user. First, a software program will be created to record five key characteristics: key interval latency, key hold latency, key press latency, word interval latency, and sentence interval latency. Then, participants will participate in two free-type sessions during which data will be gathered for the five key characteristics and averaged to determine a mean and standard deviation. In order to emulate real-life situations, participants will type on a flat surface such as a table as well as their lap ‘R' measure will be used to create a profile of each participant. Participants will partake in a test session which will be compared to created profiles to determine a threshold ‘R' value to identify the user. Data will be analyzed using the DET curve to display false negatives and false positives, with a purpose of showing an even distribution of both. If the program is able to correctly identify impostors as well as genuine users, then the program will be deemed successful. The implications of this study will include improvements for cybersecurity to ensure safety in a world that is becoming increasingly dependent on technology.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Jack Yuen Project #218
Research Proposal, Engineering, Physical Science
Mitigating the Risk of Medical Technology Investments
The goal of the proposed project is to increase funding within the medical technology sector of the market. There has been a decline in the funding of the medical technology, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors due to investment risk becoming extremely high over the past few decades. If we apply the megafund approach and utilize securitization techniques we can reduce the risk of investing in the medical technology sector of the market because the probability of new device approval increases. The megafund approach utilizes the law of large numbers and is a process that can be made feasible by securitization. The initial funding, management costs, and revenue from past projects developing new medical technologies will be put into a simulation and data predictions can be made. The program R and Matlab will be used to run the simulation and analyze the results of many random trials. It is predicted that after using the megafund approach and securitization the risk of a medical technology investment will be reduced greatly although the required capital increases. This will not only make medical technology funding more attractive to investors but it will have a simultaneous positive effect on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. By working to save these three industries we not only help to support the individuals that work in the respective industries but important projects that cure and treat deadly diseases will gain the funding that they need.
Darien High School Christine Leventhal, Teacher
Baasim Zafar Project #219
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
Examining Connecticut Bats Post-White-Nose Syndrome
White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is an invasive fungal species that has killed millions of bats in North America. WNS has been confirmed in at least 29 U.S. states and 5 Canadian provinces and has a mortality rate if ~90%. Bat species may go extinct without conservation efforts. The problem statement is how has WNS affected bat population and habitat use. The hypothesis is that bat species will have decreased. Passive-acoustic monitoring will be used to monitor bat species and their activities. This will be conducted across parks and different habitat types across Connecticut. The equipment will turn on at sunset and turn off at sunrise. After a couple of days we will pick up the equipment and redeploy it if needed. If another suitable location is found then we will place the equipment there. The data will be analyzed using the Sonobat 4 software which will analyze the bat calls and tell us the number, species, and activity of the bat and some of this data will be compared to historical data. It is predicted that the population of bats will have decreased. This is a baseline study so others researchers can compare their data to ours. The data will hopefully show the impact of WNS on the environment and aid future wildlife conservation efforts.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Mason Zhang Project #220
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Effect of Varying Amounts of Fe2O3 on Glycine max Growth
The United States is a leading producer of soybeans, but unfortunately, intensive plant cultivation and poor soil management has detrimentally impacted millions of acres of farming soil. This directly leads to Iron Deficiency Chlorosis, which hurts soybean yield potential to up to 30%. In 2009, 44 bushels were harvested per acre out of 75 million acres, but in 2012, it was reduced to 40 bushels per acre out of 76 million acres. The independent variable is the amount of iron(III) oxide in the soil, while the control is the soybean plant with 1000mg of iron(III) oxide. The dependent variable is the soybean plant's growth, specifically the height (in cm). Iron(III) oxide was added to the soil of the seedling on day 1 of the experiment only. There were 10 Fiskeby soybean plants planted, given the same amount of water necessary and equal exposure to sunlight. Every 4 days for 8 weeks, their height was measured and recorded. It was hypothesized that dramatic reductions and amplifications in iron(III) oxide are detrimental for the plant, while moderate variations in iron(III) oxide have little effect. Current data show no notable differences in growth, but this is the beginning, so prolonged differences are not seen yet. From this, a general consensus can be reached about the acceptable range of iron(III) oxide where Glycine max can function, which will hopefully help long-term soybean yield.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Wendy Zhang Project #221
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
The Effect of Sleep on Time Perception in Adolescents
Time perception, an individual's ability to assess the duration of a given action, is a necessary skill for success. Thus, it is especially relevant to young adolescents, who are obligated to constantly balance their academics, social lives, and extracurricular activities. The purpose of this research project is to determine if the amount and quality of sleep of an adolescent can affect the ability to accurately estimate time. Approximately thirty participants, thirteen to fifteen years, will be asked to monitor their sleep for three nights. The following morning, the participant will be asked to complete a ten question multiple choice math test based off of a standardized assessment. Afterwards, there will be a questionnaire of how much time the individual believes has passed and the amount and quality of sleep. It is hypothesized that the closer the amount of sleep to the recommended hours of sleep and the better the quality of sleep, then an adolescent will have an improved time perception. The independent variables are the amount and quality of sleep, and the dependent variable is the accuracy of time perception. There is no control group. The data will be analyzed by measuring the difference between perceived and actual duration of time that has passed. This project has the potential to help adolescents better manage their time and improve performance on standardized testing. Additionally, it could be used to change the structure of the education system to better fit the needs of students.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher
Joshua Zhang Project #222
Completed Project, Science, Environmental
The Effect of MN250 on the Removal of Sulfonamide Antibiotics in Wastewater
Sulfonamides excess use leads to these antibiotics being in runoff into bodies of water, which has caused concern about human and ecological health, antibiotic resistant bacteria, and the introduction of antibiotics into the food chain. Hypercrosslinked resins provide advantages over traditional processes of antibiotics removal. They have high adsorption capacity for polar and nonpolar compounds, easy regeneration, and low cost. MN250 adsorption capacity for sulfamethazine, sulfanilamide, sulfaguanidine, and sodium benzenesulfonate was tested in three different aqueous matrices: pH, ionic concentration, and groundwater. The rate of adsorption was determined by establishing the time to reach equilibrium by using a UV spectrophotometer. An isotherm model was created for each antibiotic in deionized water and solutions mimicking groundwater. MN250's adsorbance capacity for sulfamethazine decreased as pH increased, and increased with KCl concentration and CaCl2 concentration. For sulfanilamide, it increased and decreased as pH increased, decreased and increased as KCl concentration increased, and increased with CaCl2 concentration. For sulfaguanidine, it increased with pH and CaCl2 concentration, decreased and increased as KCl concentration increased. For sodium benzenesulfonate, it decreased as pH increased, increased with KCl concentration, and changed in the simulated groundwater solutions. MN250's adsorption capacity for antibiotics is influenced both by aqueous matrices as well as the differing structures of the antibiotics. Future investigations can include other families of antibiotics or other hypercrosslinked adsorbents could be tested with the sulfonamide family of antibiotics to further investigate the factors of adsorption capacity for families of antibiotics and hypercrosslinked adsorbents respectively.
Staples High School Karen Thompson, Teacher
Kevin Zhao Project #223
Completed Project, Science, Health and Medical
Early Detection of Dog Myocardium Degradation in Response to Doxorubicin Injections
A significant issue with conventional chemotherapy drugs involve muscle tissue breakdown within the myocardium. However breakdown of tissue is usually detected when symptoms become evident. SPECT scans are images used to monitor metabolic functions within the body. SPECT scans detect a positron-emitting radionuclide, or tracer, which is introduced into the body prior to the scan. Motion correct techniques from previously performed studies will be utilized in a dog given doses of doxorubicin over 15 weeks to determine whether muscle tissue breakdown can be accurately detected by SPECT scans. SPECT data was divided into gated images based on organ movement. Non-rigid registration was performed to average all gated SPECT images to the reference gate. This image will be analyzed utilizing a blood pool-myocardium ratio, which quantifies the photons detected within the blood pool/myocardium regions of the heart. Significant change in the ratio indicate muscle tissue breakdown, as more photons are directed towards regions that were myocardium. The ratio is expected to increase as more weeks where the dog is given doses of doxorubicin pass. This suggests that this motion correction methodology could be utilized for the early detection of cardiac toxicity within the heart. Further study will investigate the feasibility of computing time reduction without the sacrifice of image quality or increased noise as well as the early detection of muscle or tissue breakdown within other organs of the body. Still, it is important to note that there is still much more room for improvement within this cardiac motion correction.
Amity Regional High School Catherine Piscitelli, Teacher
Yuqi Zhou Project #224
Completed Project, Science, Behavioral
Using Storybooks as a Context to Socialize Emotion in Preschool Classrooms
Storybook read alouds provide teachers with a context to socialize emotions in early childhood classrooms. The current study explores the demographic and psychological predictors of this socialization. During phase I of the study, preschool teacher participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire packet. The packet collects teachers' demographic information and teachers' psychological characteristics with four surveys. For the phase II of the study, teachers were first provided with materials, instructions, and a package of four early childhood storybooks. Teachers were asked to “read” the four storybooks in their typical classroom storytimes and audio record these “readings.” After the readings, teachers needed to ask the children questions testing children's emotion knowledge and understanding of the book. Parent-child Affect Communication Task was used to analyze the audios for teacher's emotion vocabulary and type of socialization method. All data were then analyzed with correlations and regressions. It is expected to see a relationship between variables of teachers' psychological characteristics, teachers' demographic characteristics, children's knowledge of the story and emotion knowledge, and teachers' method of emotional socialization. The result of the study would benefit the participants and the society at large as more knowledge is gained on teachers' emotional socialization in classrooms. A better way to communicate emotions with students would lead to better development of children's social and emotional skills; that skill is not only essential for personal success and wellness of the child but also for the harmony of the society.
Amity Regional High School Deborah Day, Teacher