Averill Park High School seniors Lauren Bradley, Ava Faragon and Michelina Lombardi from the New Visions Scientific Research and World Health program presented during Research Poster Day this morning.
Bradley’s presentation was titled “The Role of TAR-DNA Binding Protein in Neurodegenerative Diseases.”
According to her presentation, TAR-DNA binding protein (TDP-43) contains 414 amino acids and the encoding gene TARDBP is located on chromosome number 1. TDP-43 plays key roles in preserving cellular function and survival and is involved in a myriad of functions. This protein has been linked to many neurodegenerative diseases.
Bradley plans on studying Medical Imaging at John Patrick University.
Faragon’s presentation was titled “The Effects of Caffeine on Vascular Endothelium.”
She states that caffeine is a psychoactive substance that occurs naturally in coffee. Manufacturers include it in many teas, sodas, and energy drinks. While it is a socially acceptable substance as 90% of the United States population consumes some sort of caffeine daily, research is conflicting about its safety and long-term impact on cardiovascular health.
Faragon plans on studying Nursing at SUNY Polytechnic Institute.
Lombardi’s presentation was titled “Health Effects of Long Term Diabetes: An Analysis of Treatments.”
She states that in the United States, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death, and 34.2 million Americans have diabetes, which translates to 1 in 10 people. As the population continues to increase, so does the incidence and prevalence of diabetes. The world faces an emerging deadly threat to people’s health and nations’ public health systems with a large economic burden.
Lombardi plans on studying Biology and Spanish at LeMoyne College.
