ORAL PRESENTATION FINALISTs
Rachel Dickenson, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Solidago canadensis in Europe and the Americas: A Comparison using ribosomal ITS and 5S-NTS Sequences
The genus Solidago is recognized as an invasive species in many areas of the world. This study aims to identify emerging genetic divergence in the species Solidago canadensis, which is a well-established species in both Europe and North America. Since the introduction of S. canadensis to Europe is far too recent for any changes to be manifested in morphology of the species, ribosomal ITS and 5S-NTS DNA, identified as non-coding sequences and thus the first to show variation, were sequenced from samples collected on both continents and compared to identify variations. Results have the potential to provide insight into Solidago genome behavior following introduction into Europe and quantification of how many initial populations occurred. Two of three total iterations of sequencing have been completed, and full data with analysis is expected to be completed within a month. The researcher has already noted some variations between sequences, but has not recorded specific location and significance of all variations or created phylogenetic trees so as to avoid formulating premature conclusions.
The genus Solidago is recognized as an invasive species in many areas of the world. This study aims to identify emerging genetic divergence in the species Solidago canadensis, which is a well-established species in both Europe and North America. Since the introduction of S. canadensis to Europe is far too recent for any changes to be manifested in morphology of the species, ribosomal ITS and 5S-NTS DNA, identified as non-coding sequences and thus the first to show variation, were sequenced from samples collected on both continents and compared to identify variations. Results have the potential to provide insight into Solidago genome behavior following introduction into Europe and quantification of how many initial populations occurred. Two of three total iterations of sequencing have been completed, and full data with analysis is expected to be completed within a month. The researcher has already noted some variations between sequences, but has not recorded specific location and significance of all variations or created phylogenetic trees so as to avoid formulating premature conclusions.
Nailah Nguyen, Sigonella High School, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Teacher, Sigonella High School
Can Peanut Products Be Detected By a Rice Sensor Strip?
In the experiment the researcher tried to design a sensor that could detect peanuts for people suffering from peanut allergies. The researcher studied the reasons for allergic reactions and the chemical formula that makes peanuts. This helped create a sensor that would react to the peanut products. The peanut sensor was made by a strip of rice paper with peanut antibodies. The peanut antibodies came with 2 different types of antibodies, one with pure peanut antibodies and the other with enzyme-like peanut antibodies. The engineering design was mainly trial and error to see if any reaction occurred. In the end no reaction had occurred in the different trials tried on the peanut products.
In the experiment the researcher tried to design a sensor that could detect peanuts for people suffering from peanut allergies. The researcher studied the reasons for allergic reactions and the chemical formula that makes peanuts. This helped create a sensor that would react to the peanut products. The peanut sensor was made by a strip of rice paper with peanut antibodies. The peanut antibodies came with 2 different types of antibodies, one with pure peanut antibodies and the other with enzyme-like peanut antibodies. The engineering design was mainly trial and error to see if any reaction occurred. In the end no reaction had occurred in the different trials tried on the peanut products.
Jimmy Lynch, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Design and Testing of an Oxygen-Producing Solar Panel Bioreactor for Spirulina Algae
The objective of this research is the development of a sustainable oxygen supply for human habitats beyond the Earth’s biosphere. For oxygen production, algae are an attractive alternative to vascular plants, the latter which have larger space requirements and need soil, and the former which have a higher oxygen output per unit biomass. This project involves the design, construction, and testing of an oxygen-producing solar panel bioreactor for Spirulina algae. A flat, solar panel-like bioreactor will be 3D-printed to maximize light exposure per unit volume of the algae culture, and oxygen production will be compared to that of an equal-volume algae culture in a standard cylindrical bioreactor. The effect of several variables on oxygen production will be tested, including temperature, light intensity, and mixing speed. All variables will be measured using Vernier Labquest technology and corresponding oxygen and carbon dioxide probes. If effective, the design of this oxygen-producing solar panel bioreactor can potentially be used for the development of a sustainable oxygen supply for lunar and Martian colonies.
The objective of this research is the development of a sustainable oxygen supply for human habitats beyond the Earth’s biosphere. For oxygen production, algae are an attractive alternative to vascular plants, the latter which have larger space requirements and need soil, and the former which have a higher oxygen output per unit biomass. This project involves the design, construction, and testing of an oxygen-producing solar panel bioreactor for Spirulina algae. A flat, solar panel-like bioreactor will be 3D-printed to maximize light exposure per unit volume of the algae culture, and oxygen production will be compared to that of an equal-volume algae culture in a standard cylindrical bioreactor. The effect of several variables on oxygen production will be tested, including temperature, light intensity, and mixing speed. All variables will be measured using Vernier Labquest technology and corresponding oxygen and carbon dioxide probes. If effective, the design of this oxygen-producing solar panel bioreactor can potentially be used for the development of a sustainable oxygen supply for lunar and Martian colonies.
Eve Glenn, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Engineered Friction: Enhancing Gait Stability in Competitive Irish Dancers
This research analyzed the impact of psychological stimuli on the rudimentary step behavior paradigm of competitive Irish dancers, and whether it can be altered by the introduction of psychological influences and an engineered friction compound. The purpose of this experiment was to study whether psychological stimuli paired with engineered, heterogeneous friction compounds impacted Irish dance movement. The experiment demonstrated that despite various stimuli, especially after the introduction of neutral statements, gait performance, reach and stability was positively impacted by the engineered friction compounds. This shows promise for gait instability conditions such as juvenile arthritis which display similar body mechanics and stiffness as this type of dance. Participants completed base testing without friction compounds. In experimental testing, participants were read statements during Trials 1-6 which utilized positive, negative and neutral stimuli while performing a rudimentary treble jig with the engineered friction compounds. The result is 98.33% of participants had improved gait stability and reach measurements from base through all experimentation trials. After analyzing the t-values of the Base (Treatment 1) when compared to Trial 1-6 (Treatment 2), with t-values of -3.11673 to -5.64609, the data disproves the null hypothesis that states the original friction compound has no influence on gait stability.
This research analyzed the impact of psychological stimuli on the rudimentary step behavior paradigm of competitive Irish dancers, and whether it can be altered by the introduction of psychological influences and an engineered friction compound. The purpose of this experiment was to study whether psychological stimuli paired with engineered, heterogeneous friction compounds impacted Irish dance movement. The experiment demonstrated that despite various stimuli, especially after the introduction of neutral statements, gait performance, reach and stability was positively impacted by the engineered friction compounds. This shows promise for gait instability conditions such as juvenile arthritis which display similar body mechanics and stiffness as this type of dance. Participants completed base testing without friction compounds. In experimental testing, participants were read statements during Trials 1-6 which utilized positive, negative and neutral stimuli while performing a rudimentary treble jig with the engineered friction compounds. The result is 98.33% of participants had improved gait stability and reach measurements from base through all experimentation trials. After analyzing the t-values of the Base (Treatment 1) when compared to Trial 1-6 (Treatment 2), with t-values of -3.11673 to -5.64609, the data disproves the null hypothesis that states the original friction compound has no influence on gait stability.
Samantha Sanders, Sigonella High School, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Teacher, Sigonella High School
Non-Newtonian Helmet Design
This project was conducted to discover the best method for incorporating a non-Newtonian fluid into a helmet. Controversy over helmets has been a reoccurring issue in sports. A non-Newtonian fluid may help to reduce the risk of concussion due to its shock absorbing properties. To investigate this solution, however, the researcher first decided to find the best way to produce a helmet containing the fluid. Three materials (vinyl, Mylar, and scotch guarded fabric) were sealed in three different ways (Krazy Glue, burning, and sewing) and filled with water then four adhesive methods (Krazy Glue, hot glue, spray adhesive, and double-sided tape) were used to attach the pouches to the shell of a helmet. The outcome showed that some method of burning vinyl together would be the most efficient way of forming the pouches then using Krazy Glue to attach them to the helmet shell proved to be the best option. This research was done as a precursor for an experiment that will test the efficiency of using non-Newtonian fluids in place of the Styrofoam standard helmets use. These experiments will hopefully develop a safer and more comfortable helmet for consumers.
This project was conducted to discover the best method for incorporating a non-Newtonian fluid into a helmet. Controversy over helmets has been a reoccurring issue in sports. A non-Newtonian fluid may help to reduce the risk of concussion due to its shock absorbing properties. To investigate this solution, however, the researcher first decided to find the best way to produce a helmet containing the fluid. Three materials (vinyl, Mylar, and scotch guarded fabric) were sealed in three different ways (Krazy Glue, burning, and sewing) and filled with water then four adhesive methods (Krazy Glue, hot glue, spray adhesive, and double-sided tape) were used to attach the pouches to the shell of a helmet. The outcome showed that some method of burning vinyl together would be the most efficient way of forming the pouches then using Krazy Glue to attach them to the helmet shell proved to be the best option. This research was done as a precursor for an experiment that will test the efficiency of using non-Newtonian fluids in place of the Styrofoam standard helmets use. These experiments will hopefully develop a safer and more comfortable helmet for consumers.
Grace Torrence, Vilseck High School, Germany
Mentor: Susan Holt, Teacher, Vilseck High School
Changes in the Oxidation-Reduction Potential of Water Exposed to Microwaves in a Polypropylene Container
Prior research has suggested that chemicals are released from plastics when they are microwaved. Plastics, specifically polypropylene (PP), contain large amounts of hydrogen and are known for their tendency to break down when exposed to heat. The author believed that hydrogen could leech out of a PP container in the microwave and then decrease the Oxidization-Reduction Potential (ORP), the potential for chemical reactions, of the substance in the container. This hypothesis was tested by microwaving distilled water, at several lengths of microwaving time, in PP containers. Glass beakers were used as a control. The author discovered a strong connection between the temperature of the water and the water’s ORP. In general, the ORP of the water in both the PP and glass containers decreased with heating. The fact that ORP decreased in both types of container suggests that the PP was not the cause of the decline, thus the author’s hypothesis was not supported. The actual cause of the decline in ORP remains unclear and further research will be necessary.
Prior research has suggested that chemicals are released from plastics when they are microwaved. Plastics, specifically polypropylene (PP), contain large amounts of hydrogen and are known for their tendency to break down when exposed to heat. The author believed that hydrogen could leech out of a PP container in the microwave and then decrease the Oxidization-Reduction Potential (ORP), the potential for chemical reactions, of the substance in the container. This hypothesis was tested by microwaving distilled water, at several lengths of microwaving time, in PP containers. Glass beakers were used as a control. The author discovered a strong connection between the temperature of the water and the water’s ORP. In general, the ORP of the water in both the PP and glass containers decreased with heating. The fact that ORP decreased in both types of container suggests that the PP was not the cause of the decline, thus the author’s hypothesis was not supported. The actual cause of the decline in ORP remains unclear and further research will be necessary.
Monro Manning, Sigonella High School, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Techer, Sigonella High School
Advancing Home Hydroponic Systems
Abstract This purpose of this project was to find ways to make hydroponics cheaper and better for the average consumer. It was hypothesized that 8 hours of artificial light could produce the same amount of results as the plants that received the 16 hours of sunlight. The plants were broken up into three 10 plant groups consisting of a 8, 12, and 16 hours of artificial light system. Over five weeks, the samplings had weekly recordings of their root length, root growth, stem height, leaf area, and number of leaves. The data was graphed and it clearly showed that the 16 hour system plants succeeded in every category. The Null hypothesis was proven and the hypothesis had been disproved. Based on the data, it was found that the 16 hour plants grow much faster and proved to be cheaper to grow than the 12 hour plants despite the cost of the extra electricity. It was concluded that even though normal lettuce with traditional farming techniques only needs around 8 hours of natural sunlight, it clearly needs more than 8 hours of artificial light to succeed in an indoor hydroponic system.
Abstract This purpose of this project was to find ways to make hydroponics cheaper and better for the average consumer. It was hypothesized that 8 hours of artificial light could produce the same amount of results as the plants that received the 16 hours of sunlight. The plants were broken up into three 10 plant groups consisting of a 8, 12, and 16 hours of artificial light system. Over five weeks, the samplings had weekly recordings of their root length, root growth, stem height, leaf area, and number of leaves. The data was graphed and it clearly showed that the 16 hour system plants succeeded in every category. The Null hypothesis was proven and the hypothesis had been disproved. Based on the data, it was found that the 16 hour plants grow much faster and proved to be cheaper to grow than the 12 hour plants despite the cost of the extra electricity. It was concluded that even though normal lettuce with traditional farming techniques only needs around 8 hours of natural sunlight, it clearly needs more than 8 hours of artificial light to succeed in an indoor hydroponic system.