Research Laboratory Research Articles

Inclusive Research Environments for Deaf and Hard of Hearing English Speakers.

In recent years, an increasing number of deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) undergraduates have chosen to study in STEM fields and pursue careers in research. Yet, very little research has been undertaken on the barriers and inclusive experiences often faced by D/HH undergraduates who prefer to use spoken English in research settings, instead of American Sign Language (ASL). To identify barriers and inclusive strategies, we studied six English speaking D/HH undergraduate students working in research laboratories with their eight hearing mentors, and their three hearing peers sharing their experiences. Three researchers observed the interactions between all three groups and conducted interviews and focus groups, along with utilizing the Communication Assessment Self-Rating Scale (CASS). The main themes identified in the findings were communication and environmental barriers in research laboratories, creating accessible and inclusive laboratory environments, communication strategies, and self-advocating for effective communication. Recommendations for mentors include understanding the key elements of creating an inclusive laboratory environment for English speaking D/HH students and effectively demonstrating cultural competence to engage in inclusive practices.

Microarray-based analysis of differential gene expression profile in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease zebrafish model.

Despite much clinical and laboratory research that has been performed to explore the mechanisms of Parkinson's disease (PD), its pathogenesis remains elusive to date. Therefore, this study aimed to identify possible regulators of neurodegeneration by performing microarray analysis of the zebrafish PD model's brain following rotenone exposure. A total of 36 adult zebrafish were divided into two groups: control (n = 17) and rotenone-treated (n = 19). Fish were treated with rotenone water (5 µg/L water) for 28 days and subjected to locomotor behavior analysis. Total RNA was extracted from the brain tissue after rotenone treatment. The cDNA synthesized was subjected to microarray analysis and subsequently validated by qPCR. Administration of rotenone has significantly reduced locomotor activity in zebrafish (p < 0.05), dysregulated dopamine-related gene expression (dat, th1, and th2, p < 0.001), and reduced dopamine level in the brain (p < 0.001). In the rotenone-treated group, genes involved in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (gzm3, cd8a, p < 0.001) and T cell receptor signaling (themis, lck, p < 0.001) were upregulated significantly. Additionally, gene expression involved in microgliosis regulation (tyrobp, p < 0.001), cellular response to IL-1 (ccl34b4, il2rb, p < 0.05), and regulation of apoptotic process (dedd1, p < 0.001) were also upregulated significantly. The mechanisms of T cell receptor signaling, microgliosis regulation, cellular response to IL-1, and apoptotic signaling pathways have potentially contributed to PD development in rotenone-treated zebrafish.

MRI-Derived AD Signature of Cortical Thinning and Plasma P-Tau217 for Predicting Alzheimer Dementia Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Structural brain MRI and blood-based phosphorylated tau (p-tau) measures are among the least invasive and least expensive Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers to date. The extent to which these biomarkers may outperform one another in predicting future Alzheimer dementia diagnosis is poorly understood, however. This study investigated 2 specific AD biomarkers, i.e., a cortical thickness signature of AD (AD-CT) and plasma p-tau217, for predicting Alzheimer dementia. Data came from community-dwelling older participants of the Religious Orders Study or the Rush Memory and Aging Project. AD-CT was obtained from 3T MRI scans using a magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo sequence and by averaging thickness from previously identified cortical regions implicated in AD. Plasma p-tau217 was quantified using an immunoassay developed by Lilly Research Laboratories on the MSD platform. Both MRI scans and blood specimens were collected at the same visits, and subsequent diagnoses of Alzheimer dementia were determined through annual detailed clinical evaluations. Cox proportional hazards models examined the associations of the 2 biomarkers with incident Alzheimer dementia, and prediction accuracy was assessed using c-statistics. A total of 198 older adults, on average 84 years of age, were included. Over a mean follow-up of 4 years, 60 (30%) individuals developed Alzheimer dementia. AD-CT (hazard ratio: 1.71, 95% CI 1.26-2.31) and separately plasma p-tau217 (hazard ratio: 2.57, 95% CI 1.83-3.61) were associated with incident Alzheimer dementia. The c-statistic for prediction accuracy was consistently higher for plasma p-tau217 (between 0.74 and 0.81) than AD-CT (between 0.70 and 0.75) across a range of time horizons. Furthermore, with both biomarkers included in the same model, there was only modest improvement in the c-statistic due to AD-CT. Plasma p-tau217 outperforms an imaging-based cortical thickness signature of AD in predicting future Alzheimer dementia diagnosis. Furthermore, the AD cortical thickness signature adds little to the prediction accuracy above and beyond plasma p-tau217.

Linewidth measurement of external cavity lasers

Narrowband laser sources are used in applications that require high-precision or stable optical frequency. Such applications include high-resolution spectroscopy, long-distance measurement, and coherent optical communication. The linewidth of a laser is a direct measure of the laser's stability; therefore, characterization of laser linewidth is essential. In practice, however, determining a laser's linewidth is not a trivial task and typically requires expensive equipment or a complex experimental arrangement. This paper presents a straightforward, low-cost method based on unbalanced interferometry, which allows us to determine the visibility of fringe patterns as a function of the optical path difference and, consequently, the linewidth of the laser. As a test laser, we use a tunable external cavity laser source at around 780 nm, where an interference filter is employed for wavelength selection. Data obtained by applying the interferometric technique to this laser and the analysis of these data, along with the resulting linewidth value, are presented. Given that the described measurement setup is inexpensive, straightforward, and pedagogically accessible, it is well-suited for an instructional physics laboratory experiment and will also be of interest to laboratory researchers.

Knowledge and awareness among dental and life science students towards research: A questionnaire based cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards research and explore career interests among dental and life science students following their participation in an internship training program in bioresearch. The materials and methods involved a questionnaire-based survey conducted among CRI (Compulsory rotatory internship) dental students, postgraduate MDS students, and life science students who took part in the internship program organized by the Central Research Laboratory. Prior to the internship, participants were administered the questionnaire. The results revealed an overall research knowledge rate of 66% among participants, with CRI dental students demonstrating a higher rate at 72%. Additionally, 72% of the participants expressed positive views regarding research as a viable career option in their respective fields. This study primarily aimed to analyse research knowledge and attitudes among dental and life science students. Findings indicated a strong interest in research among students, highlighting the importance of targeted training in biomedicine and statistics. In conclusion, the study suggests that tailored training programs focusing on research methodology and statistics would be beneficial for medical and dental students entering the field.

A Rapid and Robust DNA Extraction Method for PCR-Based Diagnosis of V. cholerae

Cholera, caused by _V. cholerae_, needs rapid diagnosis because of its threat for rapid spread. Recent molecular diagnosis by PCR assay is more advantageous than the conventional methods. The bottleneck in PCR diagnosis lies in the delay in template DNA extraction of _V. cholerae_, which is the basic requirement. This study describes a simple, less expensive, and rapid template DNA extraction method to lessen the total time for PCR diagnosis of _V. cholerae._ To obtain template DNA, our method involves boiling of _V. cholerae_ suspension in distilled water (takes 18-24 hours) instead of boiling the suspension in broth medium, which is a lengthy process (takes 72 hours). The validation of our template DNA was conducted using 40 _V. cholerae_ O1 strains that were confirmed previously, and its usefulness was checked on 20 clinical strains of _V. cholerae_ O1 isolated from acute diarrhea patients; results were compared with those of conventional template DNA. The analysis of our template DNA in simplex and quadruplex PCR assays revealed the presence of _ctxA_, _tcpA _(El Tor), _rfb _(O1), _ToxR_, _ctxB_, _zot_, _ace,rst _, and _OmpW _genes in _V. cholerae _O1. The comparison of the results of PCR assays using the template DNA from both sources showed equal results and matched correctly. The sensitivity of our template DNA was 1.5x103 CFU per assay. Our template DNA extraction method is simple, less expensive, and rapid, and it can be employed for early diagnosis of _V. cholerae_ during outbreaks, in research laboratories, and in hospital setups where infrastructures are available.

Advancing Diversity in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research and Clinical Care: Lessons Learned from Educational and Career Trajectories of Recent Mentorship Program Graduates.

Underrepresented minorities (URMs) are disproportionately affected with aging-related conditions and have inadequate representation in gerontology and geriatrics professions. The Mentorship for Advancing Undergraduate Research on Aging (MADURA) Program aims to increase inclusion of URMs by improving undergraduate retention and success, increasing rates of graduate/medical school applications, and increasing entry into aging research/clinical employment. MADURA provides cohorts with faculty and peer mentorship, research skills training, paid research lab experiences and professional development opportunities. About 87% of the 2023 MADURA cohort intends to take 1+ year after receiving a Bachelor's degree, to prepare for graduate education. Planned activities include gaining work experience, preparing for standardized tests, and obtaining formal training to strengthen graduate/medical school applications. In addition to immediate graduate program acceptances, other student outcomes should be assessed. Longitudinal research on the effectiveness of various post-graduation pathways could assist Mentorship programs in supporting their graduates' longer term educational and career goal attainment.

Biosynthesis of Curcuminoids with Insights into the Phylogeny of Curcuma and Genetic Engineering of Curcuminoid Production

Turmeric, known as the "Golden Spice of India," has been used in food and medicine for centuries. Produced by the Curcuma genus of the Zingiberaceae family, turmeric is valued in the pharmaceutical industry. India is home to about 53 Curcuma species, with Curcuma longa being the most widely cultivated, especially in Maharashtra, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and the North Eastern states. Curcuma is notable for producing curcuminoids—curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin—which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and other health benefits. These compounds have been a research focus due to their potential in treating various diseases, including cancer. Despite their benefits, curcuminoids have limited bioavailability, prompting extensive research into enhancing their therapeutic use. Genetic studies and chemical analyses suggest that curcuminoid production follows a specific pattern. A novel polyketide from Oryza sativa has shown potential for one-pot curcuminoid synthesis through bioengineering. Research labs have successfully produced curcuminoids in vitro using bioengineered microbes. This review explores curcuminoid biosynthesis in Curcuma species via type III polyketides and CoA condensation, highlighting bioengineering efforts for large-scale curcuminoid production.

The moving wave: Applications of the mobile EEG approach to study human attention.

Although historically confined to traditional research laboratories, electroencephalography (EEG) paradigms are now being applied to study a wide array of behaviors, from daily activities to specialized tasks in diverse fields such as sports science, neurorehabilitation, and education. This transition from traditional to real-world mobile research can provide new tools for understanding attentional processes as they occur naturally. Early mobile EEG research has made progress, despite the large size and wired connections. Recent developments in hardware and software have expanded the possibilities of mobile EEG, enabling a broader range of applications. Despite these advancements, limitations influencing mobile EEG remain that must be overcome to achieve adequate reliability and validity. In this review, we first assess the feasibility of mobile paradigms, including electrode selection, artifact correction techniques, and methodological considerations. This review underscores the importance of ecological, construct, and predictive validity in ensuring the trustworthiness and applicability of mobile EEG findings. Second, we explore studies on attention in naturalistic settings, focusing on replicating classic P3 component studies in mobile paradigms like stationary biking in our lab, and activities such as walking, cycling, and dual-tasking outside of the lab. We emphasize how the mobile approach complements traditional laboratory paradigms and the types of insights gained in naturalistic research settings. Third, we discuss promising applications of portable EEG in workplace safety and other areas including road safety, rehabilitation medicine, and brain-computer interfaces. In summary, this review explores the expanding possibilities of mobile EEG while recognizing the existing challenges in fully realizing its potential.

Review of current perspectives and future outlook on bacterial disease prevention through vaccination in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer).

Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer, is an important aquatic species in mariculture. Intensive farming of this species has faced episodes of bacterial diseases, including those due to vibriosis, scale drop, and muscle necrosis disease, big belly disease, photobacteriosis, columnaris, streptococcosis, aeromoniasis, and tenacibaculosis. Vaccination is one of the most efficient, non-antibiotic, and eco-friendly strategies for protecting fish against bacterial diseases, contributing to aquaculture expansion and ensuring food security. As of now, although numerous vaccines have undergone laboratory research, only one commercially available inactivated vaccine, suitable for both immersion and injection administration, is accessible for preventing Streptococcus iniae. Several key challenges in developing vaccines for Asian seabass must be addressed, such as the current limited understanding of immunological responses to vaccines, the costs associated with vaccine production, forms, and routes of vaccine application, and how to increase the adoption of vaccines by farmers. The future of vaccine development for the Asian seabass industry, therefore, is discussed with these key critical issues in mind. The focus is on improving our understanding of Asian seabass immunity, including maternal immunity, immunocompetence, and immune responses post-vaccination, as well as developing tools to assess vaccine effectiveness. The need for an alignment of fish vaccines with state-of-the-art vaccine technologies employed in human and terrestrial animal healthcare is also discussed. This review also discusses the necessity of providing locally-produced autogenous vaccines, especially for immersion and oral vaccines, to benefit small-scale fish farmers, and the potential benefits that might be extended through changes to current husbandry practices such as the vaccination of broodstock and earlier life stages of their off-spring.

Who do we mobilise? Applied transformative mobilities research in a real-world laboratory

ABSTRACT In this paper we reflect on insights concerning participation in and effects of a real-world laboratory designed to disrupt car dependency in everyday practices in an urban setting. After outlining the project and key findings, we critically reflect on design and achievements of this real-world laboratory more generally. In particular, we discuss the following questions: Who is it that we can address through transformative mobilities research in real-world laboratories? Who are the participants and what are their motives for taking part in the research? To contextualize the research findings within a real-world setting and research paradigm we extend the scope to a second set of questions: How can we conceptualise the relationship between participants and researchers and how do we account for opposing rationalities of interruption (research) and maintenance (participants) of the organisation of everyday life? How does this research enable transformative mobilities? And, finally, what can we say about the scope of our findings and reflections? In the thicket of doing transformative research encouraging and accompanying volunteers to become active in transformative mobility research becomes questions of language, educational background and time resources from the involved, but also being aware of institutionalized change actor networks, unchallenged hierarchies of superior “academic” research and being part of political struggles that require to look closely within and outside of the actual real-world-experiment especially in times of multiple crises. To design and research with those who want to contribute to change is legitimate. However, it is necessary to keep this selectivity in mind.

Dirk Pette, remembered for his pioneering muscle research.

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Dirk Pette. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on June 4, 2022. Dirk was an outstanding professor of biochemistry at the University of Konstanz, Germany and an internationally renowned researcher in the field of skeletal muscle biology. His research on electrical stimulation has had a profound impact on our understanding of myofiber type specification and the enormous adaptive potential of skeletal muscle. Under Dirk's leadership, new biological questions in the field of neuromuscular biology have developed into multidisciplinary approaches using advanced physiological, cell biological, and biochemical techniques. Dirk's research laboratory was frequently visited by a large number of national and international collaborators who familiarized themselves with the technically demanding stimulation protocols and bioanalytical techniques to study the intricate details of the highly complex process of fast-to-slow muscle transitions. Importantly, fundamental studies on the physiological effects of changes in innervation patterns on muscle phenotype have provided the scientific evidence base for a variety of innovative clinical applications. The skeletal muscle research community has lost one of its leading figures and an outstanding teacher of protein biochemistry. He leaves an inspiring legacy in the field of basic and applied myology. Dirk will be missed by his colleagues and by many students of neuromuscular biology and beyond.

Digital phantom versus patient-specific radiation dosimetry in adult routine thorax CT examinations.

The aim of this study was to compare the organ doses assessed through a digital phantom-based and a patient specific-based dosimetric tool in adult routine thorax computed tomography (CT) examinations with reference to physical dose measurements performed in anthropomorphic phantoms. Two Monte Carlo based dose calculation tools were used to assess organ doses in routine adult thorax CT examinations. These were a digital phantom-based dosimetry tool (NCICT, National Cancer Institute, USA) and a patient-specific individualized dosimetry tool (ImpactMC, CT Imaging GmbH, Germany). Digital phantoms and patients were classified in four groups according to their water equivalent diameter (Dw). Normalized to volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol), organ dose was assessed for lungs, esophagus, heart, breast, active bone marrow, and skin. Organ doses were compared to measurements performed using thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs) in two physical anthropomorphic phantoms that simulate the average adult individual as a male (Alderson Research Labs, USA) and as a female (ATOM Phantoms, USA). The average percent difference of NCICT to TLD and ImpactMC to TLD dose measurements across all organs in both sexes was 13% and 6%, respectively. The average±1 standard deviation in dose values across all organs with NCICT, ImpactMC, and TLDs was±0.06 (mGy/mGy),±0.19 (mGy/mGy), and±0.13 (mGy/mGy), respectively. Organ doses decreased with increasing Dw in both NCICT and ImpactMC. Organ doses estimated with ImpactMC were in closer agreement to TLDs compared to NCICT. This may be attributed to the inherent property of ImpactMC methodology to generate phantoms that resemble the realistic anatomy of the examined patient as opposed to NCICT methodology that incorporates an anatomical discrepancy between phantoms and patients.

Gene-deficient mouse model established by CRISPR/Cas9 system reveals 15 reproductive organ-enriched genes dispensable for male fertility

Since the advent of gene-targeting technology in embryonic stem cells, mice have become a primary model organism for investigating human gene function due to the striking genomic similarities between the two species. With the introduction of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for genome editing in mice, the pace of loss-of-function analysis has accelerated significantly. This has led to the identification of numerous genes that play crucial roles in male reproductive processes, including meiosis, chromatin condensation, flagellum formation in the testis, sperm maturation in the epididymis, and fertilization in the oviduct. Despite the advancements, the functions of many genes, particularly those enriched in male reproductive tissues, remain largely unknown. In our study, we focused on 15 genes and generated 13 gene-deficient mice [4933411K16Rik, Adam triple (Adam20, Adam25, and Adam39), BC048671, Cfap68, Gm4846, Gm4984, Gm13570, Nt5c1b, Ppp1r42, Saxo4, Sh3d21, Spz1, and Tektl1] to elucidate their roles in male fertility. Surprisingly, all 13 gene-deficient mice exhibited normal fertility in natural breeding experiments, indicating that these genes are not essential for male fertility. These findings have important implications as they may help prevent other research laboratories from duplicating efforts to generate knockout mice for genes that do not demonstrate an apparent phenotype related to male fertility. By shedding light on the dispensability of these genes, our study contributes to a more efficient allocation of research resources in the exploration of male reproductive biology.

Lost Pets Sold to Research Laboratories: Addressing Pound Seizure Through an Educational Social Media Page ‘FetchFreedom’

Lost Pets Sold to Research Laboratories: Addressing Pound Seizure Through an Educational Social Media Page ‘FetchFreedom’

‘5D PRINTING’ -THE NEW ERA IN DENTISTRY! -A NARRATIVE REVIEW

3D printing technology has a wide range of applications in various industries. It is widely used to produce complex 3D structures, but it has some limitations such as a limited amount of material, etc., which have been overcome with the introduction of 4D printing technology. In 4D printing, which involves time as a function and the combination of smart materials, this enables properties such as changing form and function.[1]Five-dimensional (5D) printing is a new branch of additive manufacturing (AM) with great potential to solve problems in engineering, medicine, dentistry and other related fields. It is the latest technological advancement used to produce complex and intricately shaped products, implants and devices with much better physical properties than those obtained by three-dimensional (3D) printing. The concept of 5D printing originated from William Yerazunis of the American University of Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL). In 5D printing, the printing plate also moves with the printing head during the printing process. in 3D printing techniques.[1]four-dimensional (4D) printing is the concept of using a smart material that can change the shape of a printed object over time as the temperature changes. [2] One of the advantages of 5D printing is the use of 25% less material than 3D printing. Five-dimensional printing is all about efficiently manufacturing this complex and curved structure with maximum strength. Using computer-aided design (CAD) data to produce super strong dental implants, orthodontic brackets, crowns, aligners, bridges and appliances. This CAD data is created using the dentist's 3D scanner / different design software.[1] 5D printing of five axes: [1], 1.X-axis ;2. Y-axis;3. Z axis; 4. Movable print head and 5. Movable printing base.5D printing is an advanced manufacturing technology that builds on the concept of 3D printing and adds customization options and features. While 3D printing requires the creation of three-dimensional objects layer by layer, 5D printing allows additional functions or features to be added to a printable object, often dynamically or responsively. its role in dentistry may be limited due to the newness of the technology.

An Overview Analysis of Current Research Status in Iron Oxides Reduction by Hydrogen

This paper focuses on the study of current knowledge regarding the use of hydrogen as a reducing agent in the metallurgical processes of iron and steel production. This focus is driven by the need to introduce environmentally suitable energy sources and reducing agents in this sector. This theoretical study primarily examines laboratory research on the reduction of Fe-based, metal-bearing materials. The article presents a critical analysis of the reduction in iron oxides using hydrogen, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of this method. Most experimental facilities worldwide employ their unique original methodologies, with techniques based on Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) devices, fluidized beds, and reduction retorts being the most common. The analysis indicates that the mineralogical composition of the Fe ores used plays a crucial role in hydrogen reduction. Temperatures during hydrogen reduction typically range from 500 to 900 °C. The reaction rate and degree of reduction increase with higher temperatures, with the transformation of wüstite to iron being the slowest step. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrates that reduction of iron ore with hydrogen occurs more intensively and quickly than with carbon monoxide (CO) or a hydrogen/carbon monoxide (H2/CO) mixture in the temperature range of 500 °C to 900 °C. The study establishes that hydrogen is a superior reducing agent for iron oxides, offering rapid reduction kinetics and a higher degree of reduction compared to traditional carbon-based methods across a broad temperature range. These findings underscore hydrogen’s potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the steel production industry, supporting a shift towards more sustainable manufacturing practices. However, the implementation of hydrogen as a primary reducing agent in industrial settings is constrained by current technological limitations and the need for substantial infrastructural developments to support large-scale hydrogen production and utilization.

Don’t forget your keys when trying to unlock the productivity of low-permeability coals

Low-permeability coal seam gas (CSG) wells have been the subject of laboratory research and modelling studies over the past decade, particularly focusing on the pressure-dependent permeability (PDP) behaviour of coals. These research efforts have progressed diagnostic methods to identify and quantify PDP and provide practical technologies to counter these effects. Firstly, machine learning methods based on drilling and historical well-test data can provide insight into the range of coal permeability during drilling. Next, the process of history-matching the after-closure pressures from a diagnostic fracture injection test (DFIT), using reservoir simulators, can determine best-fit values for fracture compressibility, a key parameter for reservoir models. Finally, these data, along with DFIT reservoir pressure and permeability data, can inform the decision-making process regarding the most applicable completion strategy and aid developmental planning. For areas where vertical or surface-to-inseam (SIS) wells have been unsuccessful, new hydraulic fracturing technologies have been developed to enhance the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) in coals, using horizontal wells with multi-stage hydraulic fracturing in excess of 20 stages. Recent laboratory and modelling of micro-proppants has extended prior laboratory and modelling studies and provided insight into proppant transport, embedment, and screen-out behaviour. These well stimulation technologies can be co-applied in new or existing CSG fields and are suitable for areas where overlapping tenements limit conventional, steel-based completion strategies. In conclusion, this paper will bring the key findings of these studies together in a cohesive framework and provide the workflows to implement these technologies for better productivity in low-permeability coals.

The stuff of memories: Planning hindsight in animal cryobanks.

Biobanks are becoming ubiquitous infrastructures in zoology and other non-human life sciences. They promise to store frozen research samples for the long term for future use. That use remains speculative but nevertheless needs to be anticipated. Following the establishment of a physical and digital infrastructure for frozen samples in an animal biobanking project, this article explores how the future is anticipated to remember the past, and how frozen objects are shaped accordingly. Situating the biobank between mundane freezing routines in a research lab and the 'dry' and 'wet' collections of natural history museums, I argue that frozen research objects need to be conserved in two separate ways. The unavailability of cryo-objects in cold storage forces researchers to store materials independently of metadata, while retaining a link between them that allows for their reunion after thawing. The result is a split object, leading a double life at sub-zero and room temperature, linked only through the surface of special plastic containers. Following the making of such split objects, this article offers an elaboration of Radin's 'planned hindsight' as well as a reflection on the universality and particularity of biobanks as standardized scientific memory.

Noise as an Extrinsic Variable in the Animal Research Facility.

Animal research facilities are noisy environments. The high air change rates required in animal housing spaces tend to create higher noise levels from the heating and cooling systems. Housing rooms are typically constructed of hard wall material that is easily cleaned but simultaneously highly reverberant, meaning that the sound cannot be controlled/attenuated so the sounds that are generated bounce around the room uncontrolled. (Soft, sound-absorbing surfaces generally cannot be used in animal facilities because they collect microbes; various wall surface features and sound control panel options are available, although rarely used.) In addition, many of our husbandry tasks such as cage changing, animal health checks, cleaning, and transporting animals produce high levels of noise. Finally, much of the equipment we have increasingly employed in animal housing spaces, such as ventilated caging motors, biosafety, or procedure cabinets, can generate high levels of background noise, including ultrasound. These and many additional factors conspire to create an acoustic environment that is neither naturalistic nor conducive to a stress-free environment. The acoustic variability both within and between institutions can serve as an enormous confounder for research studies and a threat to our ability to reproduce studies over time and between research laboratories. By gaining a better appreciation for the acoustic variables, paired with transparency in reporting the levels, we might be able to gain a better understanding of their impacts and thereby gain some level of control over such acoustic variables in the animal housing space. The result of this could improve both animal welfare and study reproducibility, helping to address our 3Rs goals of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement in the animal biomedical research enterprise.