Primary Research
Empower
Growth
Mineral composition and micro structural characterization of the
New Red Sandstone from the Scottish Highlands
Abstract: The composition and morphology of minerals in the New Red Sandstone are studied in the context of urban climate- controlled environments, to better understand the causes of surficial blackening taking place on the sandstone bricks that make up the Glasgow Merrell Art Museum. A proxy sample of the same sandstone sourced from the Locharbriggs quarry in the Scottish Highlands, was obtained for further analysis. LA-ICP-MS data is combined with Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDS to confirm the mineral composition of manganese-iron oxides and iron oxides in the particles analyzed and broadly catalog the particles found in the stone. In addition, a thin section of the source sample is used for petrographic analysis. Porosity and hydraulic conductivity are calculated from microphotographic data. Porosity and permeability are shown to decrease within clay cemented laminae and casual connections are considered between the values and the preferential nature of the blackening.
Magnetic Particles Extracted from a Deep-Sea Manganese Nodule: Preliminary Observations
Abstract: Deep sea manganese nodules are being considered as a source of critical elements including cobalt, copper, nickel, and iron. A single 18.23 gram (approximately 3 cm wide and 4 cm long), manganese nodule from the Pacific Ocean (210 21’ 00” N, 1140 06’ 00” W) off the coast of the Baja California Peninsula was ground using a porcelain mortar and pestle. Light material was decanted, and a saran-wrapped magnet was used to extract magnetic material. Using an SEM/EDX system, we identified black, shiny spherical particles, flecks of metallic nickel and iron, an iron-copper grain, and numerous euhedral titanium-iron crystals. The spherical particles are likely to originate from meteoritic ablation as evidenced by their predominantly iron composition and myrmekitic surface texture. Metallic particles were determined not to be of cosmic origin due to their crystalline or flaky shape. Previous studies have observed the presence of metallic nickel and other metals in deep-sea sediments near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and suggested that they formed in a highly reduced environment caused by serpentinization due to penetrating sea water. Others have concluded that diagenetic processes occur due to reducing conditions in Pacific manganese nodules depending on the amount of burial that the nodule has undergone. The presence of euhedral crystals of probable titanomagnetite has been postulated as being derived from altered seafloor basalts. It appears that a comprehensive characterization of the magnetic fractions of deep-sea manganese nodules may help to better understand the formation of manganese nodules and their possible use as a critical element resource.
Analysis of Microspherules from the Eldorado Bar
Abstract: Microspherule specimens collected from the Eldorado Bar located on the Missouri River in central Montana were submitted for further analysis. Use of heavy machinery and/or potential spherule producing tools directly at the collection site is rare, but additional anthropogenic sources require investigation. Microspherules have been reported as “abundant” at the collection site by regular visitors who use the Eldorado Bar as a dig site for sapphires and other minerals. However, no study has been conducted to determine the origin of these specimens. Some of the microspherules analyzed have trademark dendritic crystals that are indicative of quenching, often found correlating to impact processes. This analysis will utilize advanced spectroscopy methods to investigate the morphology and composition of the specimens in order to determine the various processes that could’ve been involved in their formation.
Effects of Exposure to Variable Ethyl Alcohol Concentrations on Danio rerio Embryonic Development
Abstract: Danio rerio have emerged as a valuable model organism in molecular development research due to their small size, transparency during developmental stages, and fully sequenced genome. Through morphological analysis of zebrafish embryos at different developmental stages, this study compares and investigates the variations in FAS-related alterations. Commonly found FAS symptoms are identified and then traced back to specific exposure scenarios and solution concentrations. The utilization of zebrafish embryos in this study provides a unique approach in researching the developmental effects of FAS. The findings can contribute to a better understanding of FAS mechanisms, leading to improved key indicators and experimental strategies.
Secondary Research
Deep-ocean Manganese Nodules: Formation Processes, Geomicrobiology, and Economic Prospects
A comprehensive overview of deep-ocean manganese nodules covering the history of manganese nodule discovery, their composition and distribution, the role of microorganisms in their formation and growth, the taxonomic diversity of associated microbial communities, and the potential impact of deep-sea mining on these unique ecosystems. Additionally, it explores the economic potential of manganese nodules as a source of critical metals such as Fe, Ni, Co, Li, Cu, and REE's and the technical considerations involved in their extraction.
Society of Physics Students Research Symposium
Abstract: Microspherules are tiny spherical and partially crystalline structures that have been found in various stratigraphic layers associated with catastrophic events triggered by extraterrestrial impacts. These specimens form as impact melt is ejected at distances as far as 30x the radius of the initial impact crater. While their most notable use as impact evidence is in the findings at the K-T boundary, these structures have gained renewed attention in the last decade due to their potential role in the presumed impact that triggered the Younger Dryas cooling event near the Pleistocene-Holocene boundary. Microspherules were one of seven key pieces of evidence presented in the original proposal for the Younger Dryas impact event, and their investigation and determination of origin is crucial for understanding the implications for paleoclimatology and future astrobiology research. I will be discussing the research methods I have used in my research on microspherules, including geochemical assay, morphological analysis, and classification.
Utilizing D. melanogaster to Identify Genetic Inheritance Patterns in Mutant Phenotypes
Abstract: Drosophila melanogaster in genetic research due to their genetic manipulability and biological similarities to humans. Their short life span and rapid reproduction cycle enable efficient study of Mendelian inheritance patterns within a short timeframe. This article discusses the advantages and limitations of Drosophila melanogaster in genetic research, highlighting their ease of use in educational settings and their contribution to understanding basic biological processes. The life cycle of Drosophila melanogaster, from egg to adult, is described, emphasizing the importance of careful observation and documentation at each stage. The article also provides an overview of Mendelian modes of inheritance, including dominant, recessive, and co-dominant patterns, and explains how these concepts are applied by analyzing the inheritance pattern through breeding and examination of the F1 and F2 generations. The unknown mutant follows an autosomal recessive Mendelian inheritance pattern, with specific genotypic and phenotypic ratios predicted for the F2 generation. The analysis of the collected data will be performed using a Pearson Chi Square test to evaluate the conformity to the expected Mendelian ratios.