2024 Abstracts

Authors: Cristina Chirvasa, Tyler Williams, Matteo Petit Bon. Mentors: Karen Beard. Insitution: Utah State University. Arctic regions are experiencing climate change impacts at disproportionately high rates. Rising temperatures, flooding from melting sea ice and increasing storm surges, and changing animal migration patterns are all contributing to altered Arctic ecosystems. Here, we examine the impact of warming, flooding, and increased herbivory on three plant communities, with varying levels of background inundation due to their distance from rivers, in the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) delta, a large riverine delta in Alaska. While previous research has examined climate change responses in the Arctic, there have been few studies on the response of plant functional traits to herbivory with other environmental factors. We will conduct an experiment to measure the impact of these variables (herbivory, flooding, and warming) across three different habitat types. My research will investigate the response of plant functional traits to the experimental treatments. I will fit linear mixed effects models to analyze the impact of our three treatments. This study will increase knowledge on climate change impacts on different plant communities across the Y-K Delta.

Authors: Austin Meyer, Gavin Grimmett, Martina Gaspari. Mentors: Martina Gaspari. Insitution: Utah Tech University. DNA can form non-canonical base pairings, resulting in structures distinct from the conventional double helix. One such example is the Hoogsteen base pairing, which can give rise to triple helix DNA. Triple helix DNA plays essential roles in regulating DNA metabolism and gene function, but its unusual nature is inherently mutagenic, sometimes leading to conditions like cancer. Recent research has uncovered that colorectal tumors exhibit significantly higher activity of triplex DNA binding proteins compared to their normal tissue. To explore this correlation, this study aims to employ cell and molecular biology techniques to investigate the relationship between the rise in triple helix DNA binding proteins and the presence of DNA triple helices. We initiated our study by extracting total RNA from HeLa cells, followed by the design and synthesis of specific primers for cloning ORC2 and ORC4 by RT-PCR. The experiment is further designed to analyze the potential consequences of ORC2 and ORC4 overexpression in human cell lines. Expression vectors containing ORC2 and ORC4 will be transfected into WI-38 cell lines comparing them to untransfected ones with hope of observing an increase of the proteins of interest and of triple helix DNA. The cell lines will be lysed, the total protein will be extracted, and Western blot will be conducted for comparison. Triple helix DNA will also be measured by calorimetric melting and high-speed centrifugation.

Authors: Coleman Judd, Alexander Beagley. Mentors: Michelle Culumber. Insitution: Weber State University. Due to the overuse of antibiotics in industrial, agricultural, and medical settings, antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming more prevalent in various unique settings. We set out with the goal of identifying antibiotic-resistant bacteria from the Great Salt Lake waterfront. After isolating colonies on agar containing the antibiotic Tetracycline, we performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and identified three separate Enterobacteriaceae species all exhibiting varying levels of antibiotic resistance. We performed an array of biochemical and physiological tests to further distinguish the Enterobacteriaceae species. Full spectrum biochemical tests indicate two near identical species followed by a third, novel species as both a phenotypic and biochemical outlier. Antibiotic resistant bacteria within the Great Salt Lake region present an ever-growing dilemma of clinical and environmental danger that accompanies antibiotic resistant microbes.

Authors: Elizabeth Jenkins. Mentors: Jerry Johnson. Insitution: Brigham Young University. There is convincing data on the potential relationship between predator-prey environments and cognitive abilities. There is often an increase in cognition found in species living among predators. Culum Brown and Victoria A. Braithwaite (2005) conducted an experiment to test this hypothesis on Brachyraphis episcopi. While they anticipated their results would support this hypothesis, the populations under non-predator conditions solved the cognitive tests more quickly. In this study, I replicate their experiment with a different species, named Brachyraphis rhabdophora, to determine if their results are repeatable. Populations of Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora are found in northwestern Costa Rica and are distinctly segregated into different river drainages. In each drainage, the populations are isolated into predator and non-predator populations. These populations experience a parallel separation of social environment to the populations used by Brown and Braithwaite. Using their same methodology, we measured cognition in Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora by presenting them with the task of locating a hidden food patch. I expected that that the predatory-prey population would complete this task more efficiently, although it’s possible that this species could produce the same contradictory results. Once the data are all collected, I will present the results and publish a paper on my findings.

Authors: Alley Fausett, Megan Ritter Martin, Kristin Davenport, Malisa Brooks, Kent Hinkson. Mentors: Kent Hinkson, Malisa Brooks. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Background: University students oftentimes face challenges with well-being and mental health, including depression, anxiety, sleep problems, PTSD, and suicide ideation/behaviors. However, previous research in some areas such as depression and its impact on student’s academic performance has remained generally inconclusive because of the contradictory findings that have often been reported. For example, one study will find a moderate association between grade point average (GPA) and depression, while another will in turn fail to find a significant relationship. Thus, more research is needed beyond simple correlations between GPA and depression to understand possible mechanisms and pathways. The current research hypothesizes that depression symptoms will either not be related or be weakly related to GPA but will be significantly associated with several possible mediating variables such as “turning in assignments late”, “having withdrawn from a class”, and “being placed on academic probation.”Methods: University students (n = 1,359) were recruited to participate in this study from dozens of universities across the United States in 2021. Data was collected anonymously and confidentially through a targeted online survey. Students were compensated with a $10 Amazon gift card for their participation. Zero order correlations were conducted to examine the relationship between variables of interest, which may lead to possible mediating pathways.Results: No statistically significant correlation was observed between depression symptoms and academic performance among students. Yet, several other measures of academic performance beyond GPA were found to have negative relationships with depression including five questions of particular academic activity and items such as withdrawing from class, being placed on academic probation, etc. Further, the strength and significance of the relationship between depression symptoms and these measures of academic performance were stronger and more pronounced in those in their Freshman and Sophomore years. Additionally, the relationships were weaker during their Junior and Senior years, and practically non-existent in graduate programs.Conclusion: In summary, our study contributes to the growing number of often-contradictory studies demonstrating a sometimes-yes, sometimes-no relationship between depression and GPA. However, our study goes beyond this binary comparison to explore other variables of academic performance and found several significant relationships that can help the field better understand the impacts of depression on student’s performance. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing mental health for better academic outcomes for university students. Implementing targeted support systems and interventions within educational institutions could benefit students’ overall well-being and improve academic performance.

Authors: Ana Paulina Medellin-Alvarez, Jared Almazan, Tursun Turapov, David A. Kircher, Karly A. Stanley, Gennie L. Parkman, MiKaela N. Field, Katie M. Culver, Silvia Coma, Jonathan A. Pachter, Howard Colman, Sheri L. Holmen. Mentors: Sheri Holmen. Insitution: University of Utah. Despite promising results from recent FDA-approved therapies, many advanced melanoma patients develop resistance to both immunotherapy and targeted therapy. A common resistance mechanism to targeted therapy is upregulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which has also been shown to promote the development of melanoma brain metastases. Historically, AKT inhibitors have failed in the clinic due to their limited efficacy or intolerable toxicity. Proteomic analysis comparing non-metastatic vs brain metastatic primary tumors in mice revealed focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as an AKT1 specific effector and a potential alternative therapeutic target. FAK is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that localizes primarily to focal adhesions to regulate cell migration. To determine whether targeting FAK alone or in combination with the RAF/MEK inhibitor avutometinib reduces brain metastases and prolongs survival, we utilized both autochthonous and syngeneic melanoma mouse models. Mice with either subcutaneous tumors or established brain metastases were treated with FAK inhibitor, RAF/MEK inhibitor, or the combination of FAK and RAF/MEK inhibitors. Each cohort was assessed for tumor onset, growth, metastasis, and survival. Our results show that combined RAF/MEK/FAK inhibition significantly delays tumor onset, causes regression of established tumors, prevents the development of brain metastases, promotes the regression of established brain metastases, and prolongs survival. In addition, patient-derived BRAF V600E melanoma xenograft mouse models resistant to the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib and the MEK inhibitor trametinib, were sensitive to combined RAF/MEK/FAK blockade. The addition of the BRAF inhibitor encorafenib to these models further enhanced the effect on tumor growth. These results support the initiation of a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of the RAF/MEK inhibitor avutometinib in combination with the FAK inhibitor defactinib in patients with brain metastases from cutaneous melanoma. Additionally, we are assessing non-canonical roles of FAK in modulating the tumor microenvironment to determine whether avutometinib and defactinib also enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibition in this disease.

Authors: Jacob Atkinson. Mentors: Vinodh Chellamuthu. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Insurance is a crucial part of economies worldwide, paying billions of dollars in claims yearly. Insurance companies need to anticipate future claim liabilities to manage the high volume of claims. This research investigates the use of linear and non-linear machine learning algorithms, including linear regression, ridge, lasso, elastic net, Decision Tree Regressor, Random Forest Regressor, and Gradient Boosting Regressor, to predict auto insurance claim amounts. The performance of each model is assessed using various metrics, such as mean squared errors, mean absolute errors, and R-squared. An optimized model will also be used to estimate the future financial impact.

Authors: Riley B. Jackson, Iris Cepeda. Mentors: Michael C Rotter, Kiara Whitley. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Roses (Rosa spp.) are beloved ornamental plants known for their flowers and for their formidable prickles, often referred to as thorns. These prickles are an important part of herbivore resistance in these plants. These mechanical defense structures can vary in shape and abundance and are found along the length of the stems and even the underside of leaves. Although the mere presence of these prickles can cause damage to potential herbivores they also may act as vectors for infectious microbes. Previous studies have shown that other piercing physical defense structures can harbor infectious bacteria, sometimes resulting in conditions such as gangrene, anthrax poisoning, or septic arthritis. This raises the question about their potential implications for human safety particularly when these plants grow in areas of high human use. While roses have similar sharp structures, it is currently unknown if they harbor any pathogenic or defensive bacteria. Our study explores and whether local roses (both native and non-native) have similar or distinct microbiomes and if they possess pathogenic microbes. Understanding these differences would enable us to shed light on ecological relationships between microbes and native versus non-native plants and health risks associated with rose prickle injuries.

Authors: Richard Ji, Emre Dal, Ayana Srivastava, Beverly Chigarira, Chadi Hage Chehade, Arshit Narang, Georges Gebrael, Neeraj Agarwal, Umang Swami, Haoran Li. Mentors: Neeraj Agarwal. Insitution: University of Utah. Comparative effectiveness of ChatGPT 4.0 and medical oncologists in telemedicine-based management of metastatic prostate carcinoma (mPC).Richard Ji1, Emre Dal1, Ayana Srivastava1, Beverly Chigarira1, Chadi Hage Chehade1, Arshit Narang1, Georges Gebrael1, Neeraj Agarwal1, Umang Swami1, Haoran Li21Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT;2University of Kansas Cancer Center, Westwood, KSBackground: The advent of telemedicine, accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic, offers a prospective modality, especially when synergized with artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT 4.0. In this investigation, we sought to investigate the proficiency of ChatGPT vs. medical oncologists in the telemedicine-centric management of mPC.Methods: This IRB-approved retrospective study compared the competencies of ChatGPT and oncologists in conducting telemedicine consultations for patients with mPC. Out of 975 patients screened between April 1, 2022, and March 30, 2023, 102 met the inclusion criteria of having a diagnosis of mPC, attending at least one telemedicine consultation during the specified period, and having documentation available for two consecutive visits to enable the analysis of treatment decisions and outcomes. ChatGPT was asked to pre-chart and determine if a face-to-face consultation is needed. Its clinical competence was assessed using miniCEX, and medical decision-making (MDM). The Cohen's kappa test was used to measure the level of agreement between ChatGPT and oncologists in treatment decisions, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare miniCEX and MDM.Results: The majority of patients were White (97.06%), with a median age of 75 years (range:53 to 99). Nearly all patients were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (96.08%), with a median Gleason score of 7 (range: 6 to 10). The prevalent metastatic sites were bone (47.4%) and lymph nodes (44.16%). 26.88% had an ECOG score of 0, 54.84% had a score of 1, and 18.28% had a score greater than 1. Common coexisting conditions included diabetes mellitus (11.11%), hypertension (29.82%), hyperlipidemia (24.56%), and depression (7.6%). The primary outcome measured the concordance between ChatGPT and oncologists on whether to continue or cease the current treatment There was a statistical significance in sensitivity and specificity between clinicians and ChatGPT (Chi-squared=5.1, p=0.02). Cohen's Kappa showed a moderate concordance (Kappa = 0.43, p<0.001). There was no difference in the number of diagnoses made by the two parties (p=0.13 and 0.06, respectively). ChatGPT's median miniCEX score was 8 (SD=0.59), and its median MDM length was 41 words (SD=6.06). The average time saved by ChatGPT in pre-charting was 41 minutes (SD=6).Conclusions: ChatGPT showed moderate concordance with oncologists for the management of mPC in telemedicine. Subsequent investigations are needed to explore its potential in healthcare.

Authors: Lillian Davis, Paul B Frandsen. Mentors: Paul B. Frandsen. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Insects of the order Embioptera (webspinners) typically live in colonies that can cover the ground of entire fields with their silk-constructed galleries, providing them with camouflage from predators and cover from the rain. Uniquely amongst silk-producing insects, webspinners possess silk glands in their forelimbs and, like spiders, retain the ability to produce silk throughout their life history. They typically live together in semi-social colonies, feeding off of decaying plant matter. Previous studies have been limited to morphological descriptions of species, testing various qualities of their silk, and a few molecular studies based on short DNA sequences. Here we present the genome of Apostonia ceylonica, a webspinner species from India, providing the first embiopteran genome assembly, opening the door to a multitude of analyses. At a haploid size of approximately 3.1 gigabases, their genome is significantly larger than previous estimates, containing a significant number of repeating segments. This data provides valuable information for future studies into the genes that control silk production, information for identifying this species through meta-barcoding, and data that could improve phylogenetic trees. By evaluating the effect of repetitive elements on their oversized genomes, we gain insights into the evolutionary history of Apostonia ceylonica.

Authors: Katherine Christensen, Danielle Kemmer. Mentors: Ron Valcarce. Insitution: Salt Lake Community College. Phenytoin is listed by the World Health Organization as an Essential Medicine that is one of the most cost-effective anti-epileptic (AED) treatments available. However, the availability of the drug to pharmacies in developing countries is limited. 85% of those affected with epilepsy live without treatment. Low commercial production, political instabilities, and/or financial barriers prevent the availability of this anti-epileptic drug. A more efficient and cost-effective method for supplying phenytoin to local clinics and medical personnel could alleviate some of these barriers. The initial goal of this project was to refine a small-scale synthesis and purification of phenytoin using the base-catalyzed addition of urea to benzil, followed by pinacol rearrangement and recrystallization. Our procedure emphasized simple laboratory equipment found in the most basic of pharmacy laboratories. Using the International Pharmacopoeia guidelines for pharmaceutical purity, we achieved over 98% purity. Verification of pharmaceutical grade purity was achieved by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Our Secondary goal was to incorporate a more efficient and accessible synthesis method. This goal was achieved through the implementation of Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE). This project outlines the comparison between these two methods and the potential benefits and limitations of each of these methodologies.

Authors: Joseph Henderson, Peter Seely, Benjamin Webb. Insitution: Brigham Young University. A classical result in spectral graph theory states that if a graph has an equitable partition then the eigenvalues of the associated divisor graph are a subset of the original graph’s eigenvalues. A natural question is whether it is possible to recover the remaining eigenvalues of the graph using this method of creating divisor graphs. We show that any weighted undirected graph can be decomposed into a number of subgraphs each with a nontrivial equitable partition whose collective spectra contain the remaining eigenvalues. We call these constructs Local Equitable Partitions (LEPs). We have developed an algorithm that leverages this result to compute LEPs and calculate the remaining eigenvalues of the original graph from them. This is potentially useful as many real-world data sets have a nontrivial equitable partition. To show the potential performance advantage of our algorithm over traditional methods, we present an ideal graph for which our algorithm performs optimally. Using a speed test, we demonstrate the improved temporal complexity of our method on the ideal graph.

Authors: Trevor Ashby, Elizabeth Maclennan. Mentors: Gabriela Chilom. Insitution: Utah Tech University. This study explores the influence of organic amendment on the water retention and wettability of desert soils, which are traditionally challenged by limited water availability. The water retention was assessed by gravimetric methods and the wettability changes were assessed by using the contact angle and ethanol droplet methods. The aggregation and morphology of the soils was examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Application of organic amendments to desert soils altered their wettability, water retention, and aggregation in a manner not directly tied to the quantity of organic material incorporated. These alterations are indicative of complex soil-organic matter interactions that transcend mere carbon addition and underscore a multifaceted response of desert soils to organic amendments, which cannot be predicted by the amount of organic carbon alone.

Authors: Amy Richards, Caleb Shelton, Jordan Colmenero, Mason Warenski. Mentors: Diana Reese. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Hydrogen gas has potential to be an excellent form of clean energy; unfortunately, hydrogen gas is difficult to store safely in its elemental form. Consequently, this research project investigated cyclic aminoborane complexes in which hydrogen (H2) can be safely stored. Utilizing computational methods, molecular dynamics simulations of four cyclic aminoborane compounds were performed using Q-CHEM 6.0, with a t-HCTHh density functional and cc-pVDZ basis set. Results were visualized using Molden 6.7 and VMD 1.9.3 then plotted using Gnuplot 5.2.8. Molecules selected for the investigation involve two constitutional isomers for both the 3- and 4- membered ring cyclic aminoborane complexes. The four molecules studied were (CH2)2NHBH3, (CH2)2BHNH3, (CH2)3NHBH3, and (CH2)3BHNH3, (hereafter 3N-B, 3B-N, 4N-B, 4B-N). Motions inherent in these molecules exhibited surprising differences. Specifically, in the 3-membered rings, the terminal borane (3N-B) exhibited more motion than the terminal amine (3B-N); however in the 4-membered rings (4N-B and 4B-N) the opposite occurred. Differences in these and other motions were quantified and qualified with respect to each molecule to gather data relevant to hydrogen storage potential.

Authors: Lukas Keller, Jixun Zhan, Zhen Zhang. Mentors: Jixun Zhan. Insitution: Utah State University. Curcumin is a common dietary supplement found naturally in the plant turmeric (Curcuma longa). Native to South Asia, the turmeric plant has been an important component in Indian and Chinese folk medicine. Curcumin has long been known to be an effective antioxidant and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. In today’s world, curcumin is a common nutraceutical and plays a part in the billion-dollar supplement industry. However, production and extraction of this compound is difficult and uses vast amounts of resources to cultivate. One solution to produce natural products like curcumin is the use of metabolic engineering to synthesize the product in another organism. The USU Metabolic Engineering Lab has developed a synthetic metabolic pathway to produce curcumin from an amino acid inside genetically transformed E. coli. The use of metabolic engineering techniques can produce larger quantities of the desired compound in greater quantities and purities while using a fraction of the land, water, and energy. To inform the use of these techniques, a predictive computational pathway was developed and is being validated with experimental results. An effective model can help researchers and businesses by allowing them to accurately predict curcumin yield and concentration during production.

Authors: Marcus M Lawrence, Merrill Funk, Jeffrey C Cowley, Amanda Hawkes, Aaron McKenzie, Alexandra Routsis, Wesley Ziegler, Talon Thornton, Spencer Maxwell, Korina Ziegler, James Navalta. Mentors: Marcus Lawrence. Insitution: Southern Utah University. American College of Sports Medicine has again found that wearable technology and resistance training (RT) are two of the top 5 fitness trends in 2023. Our lab recently found that the bicep-worn Polar Verity device was valid and reliable for measuring average and maximal heart rate (HR) during light intensity circuit RT. However, no study has examined other bicep worn devices during RT while also examining heavier intensities. PURPOSE: To determine the concurrent validity of identical Polar OH1 (x2) and Verity Sense (x2) bicep-worn devices in recording average and maximal HR following moderately heavy RT. METHODS: Twenty-one adult participants completed this study (n=10 female, n=11 male; age: 26.1±9.2 yrs; height: 171.3±9.4 cm; mass: 71.4±18.2 kg; RT experience: 5.7±4.9 yrs). The four bicep devices (Polar OH1 x2 and Polar Verity Sense x2) were worn along with the Polar H10 chest strap, criterion for HR. Participants completed 8 supersets of the reverse lunge and shoulder press exercises using dumbbells at a light (4 sets) and moderately heavy (4 sets) intensity with 1 superset of 6 repetitions per exercise (12 repetitions per superset) and 1 min rest between supersets. Data was analyzed for validity (Mean Absolute Percent Error [MAPE] and Lin’s Concordance Coefficient [CCC]), with predetermined thresholds of MAPE<10% and CCC>0.70. Paired t-tests were used to determine differences (p<0.05). RESULTS: For average or maximal HR, neither the Polar Verity Sense 1 (127.2±17.8 or 151.5±16.7bpm) or 2 (125.7±18.8 or 147.9±18.9bpm) or the Polar OH1 1 (128.7±18.5 or 154.5±18.1bpm) or 2 (129.5±18.2 or 156.4±17.4bpm) were significantly (p range: 0.14-0.97) different than the criterion (128.6±19.2 or 149.3±18.0bpm). However, the Polar Verity 1 and 2 were not considered valid for average HR (MAPE range:16.17-17.57%; CCC range: 0.07-0.13) or maximal HR (MAPE range: 11.60-13.33%; CCC range: 0.02-0.29). The Polar OH1 1 and 2 devices were not considered valid, either, for average HR (MAPE range: 17.22-17.25%; CCC range: 0.08-0.09) or maximal HR (MAPE range: 13.24-13.92%; CCC range: .024-0.27). CONCLUSION: Despite our lab previously finding the Polar Verity as valid for HR measurements during light intensity RT, the current bicep-worn devices should not be utilized during heavier intensity RT for accurate HR measurements. Individuals resistance training and utilizing bicep-worn devices for heart rate should use them cautiously.

Authors: Lauren Hammond, Hailey White, McKayla Pittman. Mentors: Brandon Burr. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Public opinion has largely moved away from traditional notions of marriage and religion, particularly for emerging adults (Gubernskaya, 2010; Pew Research Center, 2019). Data shows 44% of those ages 18-29 believe marriage is obsolete (Helimlich, 2011), and 40% of emerging adults are religiously unaffiliated (Pew Research Center). Emerging adults are more likely to explore diversity in relationships and express more openness to various relationship arrangements such as cohabitation and polyamory (Levine, 2020; Trask & Koivunen, 2007; U.S. Census Bureau, 2020), and many emerging adults may not find the structure and rules of organized religion agreeable with their perspectives and chosen lifestyle (Drewelies et al., 2018). Various reports also show strong connections between relationship health and physical and emotional health (e.g., Kiecolt-Glaser & Newton, 2001; Miller et al., 2013), with some connections between religiosity and health (Weaver et al., 2006), but very little information exists on how relationship and religion trend perspectives affect various aspects of health and well-being. Marital paradigms theory suggests that marriage attitudes are shaped by varying “marital contexts,” including religious beliefs, socioeconomic factors, public opinion, and changes in attitudes and beliefs over time (Willoughby et al., 2013). Thus, current relationship, marriage, and religiosity facets are likely interrelated and likely influence health aspects, perspectives, attitudes, and practices. This study extends the current literature exploring how various relationship and religion perspectives connect with various aspects of well-being (e.g., emotional and physical health, self-esteem, stress, general happiness), and how these connections may differ by demographic factors such as age. References Drewelies, J., Agrigoroaei, S., Lachman, M. E., & Gerstorf, D. (2018). Age variations in cohort differences in the United States: Older adults report fewer constraints nowadays than those 18 years ago, but mastery beliefs are diminished among younger adults. Developmental Psychology, 54(8), 1408–1425. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0000527 Gubernskaya, Z. (2010). Changing attitudes toward marriage and children in six countries. Sociological Perspectives, 53(2), 179–200. https://doi.org/10.1525/sop.2010.53.2.179 Heimlich, R. (2011). Marriage is obsolete. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2011/01/06/marriage-is-obsolete/ Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. & Newton, T. L. (2001). Marriage and health: His and hers. Psychological Bulletin, 127, 472–503. Levine, N. (2020). This is how many young people are open to a polyamorous relationship. Retrieved from https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/young-people-polyamorous-relationship-study Miller, R. B., Hollist, C. S., Olsen, J., & Law, D. (2013). Marital quality and health over 20 years: A growth curve analysis. Journal of Marriage and Family, 75, 667-680. doi: 10.111/jomf.12025 Pew Research Center. (2019, October 17). In the U.S. decline of Christianity continues at rapid pace. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/ Trask, B. S., & Koivunen, J. (2007). Trends in marriage and cohabitation in culturally diverse families. In B. S. Trask & R. Hamon (Eds.), Cultural diversity and families: Expanding perspectives. Sage Publications. U.S. Census Bureau. (2019). Estimated median age at first marriage, by sex: 1890 to the present (Historical Marital Status Tables, Table MS-2). Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/families/marital.html Weaver, A. J., Pargament, K. I., Flannelly, K. J., & Oppenheimer, J. E. (2006). Trends in The Scientific Study of Religion, Spirituality, and Health: 1965-2000. Journal of Religion and Health, 45(2), 208–214. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-006-9011-3 Willoughby, B. J., Hall, S. S., & Luczak, H. P. (2013). Marital paradigms: A conceptual framework for marital attitudes, values, and beliefs. Journal of Family Issues, 20, 1-24.

Authors: Megan DuVal, John Longino, Rodolfo da Silva Probst. Mentors: John Longino. Insitution: University of Utah. Army ants (Formicidae: Dorylinae) are top predators throughout most tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Their nomadic colonies and cooperative social hunting make them behaviorally and ecologically unique keystone species that are of conservation concern. Their status as nomadic top predators makes army ants vulnerable in areas affected by habitat fragmentation. An obstacle to conservation efforts is the outdated army ant species-level taxonomy, which hasn’t been updated since the 1950s for many genera. For Labidus, a widespread and ecologically important army ant genus in the Americas, there are currently seven valid species recognized solely based on morphology of workers and/or males. Three species are only based on males, which need to be associated with their respective workers, and within the four primarily worker-based species, there are likely cryptic species. To address these issues, we applied cutting-edge phylogenetics and phylogenomics to update the species-level taxonomy. To construct our phylogenetic tree, we used ultraconserved elements (UCEs, which use thousands of regions across the genome and can accurately infer evolutionary relationships across broad timescales) from 17 specimens, 66 COI barcodes from the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD), and 35 new COI barcodes obtained through in-house Nanopore sequencing. Through our analyses, we found that the genus Labidus contains at least 11 species and that all of the previously recognized wide-ranging species are made up of multiple cryptic species with more restricted ranges. We were able to associate all three previously identified male-based species with their respective workers. We have also found patterns of parallel and overlapping biogeography across multiple Labidus clades. Our UCE+Nanopore approach allows for an updated taxonomy of Labidus, leading to a better understanding of its evolutionary history and a better ability to promote its conservation.