BIOMINDS has been and is an incredible opportunity for my development in the scientific discipline. I have been given a question to answer and an objective to follow. This has been done by formulating a hypothesis which can possibly explain a fundamental process in the optimization of a plant growth that is important for adequate ecological functioning. Many technique have been use in the further of this research(light, confocal, electronic microscopy), aseptic techniques, taxonomy and nomenclature ruling, in vitro technique, among others. By using these procedure we have analyze the  best method for a plant optimal growth and therefore a possibility for reintroduction and a latter restoration. Our laboratory give equal timing for laboratory work and field work, balancing the minds input and output for inquiring relationship of organism in the nature and view the limitation they may face. The only problem is that his information may be retain as anecdotal and should be shown in a scientific audience r one’s finding. By this we can assure that knowledge is passed along and that new question answer may arise(Poster & Oral Presentation). Without the encouragement of this program mi learning would be limited to class information and not the practical information gained through the research process. I could enter into more detail but this would be just pompous of me. The only thing I have to say aside from the mentioned before is THANK YOU!

The only obstacle I am constantly facing is the time management  for both studies and research. I am immersed in one or another but cannot be in both at the same time due to my human limitations. Even though I am carrying with studies and two research projects for different laboratories I can say  I have been playing along very well. These are thing that can amaze any person; by gaining knowledge of one’s capabilities and engulfing each into an awesomeness attitude.

Live long and prosper…somebody with pointy ears once said.

Effect of pH medium on the growth of bryophytes cultivated In vitro

Abstract:

Anthropogenic disturbance has affected greatly the diversity and richness of bryophytes. In situ and ex situ studies have helped in the restoration and conservation of species that have been in danger  of extinction. It is unknown how the ex situ technique may contribute to propagation of neotropical species. One of the abiotic factor is pH. This can influence the germination of spores or asexual propagules and the dedifferentiation  of gametophytic modules. For this reason, we study the effect of pH medium (4, 5, 6) on spores of two mosses (Octoblepharum albidum and Vesicularia vesicularis var. rutilans), moss gametophytes fragments (Neckeropsis disticha, Pilotrichidium antillarum, and Pottiaceae sp.), and also  of moss asexual propagule (Calymperes afzelii)  for optimal growth according to species requirements.

Later we studied if these species had a more specific pH requirements (5.0, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.8, 6.0). According to pH treatment, samples were inoculated in pietri dishes in sterile medium (1/2MS), solidified with 1% phytagel and seal with parafilm. At 5-6 weeks, variation in modules (protonema and gametophyte ramets) were measured and compared for each. Species showed different  patterns of growth. Among treatments, low survival limited the production of modules on the gametophyte of the  Pottiaceae sp. But N. disticha and P. antillarum  grew, although did not vary among the different pH treatments. O. albidum & C. afzelii   preferred a pH of 6, while growth in  V. vesicularis var. rutilans augmented when they were cultivated in pH of 4. On specific requirements, we observed that O. albidum grew best when pH was 5.0, and  N. disticha and P. antillarum when pH was of  6.0. C. afzelii had no preference on  pH 5-6, obtaining more adaptability for their substrate.

Experience:

ABRCMS is an opportunity that enables us to share with other member of the scientific community.  I participated from other symposium and had a view that his one was no different from the others. I knew this was another opportunity that would enable my personal growth as well scientific, but due to my ignorance I didn’t consider how it would do so. I did not challenge my mind for other purpose than presenting my poster and meeting the personal from the different graduate programs. Therefore I had no expectation on how interesting and fulfilling this would be. I arrived at the airport and saw many of my colleagues; they were taking the same flight for this convention. This spark a little of emotion and started to talk to them about their projects and how they were feeling. They were anxious and very interested to meet new people as well their possible mentor for graduate work. I then considered seeking more information about the activities being held and noted which ones I wanted to participate. In overall I got to understand the process for graduate school application, personal statement. Inasmuch, I observed on how to give effective oral presentation by comparing between the plenary scientific session and the concurrent scientific sessions.Poster sessions were very interesting. From:  symbiotic relationship between cnidarians and also what molecular mechanism aided in their relationship; to the formation of anti-tumor product for cancer treatments. I also participated in the “interrogation” of the different booth to gather information about what programs and knowledge would be provided depending if it was a graduate program or an association. I was interested mainly on plant biology and therefore got information about the American Society of Plant Biologist, but I also found that there was society of developmental biology (SDB). This was very important for me, mainly because my future graduate work will involve aspect of this area of expertise. My expectations were met far beyond my initial response for this convention and I enjoy very much the social events that were held there.

Student: Roberta Lugo

Topic: Amplification and direct sequencing of library fungal rRNA genes utilizing previously identified ITS markers for phylogenetic analysis.

Summary:  Roberta work in the identication of fungi. To do this we can use morfological character as well genetics. But to understan better the relationship the is being studied we have to incoporate both method. She is using a phylogenetic analysis to understand the evolutionary relationship of these organsim, which can lead to a better understanding of the symbiosis being acomplinshed among other organism including us humans. She uses ITS marker to observe the diversity among this genes Other methos are RAPD, RFLPS and AFLPS. The main goal is to document the fungal organisms and it evolutionary relationship.

Student: Gabriela Rivera

Topic: Synthesis of retinol deshydrogenase and gene sequence elucidation.

Summary:  In this work we observe the importance of vitamin A.  To view it process she is going to synthesis the retinoic acid and the metabolites responsable for  vitamin A production. The enzymatic complex is important in the intracelular signaling  that aids in the position of the developing embryo, also in the prevention of cancer. Deficiencies in this molecule will lead to malformation in the limb, beside of cancer. She is also obtaining the sequence and designing primer to understand the paradigm of vitamin A formation and accion, Western blot is used to view this process in protein interaccion.

Both research use gene secuence. One for  diversity assembleage and the other for ontogenic development. These are some of the problem being interpreted in science and their work will make this a better world.



The semester will be hard, but work will be done. We will work with pH again, but this time we will obtain it from the substrate in which plant inhabit and compare it with the optimal growth obtained from previous work.  Also, we will observe if a species has different requirement for spore and gametophytes. This knowledge will help also in the optimization of protocol of micropropagation. If time does not affect our work, we will star next semester project and observe the nutrient requirements. This is the main goal for the semester, but I would like to dedicate some time to identify plant I have recollected around Puerto Rico. It is very interesting to see the different evolutionary measure used by these plants to survive (from rhizoidal tuber to brood cell). I hope to manage all research problem mentioned above and be successful at it. Beside research I will be assessing graduate school and prospect mentors, as well as the GRE. This semester will be tiresome but good. Inasmuch, research will be similar to before, but with more understanding of the paradigm being studied. No new techniques will be learned. Even though I will aid a friend in some research and there I will practice in molecular techniques.

This semester I have gain experience in manipulating in a precise way an abiotic factor like pH. The ranges I am currently working (pH 4.0-4.2-4.4-4.6-4.8……6.0) need adequate time to stabilize using HCl and NaOH 1N. Sometime it takes 30 minutes to get the pH medium desired, but the work is beneficial for further culture. Time is the factor that limit one’s work, also the availability of personnel for certain equipment. But networking has proven to be useful at time like these. This enables not only companionship but also mechanism to ameliorate current problems. This semester we finish the pH medium project.

Next semester we will work with nutrient to observe how the limit or may help grow these plant. And there will be and incredible amount of work. But it will be fruitful

In vitro culture is a method to study in the moment the development of an organism. Different media may be used according to the requirements of the species. We use In vitro culture to understand the relationship of the bryophyte with its environment. This is done by establishing the factors (pH, nutrients, humidity and luminosity) in precise measurements. This helps  in the micropropagation of bryophyte population from gametophytes or sporophyte and ensuring the survival of the endangered species.

In our research we are in almost the experimental phase.  The only thing holding us is the solidifier for media preparation and HCl for pH manipulation. This is essential for the progress of our work, but the materials will be arriving soon and experimentation will follow on. By May will have completed our task, but currently we are in 2.5 in scale of progress. Although this is our current project, we are assembling a side project involving the characteristics necessary for bryophyte survival when in a disturbed environment. This will help us elucidate the tactics involved and the correlation to the endangered species.

.

Let science be!!!

My main goal in this semester is to observe in detail, how diminutive changes in pH range affect bryophyte and their growth. Also, use this information to make a standard protocol for Neotropical bryophyte restoration. I want to present this information in scientific reunion and demonstrate how our work may be beneficial to other environments. Discursive presentation is a priority, as also discussing knowledge on this matter.  This is an exciting semester and we will how it develops.

Observing the development of other members of the Biomind’s program in their research area gives me perspective into my research. While visiting the blog I got to know how they have accomplished the task they have been assigned, and the problem that they have encountered while unraveling a story that may help our society.

In Angelica Perez’s blog, we notice her interest in working with parasites that affect cattle. She is deciphering the mechanism behind the maturation of the parasite (Fasciola hepatica) and how it infects its vector. She has gained knowledge in ELISA-equipment and proper rodent management. This helps her in developing adequate vaccine that may eliminate the parasite infection. She will pursue a Ph.D in Biotechnology focusing in here current research.

Lilliana Emmanuelli’s blog describe the studies she is making in neurodegenerative diseases. The research look on the properties of the Memantine which block the production of glutamate receptor, if these receptor are not block it will causes these diseases. She want to observe how this chemical interacts with the brain and elucidate other roles.

The research that Rhyan Villanueva characterizes is in the usage of microorganism in the degradation of molecules like: lignocelluloses and caffeine. He is revising the literature in this area. He has confronted the common problems of lab personnel availability and has looked a way to resolve it.

In a Road-Trip into my research I have learned to make media for In vitro culture, Microscopy (Compound, phase contrast, SEM) technique, tissue culture, micropropagation, bryophyte identification and field management for bryophyte recollection, literature revision and use of statistical programs to determine ecological parameter. I have also gained experience in research presentation, group discussion on current topic on field of research. One of the problems that I have encountered is the availability of material for starting the experiments. It is necessary to talk with other laboratory to aid in the process will the material needed arrive. Also, this semester has been affected severely due to strike and has unbalanced the time that would have been useful for research. Even though this problem has interfered with the project, we are continuing to pursue our goal in bryophyte restoration by observing the life strategies of the different species that have been previously grown in the lab. This semester focuses on how pH in the media in a broad sense   affects the growth and development of the bryophyte. While semester we will continue to observe the effect of pH but in more resolution or gradient according to results we obtain this semester.