Sphingolipids are well known components of eukaryotic cells, playing important roles in organisms ranging from fungi and plants to animals. In bacteria, however, these lipids appear in only a small number of species, and their biological functions and synthesis pathways remain less understood. This project investigates how bacteria produce and transport sphingolipids, focusing on the… continue reading
Melatonin is best known for its role in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms, but the molecular pathways through which it operates are not yet fully understood. Researchers continue to explore how melatonin signals are transmitted within cells and how those signals influence biological clocks. At SPARK! 2025 (Showcase of Projects, Art, Research, and Knowledge), Cathryn… continue reading
DNA is more than a genetic blueprint. In the right configuration, it can function as a catalytic tool for detecting disease-related molecules with high precision. This project focuses on designing and optimizing hemin-binding DNA aptamers to improve the sensitivity and specificity of biosensing platforms. The research was presented at the Graduate Poster Exhibition during the… continue reading
Not all proteins reveal their function through visible structure alone. Some must be understood directly from their sequence. This project introduces a computational framework for identifying meaningful modular regions within protein sequences using residue-level properties such as hydrophobicity and charge. By detecting local environments without relying on known secondary structures, the work provides new tools… continue reading
Most organisms slow down in the cold. Glacier ice worms do the opposite. Living on permanent ice, these organisms generate unusually high levels of adenosine triphosphate, the molecule that powers nearly every cellular process. Truman Dunkley investigates how evolution may have rewired cellular energy production in these extreme conditions, identifying a small protein modification that… continue reading
Can a porous membrane reduce water loss without blocking essential gas exchange? That question sits at the center of research exploring how organisms regulate moisture across biological surfaces. This project examined spider egg sacs as a model system to better understand how water vapor moves across porous membranes and what truly controls evaporation. The research… continue reading
