Craft students present at Experimental Biology Conference
Two students from Morehead State University’s Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics, Callie Arnold of Mount Sterling and Kaylee Whitenack of Lexington, recently presented “Development of a Cell Culture System for the Investigation of the Effects of Microgravity on Cytoskeletal Remodeling and Contraction of A7r5 Smooth Muscle Tissue” at the Experimental Biology (EB) Conference in San Diego, California, April 20-25.
EB is the annual meeting of five societies comprised of more than 14,000 scientists and 25 guest societies. Primary focus areas include anatomy, biochemistry, molecular biology, investigative pathology, nutrition, pharmacology and physiology. EB 2018 was open to everyone with interest in the latest research impacting life sciences. Attendees represented scientists from academic institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations and industry. The multidisciplinary, scientific meeting features plenary and award lectures, workshops, oral and poster presentations, on-site career services and exhibits spotlighting equipment, supplies and publications required for research labs and experimental study.
Whitenack and Arnold worked with MSU’s Dr. Michael Fultz, associate professor of biology, on research studying the contraction of A7r5 smooth muscle cells under microgravity conditions. Smooth muscle demonstrates several unique properties that are poorly understood. These include the ability to generate force with reduced myosin and the ability to maintain tension with low energy expenditure.
Dr. Fultz and his team have proposed that remodeling of the cytoskeleton may explain these properties. In addition to presenting at EB, Whitenack and Arnold presented their research during Posters at the Capitol in Frankfort on Feb. 8.
Additional information on the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics is available by calling 606-783-9025 or at www.moreheadstate.edu/craft-academy.
