2020 Abstracts

Chou, Audrey; Duffy, Alexandra; Johnson, Jerald (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Johnson, Jerald (Brigham Young University, Biology)

Upon injury, fish release chemicals that cause fear and a dramatic change in behavior in nearby members of the species. Chemical alarm cues are released from injured epidermal tissue and provide an early warning signal for individuals to detect the presence of an active predator, and potentially increase the chances of individual survival. This research project investigates the conservation of alarm cue recognition and response across species boundaries by measuring the behavioral response of Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora to the alarm cues from five different species. Since these species will be of known phylogenetic relatedness, we will determine conservation of alarm cue response as a function of phylogenetic distance. I will also discuss the method of quantifying behavioral response through the use of a two-choice flume tank to measure both changes in activity and spatial avoidance upon alarm cue exposure.

Ross, Mimi; Tessem, Jeffery; Orton, Emily; Ekpo, Idongesit; Beales, Joseph (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Tessem, Jeffery (Life Sciences; Nutrition, Dietetics, & Food Science)

In 2015 there were over 30 million Americans with diabetes and over 84 million Americans ages 18 and older had pre-diabetes. With diabetes being the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and becoming more prevalent the race is on to find a cure. One of the main problems with this disease is the decrease in functional β-cell mass. β-cells produce insulin to maintain blood glucose levels at healthy levels. Thus, if we can increase β-cell proliferation we are one step closer to curing diabetes. Cocoa epicatechins have been shown to be beneficial in blocking diabetes progression. Studies have shown that oligomeric and polymeric cocoa epicatechin extracts improve diabetes onset in a mouse model of Type 2 diabetes. We have demonstrated that the oligomeric fraction of cocoa epicatechins enhances β-cell proliferation in an in vitro model. Absorption studies have shown that while the oligomeric and polymeric forms are not readily absorbed in the gut, they are metabolized by gut bacteria and that these metabolites can be observed in circulation. Using flow cytometry we have studied how these phytochemicals: epicatechin, 5-phenylvaleric acid, Homovanilic acid, and Hippuric acid. Here we present the data regarding the effect of microbial cocoa flavanol metabolites on β-cell cell cycle during proliferation.

Shin, Seungwon (Salt Lake Community College)
Faculty Advisor: Seaboch, Melissa (Salt Lake Community College, Anthropology)

The abundance of collared peccaries (Pecari tajucu) is crucial to study because they are a keystone species that plays a large role in their ecosystems. They consume fallen fruits and nuts, disperse seeds, and provide food for predators. Additionally, they are ecosystem engineers altering the landscape for other species. Previous studies have shown that collared peccaries at La Selva Biological Station travel in smaller groups (averaging 10 individuals per group) compared to peccaries at other Neotropical sites. La Selva Biological Station is located in northeastern Costa Rica and it consists of both primary and secondary (i.e. degraded) forests surrounded on three sides by farmland. Due to the general decline of mammals in degraded habitats, I predicted that the average group size of collared peccaries at La Selva will be even smaller than previously reported. I collected data at La Selva Biological Station for two weeks in May 2019. I used three census methods: total count sampling (counting all the species in a certain area), line transect sampling (counting all the species I see when I walk through a trail), and point sampling (standing at selected viewpoints and recording the species visible from that location). I observed 39 peccaries in 17 separate sightings. Group size ranged from 1 to 7 peccaries with an average of 2.3 peccaries per group. Eight sightings (20%) were of single peccaries. My hypothesis that peccary group size would be smaller than 10 individuals was supported. Some limitations of the study were low visibility due to the dense forest and the dispersed social organization of peccary individuals within the group. Both of these factors would underestimate the actual group size of collared peccaries. Nevertheless, the results support previous findings that peccary group size at La Selva are smaller than at other Neotropical sites.

Miriam Reber; Ethan Del Toro; Holden Lyman; Weston Hargis; Travis Ficklin (Dixie State University)
Faculty Advisor: Ficklin, Travis (Dixie State University, Health and Human Performance)

In recent years sport climbing has increased in popularity, and with that have come questions regarding what factors improve performance. While multiple studies have examined the effect of anthropometric factors on injury in climbing, few have examined their relationship with climbing performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the anthropometric measures of high-level to intermediate level climbers to determine if certain body types, or dimensions, lend themselves to better performance in climbing.

Twenty-one subjects were divided into an intermediate (INT) or high-level (HL) group based on highest graded climb achieved. Various measures including height, limb lengths, and experience. These were compared between the two groups using t-tests.

Significant differences were found in the number of days climbed per week (HL 2.9±1.1, INT 2.17±0.6, p = 0.03), and the ratios of upper arm to full arm length (HL 0.44±0.05, INT 0.41±0.02, p=0.03), and trunk to height (HL 0.26±0.03, INT 0.23±0.01, p=0.01). There were also statistical trends towards years of experience (HL 5.46±3.8, INT 3.39±1.8, p = 0.06), and trunk length (HL 44.96±7.1cm, INT 41.28±2.7cm, p=0.06).

The current data suggest that for the levels of climbing examined (5.9-5.13b on the Yosemite Decimal Scale) a greater trunk to height ratio, greater upper arm to arm length ratio, and increased frequency of practice (a variable within the climber's control) may positively impact climbing ability.

LeBaron, Josh; Obray, J Daniel; Steffensen, Scott (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Steffensen, Scott (Family, Home, and Social Sciences, Psychology)

Dopamine neurons in the substancia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are inhibited by dopamine (DA) via dopamine 2 receptor (D2R) activation. D2R expression in the striatum is a well-known biomarker for brain DA levels, drug abuse, and dependence. Markers of D2R expression are not only detectable in the brain but are also expressed in peripheral tissues, including the blood, where DA appears to play a pivotal role in mediating communication between the nervous and immune systems. Alteration in lympocytic D2Rs are seen in chronic psychostimulant use (Ersche et al., 2011). For the last two decades it has been generally accepted that D2R expression in the striatum is reduced by chronic ethanol use. Additionally, research has suggested that these changes mirror changes in DA levels in the striatum and predict risk of relapse. Despite this, the timecourse over which these changes occur has not been demonstrated. Further, recent research has challenged both the reduction in D2R expression produced by chronic ethanol and the mechanism whereby it was believed to be produced (reductions in striatal DA levels). This research has suggested that alterations in D2R levels may be due to disruption of sleep in individuals with substance use disorders. Here we demonstrate that dopamine 2 receptor expression in the brain and the blood follows brain and blood dopamine levels on a timescale of minutes to hours following an acute dose of ethanol. This research provides evidence for transient changes in D2R expression following a single dose of ethanol.

Tonks, Adam; Domgaard, Hannah; Crowley, Valerie; Neumann, Gina; Keiser, Dylan; Metcalf, Josie; Guo, Hongjie; Zhou, Yi; Begemann, Mathew; Taylor, David; Jackson, Ryan (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Jackson, Ryan (College of Science, Chemistry and Biochemistry)

Cms1 is a Type V endonuclease that contains a novel domain, shares little sequence homology with other Type V endonucleases, and in some organisms, is found near genes coding for other single-subunit nucleases. Studies in rice (Oryza sativa) have shown Cms1 capable of RNA-directed DNA editing. However, the mechanism of DNA cleavage remains unknown.
Here we present biochemical data that demonstrate Cms1 from Sulfuricurvum processes an RNA guide and binds/cleaves single- and double-stranded DNA through RuvC nuclease motifs. 2-D classification of structures obtained by negative staining electron microscopy show a major conformational change between SuCms1 bound and unbound to an RNA guide. The predicted global structure appears to be different than those reported for other Type V effectors. These data provide for a greater understanding of Type V endonucleases and may provide an alternative tool for genome editing applications.

Hutchison, Cortland; Preece, J. Caleb; Seibold, Tanner; Feland, J. Brent (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Feland, Brent (Life Sciences, Exercise Science)

BACKGROUND: Muscle morphology changes with age and the fibrous/fatty infiltration should affect the overall stiffness of aging muscle. However, little info intrinsic stiffness as measured by SWE is available on aging muscle and the effect of gender using this measurement is not clear.
PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine how gender affects cross sectional area (CSA) and SWE of both the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius muscle of the dominant leg in active older athletes participating in the HuntsmanWorld Senior Games.
METHODS: Data was collected from 116 volunteers (participants in the Huntsman World Senior Games) in St. George, Utah, 2019. Subjects (62 males: mean age = 68.9 ± 7.8 yrs, Ht = 177.4 ± 8.1 cm, Wt= 85.4±20 kg; 54 females: mean age = 66.9 ± 8.5 yrs, Ht =164.4 ± 7.2 cm, Wt= 69.8±18 kg) signed an approved consent form and then lay prone on a treatment table for ultrasonic measurement of both CSA and SWE of both heads of the gastrocnemius.
ANALYSIS: All data were analyzed a generalized linear model analysis using SPSS ver25 comparing CSA and SWE of both medial and lateral gastrocnemius heads by gender with age, height and weight as covariates.
RESULTS & CONCLUSION: We hypothesized that gender would affect both CSA and SWE with males exhibiting increases in both CSA and SWE values. We found a significant difference in CSA of both the medial and lateral gastroc (p=.000 for both) between genders, but no significant difference in lateral gastroc SWE (p=.337) or medial gastroc SWE (p=.320). Both age (p=.004) and weight (p=.000) were also found to significantly affect CSA and SWE between genders. The larger CSA values for men in this study may be more of a function of overall body size and weight since both populations are active athletes.

Hirschi-Forster, Jeanallie; Mendoza, Matthew; Van Oene; Nicholas ; Payton, Jullian (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Clark, Daniel (Science, Microbiology)

The purpose of this research is to obtain quantitative data about possible sources for Salmonella contamination including tributaries to the Great Salt Lake, namely, the Jordan River, Weber River, and Bear River in Utah. We will also analyze specific water and soil sources near poultry farms for possible contamination. In recent studies, there is a greater number of produce items that have been found to contribute to Salmonella outbreaks. Contaminated water used for irrigation of these crops has been implicated as the causative agent for food contamination.

Bacteria found in these waterways are enriched using selective and differential media. This means, the media provides Salmonella species with required nutrients to grow effectively while differential media inhibits the growth of non-Salmonella species. The enrichment media that is used during this process is 3 X Tryptic Soy Broth and Gram-Negative broth. Gram negative broth is used as an enrichment step, but also selective in that it inhibits growth of other organisms. The two types of differential media would be XLT4 and MSRV. Salmonella is a motile bacterium and thus branches out from its original location of inoculation. This creates a halo-like growth pattern that makes it possible to differentiate Salmonella on MSRV plates. Once Salmonella is confirmed through the MSRV and XLT4 media, sequencing of its two CRISPR loci is completed. These two chromosomal regions have been shown to be distinct in different serovars, and as such, they can be used to distinct what subspecies is present in the sample.

Tuttle, Jared; Payne, Andrew; Obray, J Daniel; Steffensen, Scott (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Steffensen, Scott (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Psychology)

A subpopulation of ventral tegmental area (VTA) GABA neurons express connexin-36 (Cx36) gap junctions (GJs). Activation of GJ-mediated electrical coupling between VTA GABA neurons supports brain stimulation reward and alcohol reward is lowered in Cx36 KO mice due to a hyper-dopamine (DA) state. The aim of this study was to further evaluate the role of a subpopulation of Cx36+ VTA GABA neurons in alcohol reward and dependence. To accomplish this study, we customized a Gq-coupled Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) viral vector to only express in Cx36+ neurons (AAV8.hCx36.hM3D(Gq)-mCherry.WPRE.rBG) in the VTA. The hM3Dq viral vector was infused into male CD-1 GAD GFP mice and male Wistar rats. The animals were then given 10-14 days to recover prior to experimentation. A control virus (AAV9.CB7.CI.mCherry.WPRE.rBG) was used for comparison. We implemented standard cell-attached mode electrophysiology to evaluate the effects of clozapine-n-oxide (CNO; the ligand for DREADDs) on VTA GABA and DA neuronal activity. We found a robust enhancement of VTA GABA neuron firing rate in hM3Dq+ neurons with 20 _M CNO ex vivo. Surprisingly, while investigating CNO effects on VTA DA neuron firing rate, we found that CNO activation of hM3Dq+ VTA GABA neurons increased DA neuron activity, suggesting that Cx36+ VTA GABA neurons indirectly modulate local VTA DA neurons. Intraperitoneal CNO (3 mg/kg) also enhanced the firing rate of VTA GABA neurons in vivo. Administration of CNO reduced ethanol consumption (drink-in-the-dark paradigm) in both ethanol naïve and ethanol dependent hM3Dq-injected mice as compared to controls, suggesting that activation of Cx36+ neurons in the VTA is enough to block ethanol consumption in both naïve and dependent animals. Taken together, these findings support previous studies indicating that enhanced electrical coupling between VTA GABA neurons is rewarding and promotes reward and lowers the hedonic value of ethanol.

Aitken, Talon; Jensen, Daelin; Baxter, Melanie (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Tessem, Jeffrey (Brigham Young University, NDFS)

Diabetes Mellitus, a condition characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion or effectiveness, affects over 8.5% of the adult US population. Both type one and type two diabetes have the common characteristic of a decrease of functional beta-cell mass from the islets of Langerhans, located within the pancreas. The upregulation of genes known to induce beta-cell growth and proliferation results in an increase of functional beta-cell mass in young cells but not in their aged counterparts. This age-related occurrence - under nonpathologic conditions — is poorly understood. For this study, the morphological differences between young islets and aged islets are studied to provide insight as to the reason behind this refractory behavior. Immunostaining methods show significant contrast been percentages of insulin-positive beta-cell area in the pancreata of young vs. old-aged rats.

Miller, Jacob; Cheung, Aaron; Novilla, Kirsten; Crandall, Aliceann (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Crandall, Aliceann (Life Sciences, Public Health)

Existing literature demonstrates a strong relationship between childhood experiences and adult health outcomes. The Differential Susceptibility to Environment Theory suggests that there are several factors, including personality and physiology, that effect a child's sensitivity to adverse and advantageous experiences. A sample of 246 adults (ages 19-57) were asked questions about extroverted personality characteristics, adverse and advantageous childhood experiences, and several measures of adult health, including executive functioning, perceived stress levels, depression, and past smoking habits. The sample was then stratified based on level of extroversion scores with the top quartile being labeled as "extroverts", the bottom quartile as "introverts", and those in between as "ambiverts". Regression analyses were then used to assess the relationship between childhood experiences and each adult health outcome. The results of the study showed that the extroverted individuals experienced more positive health outcomes after more advantageous childhood experiences, as well as decreases in adult health outcomes after more adverse childhood experiences. These results suggest that extroverts more than introverts are more sensitivity to environmental influences in childhood. More research is needed to understand the neurobiological mechanisms that increase environmental sensitivity among extroverts.

Burgoyne, Jake; Leavitt, Steve (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Leavitt, Steve (Life Sciences, Biology)

In show caves, artificially lighting is intended to highlight intricate cave formations for visitors. However, as an unintended consequence, artificial lighting promotes the growth of diverse biofilm communities termed Lampenflora that gain their energy from these novel light sources. Lampenflora, which generally consist of algae and cyanobacteria, discolor formations and introduce novel ecological interactions in simple cave ecosystems. Lampenflora communities have been understudied mainly due to technological limitations and difficult accessibility. However, by characterizing these communities, we can better monitor their impact and develop effective strategies for their removal. Using metagenomic high-throughput sequencing, this research provides the first molecular-based perspective into lampenflora diversity in cave systems in the Great Basin. The data collected, generated, and analyzed is vital in understanding Lampenflora biodiversity and how these communities develop. Furthermore, it offers ecologists a novel perspective on the use molecular detection to understand biodiversity within cave systems.

Walker, Carson; Burke, Tyler; Tanner, Call; Chaston, John (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Chaston, John (Brigham Young University, Plant and Wildlife Sciences)

Host-microbe interactions can dramatically influence Drosophila melanogaster phenotypes, but few studies have explained how these microbes are recognized by the host. For example, fruit flies from one area, Maine, prefer to consume diets inoculated with Lactic Acid Bacteria (LABs) over diets containing Acetic acid bacteria (AABs); whereas flies from another area, Florida, show no preference for either LAB or AAB. However, the bacterial mechanisms responsible for this preference are unknown. My follow-up analyses further suggest the hypothesis that Maine flies avoid AAB, rather than are attracted to LAB. Therefore, I propose a forward genetic approach to define the AAB processes that shape this fly preference. I will do this by comparing the feeding preferences of Maine and Florida flies to diets incorporated with LAB versus specific bacterial molecules, such as acetic acid, peptidoglycan, and lipopolysaccharides. Alternatively, if these molecules do not mediate the effects I will perform a metagenome wide association assay (MGWA) to identify genes linked to this preference. Together, these approaches will help to reveal the bacterial factors that influence fly feeding preferences.

Holdaway, Bailey; Emily, Martin; Kettenring, Karin (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Kettenring, Karin (S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Watershed Sciences Department);

Seeds are the primary revegetation method for Great Salt Lake wetlands, however, the density and the priority timing to sow seeds are not clear to wetland managers due to a lack of Great Salt Lake specific revegetation research. Having too low a native seed sowing density could allow unwanted species like the non-native invasive plant Phragmites to reinvade. Too high of a density and density-dependent mortality of sown native seeds could occur, resulting in wasted seeds and unneeded costs for resource-limited managers. In addition, the priority timing (i.e., the relative time and order that seeds are sown) of sowing is also vital for revegetation to favor natives over unwanted invasives. Therefore, our research goal was to determine the optimal seed sowing density and timing priority for reestablishing Great Salt Lake native wetland plant communities. We conducted an outdoor mesocosm experiment with two native sowing densities (3 and 5x the standard sowing density in the region) and three native seed mix sowing timings (4, 2, or 0 weeks prior to sowing Phragmites seeds). We determined the cover of the native plant community and Phragmites at the end of the growing season across the 6 treatment combinations. We found the greatest reduction in Phragmites cover when the native seed mix was sown 4 weeks prior to Phragmites, particularly at the higher native sowing density. A 2-week priority effect did not significantly benefit native species over Phragmites. These results suggest that native seed mixes in Great Salt Lake wetland restorations need to sown much earlier in the summer growing season than when Phragmites seeds germinate and at a very high density to reduce Phragmites cover overall. Though, managers may need to greatly reduce Phragmites seed densities in the seed bank and in the vicinity of restoration sites before revegetation efforts begin.

Spruance, Lori; Augustine, Madi (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Spruance, Lori (Life Sciences, Public Health)

Youth sport programs are an opportunity to increase physical activity, but the food environment may be detrimental to improving and maintaining health. From a previous study, parents indicated that they would like guidance and direction in a top-down approach from coaches and administrators; yet, understanding the administrator experience relative to the youth sports food environment remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to understand that experience. Semi-structured qualitative interviews will take place with administrators across the state of Utah. Interviews will be recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis will be conducted to identify salient themes. A peer-reviewed publication and multiple presentations will result from the study conducted.

Hansen, Wade; Stockard, Alyssa; Anderson, Elizabeth; Yorgason, Jordan; Sudweeks, Sterling; Wu, Jie; Steffensen, Scott (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Steffensen, Scott (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Psychology); Yorgason, Jordan (Life Sciences, Physiology & Developmental Biology); Sudweeks, Sterling (Life Sciences, Physiology & Developmental Biology)

The prevailing view is that enhancement of dopamine (DA) transmission in the mesolimbic underlies the rewarding properties of ethanol (EtOH) and nicotine (NIC). Although the dogma is that EtOH enhancement of DA neural activity contributes to enhancement of DA transmission, DA neurons are not sensitive to rewarding levels of EtOH. However, VTA GABA neurons are sensitive to low-dose EtOH. We have shown previously that EtOH modulation of DA release in the NAc is mediated by α6-containing nicotinic receptors (α6*-nAChRs), that α6*-nAChRs mediate low-dose EtOH effects on VTA GABA neurons and EtOH preference, and α6*-nAChRs may be a molecular target for low-dose EtOH. The aim of this study was to evaluate EtOH effects on VTA GABAergic input to CINs and DA release in the NAc. Using DIO channel rhodopsin-2 (ChR2) viral injections into the VTA of VGAT Cre mice, we found that VTA GABA neurons send an inhibitory projection to CINs, replicating what has been demonstrated by others. Low-dose EtOH (IC50 = 10 mM) decreased optically-evoked IPSCs (oIPSCs) on CINs and enhanced (EC50 = 10 mM) CIN-mediated spontaneous DA release. Surprisingly, oIPSCs on CINs were not blocked by typical GABAA receptor (GABAAR) antagonists, but by GABAR rho-1 antagonists, suggesting involvement of atypical GABARs on CINs that are postsynaptic to VTA GABAergic input. The α6-conotoxin MII blocked the effects of EtOH on spontaneous DA release and optically-evoked DA release in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) ChR2 mice. Chronic administration of NIC enhanced EtOH consumption in the drink-in-the-dark procedure and EtOH preference in the CPP procedure and concomitantly enhanced expression of α6*-nAChRs in VTA GABA neurons, without affecting other nAChR subunits. Taken together, these findings suggest that VTA GABA neuron inhibitory input to CINs is modulated by α6*-nAChRs and sensitive to low-dose EtOH, which may underlie the rewarding properties of EtOH.

Pehkonen, Eliza (Salt Lake Community College)
Faculty Advisor: Seaboch, Melissa (Salt Lake Community College, Anthropology)

Precipitation-associated behaviors have been observed in several species of primate including bonobos (e.g., building leafy shelters), chimpanzees (e.g., drinking, rain dancing displays), and mantled howler monkeys (e.g., licking rain from the air, altering typical behavior based on weather and season). The purpose of this study is to determine if mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) exhibit precipitation-associated vocalizations. A. palliata is well known for its vocalizations, which are the loudest sound made by any terrestrial mammal and are used for a wide variety of communicative purposes, such as attracting mates, defending territory, and deterring predation. Given the purpose with which A. palliata vocalizes and the existence of precipitation-associated behaviors within primate species, including A. palliata, it was hypothesized that A. palliata would vocalize in association with climatic events (precipitation and thunder). To test this hypothesis, 41.75 hours of data were collected on A. palliata over a two-week time period during the rainy season at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. All-occurrence sampling was used to record the timing and duration of all A. palliata vocalizations, precipitation, and thunder events. Events were considered accompanied if they occurred within five minutes of one another. Of the 59 observed vocalization events 53% were associated with climatic events. Of the 20 observed precipitation events 90% were accompanied by vocalizations and of the 37 observed thunder events 57% were accompanied by vocalization. Associated vocalizations occurred before, during and after climatic events, however, during or after were most common. The data indicate an association between A. palliata vocalization and precipitation, confirming the hypothesis. Further research is warranted to investigate a possible purpose of precipitation-associated vocalizations, an understanding of which could provide further insight into A. palliata's behavioral interaction with climatic events.

Smith, June; Mishra, Niharika (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Oberg, Craig (Weber State University, Microbiology); Culumber, Michele (Weber State University, Microbiology)

Non-dairy food options have become a growing cultural necessity, however, providing fermented or probiotic supplemented non-dairy alternatives is difficult. Little is known about the activity and survival of probiotic cultures in dairy alternatives. We evaluated the activities of several probiotics at various concentrations and in different combinations in oat, almond, and coconut beverages. Probiotic culture strains of Streptococcus thermophilus (YFLO1), Lactobacillus rhamnose (LGG), L. casei (Casei 431), and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB12), and commercial probiotic mixtures, YFLO2, and Fresh Q, were inoculated in MRS broth, transferred to MRS agar plates, and incubated anaerobically for 24 hours at 37_. BB12 was grown anaerobically in MRS + cystine broth and agar. Isolated colonies were assayed on API 50 CH panels, and a carbohydrate use panel was developed for each organism. Oat, almond, and coconut beverages were inoculated in duplicate with the isolated strains and incubated in a water bath at 40_. The pH was recorded at regular intervals for up to 41 hours. The oat beverage had the most rapid and significant pH change, when incubated with either YFLO1, casei431, and LGG, dropping between 1.5 to 3 pH units over 3 hours depending on the culture. The almond and coconut beverages did not show rapid pH change with the organisms tested. Due to the quick decrease in pH change, further tests on the oat beverage. It was inoculated with Lactobacillus casei 431, LGG, and YFLO1. Organisms were tested at 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% concentrations in oat beverage in triplicate. These inoculations were again incubated at 40°C and pH monitored after 5 hours, then plated on MRS agar plates after 24 hours. Final ranged between 1.0 x 109 - 1.8 x 109 for the 1% inoculum. It appears that these organisms survive, and may even grow in the oat beverage. This research demonstrates that probiotic cultures can grow in non-dairy beverages and can ferment the available carbohydrates and decrease pH. These results provide insights that can be used for beverages, yogurt, ice cream, and other fermented food production.