Updates from JYI
Are you a junior or senior in high school? Our 2024 summer internship is open for applications! Learn more here.
Best of JYI 2020 is available now! Read the Special Issue here.
Are you able to speak English and one other language? Consider joining JYI's Translations Department! Learn more here.
Performing enzyme assays is a fundamental skill that students in our lab learn as they are introduced to the subject of biochemistry. In the typical undergraduate biochemistry curriculum, students usually only learn one method to evaluate enzyme kinetics, that is, spectrophotometrically. Little do they realize that catalytic activity can be examined through a diverse range of methods. Therefore, to familiarize our students with advanced chemical equipment and alternative enzyme analysis techniques, we attempted to design and implement a novel enzyme activity assay experiment using 31P NMR spectroscopy. We wanted to explore how using a different technique might impact the ability to evaluate enzyme activity accurately and consistently. By demonstrating the validity of using 31P NMR to measure acid phosphatase activity, we believe our project contributes to the expansion of the applications of NMR spectroscopy beyond structural determination.
When it comes to the medical field, 3D modeling has previously been used to render anatomical images in greater detail in order to better understand bodily functions. Lately, however, 3D modeling has made waves in depicting diseases, with a focus on their severity and progression. Unlike a model depicting computer graphics, 3D culture models allow cells to interact in three dimensions and better display cell growth and movement, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Culture models are beneficial in replicating the complexities of disease by promoting interactions between cells and providing insight into potential solutions. In this issue of the Journal of Young Investigators, Priscilla Detwieler and her colleagues demonstrate that atelocollagen incorporated in a 3D model is shown to simulate a potential treatment for inflammation-induced osteoarthritis.
Over the past decade, there have been many significant advances in the field of skin aging, including studies that explore the clearance of senescent (growth-arrested) cells in skin, regenerative therapeutics, and even 3D bioprinting of skin. One of the latest discoveries showed that blocking Interleukin 17 (IL-17) signaling leads to delays in the skin aging process. But how does IL-17, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, delay what has been known as the inevitable hallmarks of skin aging?
To combat the harmful effects of stress, neuroscientists are pointing to mindfulness, defined as the practice of being fully present and aware of our external environment and our actions, while not being overly reactive or overwhelmed by external events. To shed light on this, JYI interviewed renowned neuroscientist Dr. Alexandra Fiocco, whose expertise lies at the intersection of mindfulness, stress, and cognitive aging. Dr. Fiocco currently does research at Stress and Healthy Aging Research (StAR) Lab and teaches at Toronto Metropolitan University.
The Undergraduate Research Journal
Interested in submitting your research to the journal?
Our mission is to improve undergraduate science training by providing innovative, high-quality educational experiences in science writing, publication and the peer-review process.