Natural antimicrobial extracted from medicinal plants

The aim of our project was to discover a new antimicrobial extracted from some medicinal plants. We choose Thymus vulgaris, Thymus capitatus and Melaleuca alternifolia. Then we extracted the essential oils from these plants by means of steam distillation. We discovered that there is no synergy between these three plants and that they are powerful bactericides, both on Gram+ and …

Shining a Light on the Blind: Evolutionary Regression and Adaptive Progression in the Micro-vertebrate Ramphotyphlops braminus, a Model for Understanding Brain Organization and Complex Neurological Disorders

Many current efforts aim at understanding the depth of our nervous systems. However, complexity imposes impediments, while simpler systems can provide fundamentally important insight. The brahminy blindsnake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) is among Earth’s smallest vertebrates, and has a tiny central nervous system (CNS). This study produced a R. braminus brain atlas, assessed its eye architecture, and determined the effects of light …

Fauna and ecology of bats in central Yakutia (North-Eastern Siberia, Russia)

Our study was focused on biological and ecological peculiarities of bats inhabiting Central Yakutia. To achieve our goal, we performed the following tasks: 1. To determine the bat species diversity in Central Yakutia; 2. To reveal morphological peculiarities of bats; 3. To describe their feeding habits; 4. To determine the sex structure in bat populations in the studied area; 5. …

Acetobacter spp. bacteria producing biopolymers simultaneously

The products of chemical industry (plastics, resin, etc.) are produced from non-renewable natural resources and therefore heavily pollute the environment. For this reason they should be superseded with biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymers having plastic-like properties such as cellulose and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). We have performed this study to reveal whether it is possible to construct bacteria synthesizing these two biopolymers simultaneously. …

Investigating the Effect of Green Tea on the Growth of Probiotic Bacteria Combination

Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the world. It has an estimated mortality rate of 36.8% in America. Certain probiotic bacteria have been associated with anticarcinogenic properties. Green tea has been speculated to facilitate the growth of probiotic bacteria in the gut and it would increase the quantity of natural probiotic bacteria in the human …

Inhibiting the replication of Chikungunya virus replicon particles with antiviral agents, and a traditional herbal tincture Carmol Drops

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) belongs to the alphavirus genus and is transmitted by mosquitoes. It has spread from the tropics to all continents except Antarctica. Recent cases of CHIKV infection have been reported in Arabia, the United States, Mexico, and even Italy. The virus causes excruciating joint pain lasting for months or even years after the infection. There is neither a …

Correlation between acne treatment and the development of tetracycline resistance

Antibiotic consumption for acne treatment can be changed if we evaluate the consumption patterns. In my project I conducted two experiments: A laboratory experiment which examined tetracycline’s effect on normal skin flora, and a questionnaire survey which mapped the doctors’ treatment strategies for acne. The laboratory experiment showed that the effect of tetracycline on the skin flora was reduced after …

Primary Study on Discoloration of Stalactites in Hu-Tian Palace

Karst caves are scarce and valuable natural resources of enormous economic significance. Normally, cave inner environment remains subtly stable; however, inappropriate exploitation may lead to ecological changes, even destruction of the landscape. Hu-Tian Palace, a well-known karst cave in China, is a typical case. After storing liquor for years, a thick layer of materials appeared on stalactites and gradually changed …