Department Of Biology Research Articles

Designing and Delivering an Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Degree in Quantitative Biology

ABSTRACT With the arrival of new technologies, the biological sciences have become significantly more quantitative over the past 30 years. These new approaches have drawn in researchers from a broad range of disciplines; for example, trained physicists are now commonplace among biology department faculty. Yet, education in the biological sciences often does not reflect this large shift. Here, we outline a new program developed and taught at the University of Warwick to tackle the challenge of bringing quantitative, interdisciplinary education to the biosciences. We provide an overview of the course and the rationale for its structure. We then discuss lessons learned to aid others planning to implement interdisciplinary undergraduate courses based on teaching from research.

Diversity and selection analyses identify transmission-blocking antigens as the optimal vaccine candidates in Plasmodium falciparum

A highly effective vaccine for malaria remains an elusive target, at least in part due to the under-appreciated natural parasite variation. This study aimed to investigate genetic and structural variation, and immune selection of leading malaria vaccine candidates across the Plasmodium falciparum's life cycle. We analysed 325P.falciparum whole genome sequences from Zambia, in addition to 791 genomes from five other African countries available in the MalariaGEN Pf3k Database. Ten vaccine antigens spanning three life-history stages were examined for genetic and structural variations, using population genetics measures, haplotype network analysis, and 3D structure selection analysis. Among the ten antigens analysed, only three in the transmission-blocking vaccine category display P. falciparum 3D7 as the dominant haplotype. The antigens AMA1, CSP, MSP119 and CelTOS, are much more diverse than the other antigens, and their epitope regions are under moderate to strong balancing selection. In contrast, Rh5, a blood stage antigen, displays low diversity yet slightly stronger immune selection in the merozoite-blocking epitope region. Except for CelTOS, the transmission-blocking antigens Pfs25, Pfs48/45, Pfs230, Pfs47, and Pfs28 exhibit minimal diversity and no immune selection in epitopes that induce strain-transcending antibodies, suggesting potential effectiveness of 3D7-based vaccines in blocking transmission. These findings offer valuable insights into the selection of optimal vaccine candidates against P.falciparum. Based on our results, we recommend prioritising conserved merozoite antigens and transmission-blocking antigens. Combining these antigens in multi-stage approaches may be particularly promising for malaria vaccine development initiatives. Purdue Department of Biological Sciences; Puskas Memorial Fellowship; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (U19AI089680).

Transfer RNA as a written molecular history of the life transition on earth

Transfer RNA as a written molecular history of the life transition on earth Zachary Burton, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, reports on tRNA (transfer RNA) as a written molecular history of the pre-life to life transition on Earth ~4 billion years ago. Friends, coders, gamers, puzzlers, historians, linguists, geneticists, lend me your brief attention. I come to report history recorded ~4 billion years ago during pre-life, inscribed and preserved in genetic code and tRNA sequence. The pre-life sequence of tRNA (transfer RNA) was recorded in the tRNA sequences of living organisms, preserving a historic record ~4 billion years after its initial composition. As such, tRNA sequences in living organisms record events that occurred before life began on Earth. By this measure, tRNA sequence is a molecular fossil of the pre-life to life transition, and tRNA sequences relate a simple story that is the core history of the pre-life to life transition.

Aktivitas Enzimatik Cendawan dari Lalat Bactrocera dorsalis sebagai Kandidat Cendawan Entomopatogen

Extracellular enzymes produced by fungi can serve as a screening tool for entomopathogen candidates. Enzyme secretion ability is important in determining the virulence level of an entomopathogenic fungus. This study aims to see the potential of fungal isolates through chitinolytic, lipolytic, and proteolytic activities of five entomopathogenic fungal isolated from Bactrocera sp. imago from citrus plants. The research was carried out at the Microbiology Laboratory of the Department of Biology at the University of Lampung. Enzymatic activity is known through the method of observing the clear zone formed on agar media. Quantitative tests based on the calculation of enzymatic index values showed that Nigrospora sp. (IB1) had lipolytic activity, Penicillium sp. 2 (IB5) isolates had chitinolytic, lipolytic, and proteolytic activities. The isolates of Penicillium sp. 1 (IB2), Phytopthora sp. (IB3), and Gliocladium sp. (IB4) did not show the activity of the three enzymes. Keywords: Bactrocera sp., bioinsecticide, entomopathogenic fungi, enzyme

The combined effect of Weisella cibaria and Fusarium oxysporum nanoparticles on cervical cancer cells

من المتوقع أن يتجاوز عبء السرطان العالمي المتوقع 20 مليون حالة سرطان جديدة بحلول عام 2025. على الرغم من التقدم الأخير في علاج الأورام ، لا يزال علاج السرطان الناجح يمثل تحديًا. يوفر مجال تكنولوجيا النانو الناشئ فرصًا رائعة لتشخيص السرطان ، والتصوير ، وعلاج السرطان. يعتبر التخليق الحيوي لجسيمات الفضة النانوية عن طريق الفطريات طريقة نظيفة وغير سامة بيئيًا مقارنة بالطرق الفيزيائية والكيميائية الأخرىالغرض من هذه الدراسة هو تحديد التأثير التآزري للجسيمات النانوية المركبة من Fusarium oxysporum مع Weisella cibaria ضد خلايا سرطان عنق الرحمأجريت هذه الدراسة من عام 2022 إلى مارس 2023 في معمل ميكروبيولوجيا الغذاء في قسم الأحياء / كلية العلوم / الجامعة المستنصرية. تم عزل بكتيريا حمض اللاكتيك (LAB) من مصادر الغذاء (الشلغم ، اللهانه ، الشوندر والقرنابيط) ، بعد خطوات متسلسلة من كلوريد الصوديوم المعالج ، ثم تم تربيتها في مرق MRS (Man-Rogosa-Sharpe) ، وتم فحصها تحت المجهر. تم الكشف عن النشاط المضاد للبكتيريا في المواد الطافية الخالية من الخلايا (CFS) التي تنتجها هذه العزلات لاختيار الأفضل وتشخيصها عن طريق تسلسل تفاعل البوليميراز المتسلسل والحمض النووي. تم الحصول على الجسيمات النانوية (AgNo3) التي تم إنتاجها من Fusarium oxysporum بالتخليق الحيوي من مختبر الدراسات العليا للفطريات ، وتم إخضاع هذه الفطريات لاختبار السمية. تمت دراسة تأثير التآزر للجسيمات النانوية المختارة من LAB و Fusarium oxysporum ضد خلايا سرطان عنق الرحم. أظهرت هذه الدراسة أن جميع مصادر الغذاء كانت غنية بـ LAB وأن أفضل نشاط مضاد للجراثيم كان مصدر اللفت ووفقًا للتشخيص الجزيئي كان Weisella cibaria والذي سجل في NCBI كـ (MG7865551). أظهر التأثير التآزري لـ Weisella cibaria والجسيمات النانوية انخفاض معدل بقاء خط السرطان بعد 72 ساعة من التعرض لهذا التأثير.

Vitamin D and Lipid Profiles in Infertile PCOS and Non-PCOS Females.

This research is aimed to explore the relationship between vitamin D and lipid profile in females with PCOS and non-PCOS infertile female subjects. Comparative descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan in collaboration with the Australian Concept Infertility Medical Centre, from February 2021 to March 2023. A total of 180 infertile women with 120 PCOS and 60 non-PCOS were enrolled. The lipid profile and BMI of the patients were acquired from desk records, and vitamin D was estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Participants were classified according to their vitamin D levels as sufficient (30-100 ng/ml), insufficient (20-29 ng/ml), or deficient (below 20 ng/ml). Median, interquartile range, frequency, and percentages were described. Statistical significance was calculated by Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests with p-values of 0.05. Females with PCOS had significantly low vitamin D (p <0.001). Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels were significantly increased, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) was less in comparison to the non-PCOS group (p <0.001). A significant increase in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, and very low-density lipoproteins was found in the vitamin D deficient subgroup compared with insufficient or sufficient groups (p = 0.05). The study provides a link between females with PCOS and abnormalities in lipid profile. Decreased vitamin D levels in females with PCOS were linked with an abnormal lipid profile characterised by rise in cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins which may lead to metabolic abnormalities. Vitamin D, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Metabolic syndrome, Body mass index, Lipid profile.

Prevalensi, Intensitas, dan Dominansi Parasit pada Ikan Manggabai (Glossogobius giuris) di Danau Limboto Provinsi Gorontalo

This study aimed to identify the different types of parasites infecting manggabai fish (Glossogobius giurus) in Lake Limboto, in addition to analyzing the intensity, prevalence, and dominance of parasites in the population. Twenty manggabai fish samples were collected from three different locations in Lake Limboto, namely Dembe 1, Tabmela, and Hutuo. The parasite examination process was carried out at the Zoology Laboratory of the Biology Department of Gorontalo State University, focusing on organs such as skin, gills, fins, and digestive organs. The method applied was the native method, which involves direct observation. The identification results showed the presence of three types of parasites in manggabai fish, namely Gyrodactylus sp., Camallanus sp., and Ligula intestinalis. The highest prevalence was recorded for Gyrodactylus sp. at 65%, indicating a significant spread of parasites in the fish population. The parasite intensity of Camallanus sp. from Hutuo at 7. The parasite Ligula intestinalis showed the highest dominance with a value of 44%. Meanwhile, the highest prevalence and intensity values were placed in the frequent and mild categories.

Molecular Docking of Phytocompounds from Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract as Promising Inhibitory Agents against Candida Albicans’s Glucosamine-6-Phosphate Synthase

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study identifies and assesses the active phytochemical components of Mentha piperita (peppermint) leaf extract that inhibit the glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase activity of Candida albicans. Utilizing advanced techniques such as HPLC-DAD and Bioautography Agar Overlay, the research successfully isolated bioactive compounds including rutin, chlorogenic acid, neohesperidin, rosmarinic acid, and eriodictyol. The identification of these specific compounds and their inhibitory effects on a key enzyme in Candida albicans underscores the potential of Mentha piperita as a source of novel antifungal agents. Full Abstract The Mentha piperita plant, also known as peppermint, is a perennial aromatic herb grown throughout most of the world and has long been utilized in traditional medicine. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family. This study aimed to assess and determine the active phytochemical components of Mentha piperita leaf extract that inhibit the glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase activity of Candida albicans. The plant materials were collected from Janyau, Gada Biyu area along Sokoto Road, Gusau, Zamfara state, Nigeria, and identified at the herbarium section of the Biological science Department, Federal University Gusau. The plant leaf was extracted using the soxhlet method and analyses the phytochemical constituents' presence. To identify the bioactive compounds in the extracts of Mentha piperita, thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used on glass slides coated with silica gel (0.2mm Kiesel-gel 60 F254, Merck). The resulting fraction was then analyzed using HPLC-DAD analysis and the Bioautography Agar Overlay Technique. Phytochemical analysis results showed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, phenol, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids as secondary metabolites. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) separation of aqueous extracts provided one compound with an Rf value of 0.52, while methanol and n-hexane extract showed two compounds, each with Rf values of 0.79 and 0.74, 0.72 and 0.70. As bioautography shows, the most bioactive component among the five components is M1. In conclusion, the bioactive constituents identified by high-performance liquid chromatography are rutin, Chlorogenic acid, Neohesperidin, Rosmarinic acid, and Eriodictyol.

First person – Kinga Rutowicz

ABSTRACT First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Kinga Rutowicz is first author on ‘ Multiscale chromatin dynamics and high entropy in plant iPSC ancestors’, published in JCS. Kinga is a Research Assistant in the lab of Célia Baroux at Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zurich, Switzerland. Her research focuses on better understanding the multifaceted role of chromatin in cellular reprogramming during both development and response to environmental stimuli.

Experience of creating, storing and using an entomological collection for educational purposes at the Department of Biology and Soil Science of Orenburg State University

Experience of creating, storing and using an entomological collection for educational purposes at the Department of Biology and Soil Science of Orenburg State University

Effect of Phosphorus Fertilizer on Morpho-physiological, and Biochemical Traits of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) Plants Under Water Deficit

Aims: To evaluate the effect of water deficit (WD) and P-fertilizer on the growth and biochemical composition of Bambara groundnut. Study Design: The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three factors: landraces (L1, L2, and L3), single superphosphate doses (0, 20, 40, 60, 100 mg P2O5.kg-1), and watering regime (90% (control), 60%, and 30% of field capacity (FC)). Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I for three months. Methodology: The seedlings (radicle at 2 mm) were sown in the polyethylene pots filled with substrate with the appropriate P-doses. The plants were grown for up to four weeks under normal watering level (90%_FC). Four weeks after sowing (WAS), the WD was applied by stopping irrigation and maintaining the desired FC. At harvest (8WAS), growth, physiological and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Results: P-fertilizer significantly improved growth and biochemical composition under WD or none. The plant height increased from 20.3% from 0 to 100 mg P2O5 at 30%_FC to L2 at the 8th week. At 90%_FC, the doses 20, 40, 60, 100 mg increased sugars content by 52.6, 59.4, 64.6, and 90.4%, respectively, compared to 0 mg at L3. Proline content at 30%_FC was twice (2.5) that of 90%_FC at L2. Increased accumulation of sugars, proline, and amino acids in leaves was recorded at the severe level of WD. Conclusion: P-fertilizer mitigated the adverse effect of WD on the growth and biochemical composition of Bambara groundnut. A sufficient P-supply (60 mg P2O5.kg-1) was recommended to help Bambara groundnut plants tolerate WD. L1 and L3 appear to be more tolerant than L2 and can be recommended to farmers. As the adaptation mechanisms of these landraces to WD are different, it would be advisable to evaluate their performance in the field to better assess their behavior.

Medicinal plants used by traditional medicine practitioners in treatment of alcohol-related disorders in Bushenyi District, southwestern Uganda.

Alcohol-related disorders rank seventh among risk factors for morbidity and mortality globally, posing a significant public health burden. In Africa, including Uganda, there is limited availability and utilization of pharmacotherapies to treat alcohol-related disorders. This study documented medicinal plant species, plant parts used, and the methods of preparation and administration utilized by Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) in treating alcohol-related disorders in southwestern Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional ethnopharmacological survey was conducted among TMPs within Bushenyi District, southwestern Uganda. Data was collected with key informant interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. The TMPs identified medicinal plants by local names. Plant specimens were collected and deposited at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mbarara University for identification and voucher numbers allocated. The plant scientific names and species were identified based on the International Plant Names Index. Plant species, family, life form, number of mentions, method of collection, preparation and administration were analyzed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel. The survey data were utilized to compute Frequency of Citation, Relative Frequency of Citation, and Informant Consensus Factor. We enrolled 50 traditional medicine practitioners aged between 34 and 98years, with a mean age of 67. Approximately two-thirds were female (66%, 33/50), and mean experience in traditional healing was 31years. The total number of plants identified were 25 belonging to 20 families. The most prevalent plant life form was herbs (36%) while grasses (4%), were the least. Leaves (48%) were the most utilized plant parts with the least utilized being the barks. The most prevalent method, adopted by approximately one-third of the TMPs, involved drying the plant material in the sun. The Informant Consensus Factor was 0.67. The study shows that the traditional medicine practitioners in Bushenyi district use a wide diversity of plants species to treat alcohol related disorders. The relatively high Informant Consensus Factor suggests a significant level of agreement among TMPs regarding the use of the identified plants. We recommend further investigations into phytochemistry, safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action of the identified plants.

Antagonism and mycoparasitism mechanism of T. harzianum against pathogenic fungus species of F. oxysporum and Capnodium sp.

The purpose of this study was to test the ability of T. harzianum to inhibit the growth of pathogenic mold species and to determine the effectiveness of T. harzianum mold species in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic molds, as well as investigate how T. harzianum and pathogenic molds interact with each other. The Microbiology Laboratory of the Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, State University of Malang, is where this research was conducted. The dual culture method was used for this test by using Czapek Agar (CA) medium. The isolated molds were then incubated for 4x24 hours at 25O–27OC. After that, the antagonism power was calculated. The results of macroscopic and microscopic observations were used to assess the mechanism of T. harzianum mold antagonism against pathogenic molds. The results showed that Trichoderma mold species were more resistant to the pathogenic mold Fusarium oxysporum than the pathogenic mold Capnodium. The antagonistic power of T. harzianum was 80%, with the antagonistic power of Capnodium sp. at 66.7%. The mechanism of mycoparasitism occurs when the hyphae of T. harzianum attach or entangle the hyphae of pathogenic molds, causing damage to the hyphal structure and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic molds.

Efficacy of Extracts of Bishop's Flower &lt;i&gt;Ammi majus&lt;/i&gt; against Black Bean Aphid &lt;i&gt;Aphis fabae&lt;/i&gt; Scopoli

Experiments were performed in the laboratory of the Biological Control Department at the Al-Mussaib Technical College during February-July, 2023 for evaluating the efficacy of crude aqueous and alcoholic extracts of flowers and leaves of Bishop’s flower Ammi majus against the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae Scopoli, results revealed that the hot water extract proved superior to cold water extract and hot water extract of flowers was superior compared to leaf extract with mortality of 29.7% nymphs and adults 19.6% respectively.

West Virginia Human Whole-Body Donors in Undergraduate Biology Education at Radford University

The use of human whole-body donors is the gold standard in anatomy education, and dissection is a standard pedagogical tool in gross anatomy courses in medical schools, physical therapy schools, and other health science graduate and professional training programs. However, undergraduate students studying anatomy and physiology rarely have the opportunity to work with real human tissues. The Biology Department at Radford University in Southwest Virginia is noteworthy for using whole-body donors from the West Virginia University Human Gifts Registry in all of its undergraduate anatomy and physiology courses. Radford University also uses whole-body donors in non-Biology courses and in student research projects. This report details the educational uses and impacts of WV whole-body donors at Radford University over the past seven years.

POTENSI EKSTRAK METANOL RHIZOM ALANG-ALANG (Imperata cylindrica L.) SEBAGAI BIOHERBISIDA PENGHAMBAT PERTUMBUHAN GULMA SEMBUNG RAMBAT (Mikania micrantha H.B.K)

Imperata cylindrica is a narrow-leaved weed that contains phenol compounds in the form of flavonoids and tannins that can inhibit the growth of other plants, so it has the potential as a bioherbicide. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of methanol extract of rhizom I. cylindrica on the germination and growth of Mikania micrantha weed and to determine the concentration of methanol extract of rhizom I. cylindrica that well inhibits the germination and growth of M. micrantha weed. This research started from March to December 2023 and was carried out at the Forest Products Chemistry Laboratory Faculty of Forestry, Laboratory and Cassa House Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Tanjungpura University, Pontianak. The method used in this research is Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 concentration treatments of 0 g/ml (control); 0.1 g/ml; 0.2 g/ml; 0.3 g/ml and 0.4 g/ml, each treatment consists of 5 replicates. The results showed that methanol extract of rhizom I. cylindrica gave a significant effect on the germination and growth of M. micrantha weed. The methanol extract of rhizom I. cylindrica that best inhibits the germination of M. micrantha weed is a concentration of 0.2 g/ml and best inhibits the growth of M. micrantha weed is a concentration of 0.4 g/ml. Methanol extract of rhizom I. cylindrica has the potential as a bioherbicide to inhibit the growth of M. micrantha weed.

Potential of Mango Leaf Methanol Extract (Mangifera indica L.) as A Bioherbicide Against The Growth of Putri Malu Weed (Mimosa pudica L.)

Putri Malu (Mimosa pudica L.) is a weed that often found in various places, especially on agricultural land and plantations. Mangifera indica L. has potential as a bioherbicide because it contains aleochemical compounds, which inhibit the growth of other plants. This research aims to determine the potential and the best concentration of methanol extract of mango leaves (Mangifera indica L.) in inhibiting the growth of putrimalu weed (Mimosa pudica L.). This research was carried out for four months, in the Kasa House Laboratory, Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Tanjungpura University. The research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five mango leaf extract concentration treatment levels, namely control (P0), 10% (P1), 20% (P2), 30% (P3), and 40% (P4). Each treatment was repeated five times to obtain 25 experimental units. The results showed that the methanol extract of mango leaves (Mangifera indica L.) had an effect on inhibiting the germination and growth of the M. pudica weed. The best concentration of methanol extract of mango leaves in inhibiting the germination and growth of putrimalu weed is a concentration of 20%.

Evaluation of proprotein convertase subtilsin /kexin 9(PCSK9) in serum of men hypertensive patients

High blood pressure is considered a major factor for the development of heart disease and vascular disease in elderly people, due to higher tension in arteries leading to hypertension. PCSK9 is a proprotein convertase that increases circulating LDL levels by directing hepatic LDL receptors into lysosomes for degradation. The effects of PCSK9 on hepatic LDL receptors and contribution to atherosclerosis via the induction of hyperlipidemia are well defined. Methods: The case-control study included (90) subjects divided into sixty (60) male patients. Samples were collected for patients with high blood pressure in Al-Sadr Medical City in Najaf Al-Ashraf / Iraq, and laboratory tests were conducted to measure the lipid profile in Al-Sadr Medical City laboratories. Height and weight were measured, and other information was also collected. The ELISA test was performed in the advanced animal laboratory in the college’s Department of Biology. Department of Science/University of Kufa. The study was conducted by collecting samples and measuring all factors in the period from 1/11/2023 to 2/2/2024. A control group study of 30 men was also conducted. All groups that appeared healthy were matched in age, and patients with diabetes, kidney disease and heart disease were excluded from the study, as well as any other systemic diseases. Conclusion: The present study concluded that PCSK9considered as a prognostic marker for prediction of hypertension. Also, PCSK9 was very related in hypertensive patients with hyperlipidemia (cholesterol, TG, LDL, &amp; HDL). High biomarker level associated with ages especially at new diagnosis without treatment and with short duration of disease. Smoking plays important roles with high a level of PCSK9 in hypertensive patients. The genetic may play a role in present study by high level of This biomarker in familial hypertensive patients. Obesity has a crucial role in in hypertensive patients with high PCSK9 level.

Validasi Pengembangan Modul Ajar Virus Berbasis Problem Based Learning (PBL) Untuk Mata Pelajaran Biologi Fase E SMA/MA

In the Merdeka Curriculum, teachers are required to develop learning tools that include Learning Outcomes (CP), Learning Objective Flow (ATP), and teaching modules as a mandatory task for teachers. The implementation of the Independent Curriculum is still faced with a number of obstacles. Teachers experience difficulties in implementing learning based on the Independent Curriculum, mainly due to a lack of adequate socialization. Teachers need time to learn to adapt to new curriculum changes. One of the demands of the Independent Curriculum is the preparation of learning tools in the form of teaching modules. However, observation results show that teachers still do not have complete teaching modules, especially for phase E. This teaching module is a learning plan in the Independent Curriculum which contains worksheets for students and teaching materials. This research uses a type of development research with a 4D model, which consists of the Define, Design, Develop and Disseminate stages. However, due to time constraints, the Disseminate stage was not carried out in this study. The research subjects included two lecturers from the Biology department, FMIPA UNP and five Biology teachers. Based on the research results, the virus teaching module developed based on problem based learning is considered very valid with a validation value of 91%, and has a readability level with very readable criteria, with a readability value reaching 94%.

Irene Salinas: The joy of continuous growth and learning.

Irene Salinas is a professor in the Department of Biology, University of New Mexico. Her lab uses multiple animal models to study nasal immunity and neuroimmune interactions in the olfactory-central nervous system axis in response to microorganisms. We recently spoke with Irene about her current work, her diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work, and how her leadership style has changed over the years.