Dwelling on the bottom of large rivers to high alpine streams, freshwater sculpins (genus Cottus) occur in high densities across the Pacific Northwest, with 21 currently recognized species found in the Pacific Northwest. Sculpin fill many ecological roles, with some species serving as important prey sources, and others competing with...
Polyfunctional thiols are sulfur containing compounds that are important to the flavor and aroma profile of some foods and beverages. S. Cerevisiae has been shown in wine yeast that it is capable of producing these thiols to create a fruity aroma and flavor profile. IRC7, a gene that codes the...
Nuclear fusion has the potential to meet the energy needs of our civilization for centuries to come and does not produce harmful greenhouse gasses or produce long-lasting radioactive waste. A fusion reaction can be readily demonstrated in a confinement scheme known as inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) fusion. In this work,...
Research in Dolan lab focuses primarily on the adaptive immune system and ways it can be better utilized to eliminate infected or transformed cells. Research focuses on the major histocompatibility (MHC) class I antigen presentation pathway, which plays an important role in alerting the immune system of the presence of...
Antigen presentation is a mechanism used by cells to present peptides on the cell surface. Peptides, derived from both viral or self-proteins are presented on the cell surface by MHC Class I molecules to be recognized and detected by cytotoxic T cells. T cells comprise the defense system to protect...
Understanding the motivations behind the daily energy use practices of individuals may be very important for encouraging people to live more sustainably. This study delves into the motivations that influence the energy use of individuals in Corvallis, Oregon. Using a survey in conjunction with Energize Corvallis, the faculty, staff, and...
Utilizing Danio rerio (zebrafish) as a model organism has gained popularity recently, however a lack of research into their immune response pathways had led to the discovery of subclinical infections, and has potentially confounded results. We conducted a study to determine the cytokine expression from TLR activation in order to...
Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS’s) are a key element to NASA’s deep space exploration programs. As NASA looks towards new generations of smaller, modular spacecraft, appropriately smaller RPS’s will be needed. The Single General Purpose Heat Source Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (S-GPHS-RTG) has been developed to fill this role. The S-GPHS-RTG will...
Nuclear fusion reactors comprise a significant field of study due to their potential to provide a limitless, clean, and sustainable source of energy. The inertial electrostatic confinement fusor is a type of fusion-generating device that accelerates deuterium gas to the conditions required for fusion. The goal of this research was...