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RNA thermometers (RNATs) are a class of functional RNAs that regulate gene expression in response to temperature fluctuations. While their mechanisms are well characterized, the prevalence and diversity of RNATs in nature remain largely unexplored. These regulatory elements typically reside within the 5' untranslated regions (UTRs) of genes, where they modulate translation through temperature-dependent structural changes. RNATs enable bacteria to rapidly adapt to heat and cold shock by altering RNA conformation and gene expression accordingly. In this study, we utilize Robo-Therm, a pipeline developed in our laboratory, to investigate an RNA thermometer located upstream of the comFA helicase gene in Bacillus subtilis. ComFA encodes a helicase involved in DNA replication and repair and exhibits functional similarities to DEAD/DEAH-box helicases, which are essential for unwinding nucleic acid duplexes and preserving genomic integrity. Bacillus subtilis, a rod-shaped Gram-positive bacterium with a well-characterized genetic background, serves as an ideal model organism for this work. We aim to experimentally validate the regulatory function of this RNAT using beta-galactosidase reporter assays and further examine its potential relevance to bacterial stress response and clinical applications. 

RNA thermometers are regulatory elements found in non-coding RNA molecules that modulate gene expression in response to temperature changes, facilitating adaptation to environmental conditions such as heat shock or cold shock. In this study, we investigate the role of an RNA thermometer predicted in the 5’ untranslated region (5’-UTR) of the ComFA helicase gene in Geobacillus thermoleovorans. ComFA helicases play critical roles in DNA repair and genetic exchange, essential for bacterial stress response and competence development. The ComFA RNA thermometer is hypothesized to regulate the translation of the helicase gene in response to temperature fluctuations, potentially influencing cellular responses under varying environmental conditions. The increased gene expression is believed to be structure-mediated, as temperature-induced conformational changes in the RNA thermometer expose the ribosome binding site. Our experimental approach involves designing and synthesizing a specific RNA thermometer sequence derived from the ComFA helicase 5’-UTR, followed by PCR validation, Hifi assembly/cloning, and Beta-galactosidase assays. Recently, we have sent plates for Hifi assembly/cloning sequencing and anticipate obtaining positive results to proceed with Beta-galactosidase assays. We anticipate results from Beta-galactosidase assays will show increased enzymatic activity upon heat induction, indicating enhanced protein production associated with temperature changes. These findings would suggest that the ComFA RNA thermometer responds to heat stress, thereby regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Future investigations will involve the validation of results through methodology and mutational analysis to elucidate the full regulatory mechanisms of the ComFA RNA thermometer in Geobacillus thermoleovorans.

Black Lake, one of the “Dune Lakes” located within San Luis Obispo County’s Callender Dunes, is a sedimentary archive reflecting millennia of climate change and anthropogenic activity. The Dune Lake wetlands presently harbor several threatened and endangered species, suggesting long-term persistence of these freshwater aquatic ecosystems. Urban expansion, agricultural groundwater extraction, and drought have recently put these rare ecosystems at risk. Only Black Lake is known to have been perennially wet since the 20th Century. In an effort to disentangle natural and anthropogenic causes of environmental change at the site, two lake sediment cores were collected in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 3.96m and 6.98m respectively. These records span the past 3300 years. Paleoenvironmental proxies indicate dynamic shifts throughout the late Holocene, including a dramatic decline in macroscopic charcoal in the upper 60 centimeters, potentially tied to a decline in native burning after European colonization. Pre-1800 CE fire regimes likely reflect both periods of drought and indigenous Chumash land use practices, suggesting elevated fire activity that plummeted after European settlement. The cores contain notable sand deposits and positive magnetic susceptibility excursions in the top two meters of both cores, reflecting high-energy depositional events, presumably aeolian in origin. The presence of high organic content peat and the persistence of Cirsium loncholepis (La Graciosa thistle) at the site indicate that Black Lake has likely remained a wetland throughout the Holocene.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is indicative of an individual's ability to adapt to changing internal and external conditions, and is thought to represent individual trait characteristics. Variations in HRV have been linked to differences in emotional and cognitive processes. Prior research has demonstrated that individuals with lower HRV exhibit higher alpha and beta activity, and that lower alpha power combined with increased theta activity correlates with a higher propensity to enter a state of flow. We hypothesize that individuals with high HRV, low alpha power, and increased theta activity are more likely to experience flow. To investigate this hypothesis, we will employ BIOPAC systems to assess participants' electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) during several tasks, including arithmetic tasks and puzzles across three difficulty levels that may facilitate flow. Participants will also complete the Flow State Scale and the NETI survey to self-assess their propensity for engaging in flow. Additionally, participants will experience a resonant breathing protocol to determine if this intervention improves flow-related outcomes for those initially presenting with lower HRV.

All organisms must respond to heat stress, and RNA thermometers do so quickly through changes in RNA structure. These non-coding RNA molecules typically increase gene expression by increasing translation under high temperatures, acting as molecular switches that sense environmental temperature changes. RNA thermometers are best known for their ability to form a hairpin across the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence at low temperatures to block ribosome binding, then melt at higher temperatures to allow translation. In this study, we explored an RNA thermometer located upstream of the ComFA helicase gene in Geobacillus stearothermophilus—a rod-shaped, Gram-positive bacterium that thrives between 55°C and 65°C. Its resilience in extreme environments is partly due to its robust cell wall, which helps maintain structural integrity and protects cellular components from thermal damage. The ComFA gene encodes a helicase involved in DNA uptake during bacterial transformation, a critical mechanism that allows bacteria to incorporate foreign DNA and adapt to new environmental conditions. Our study aimed to validate this RNA thermometer using a variety of molecular biology techniques, highlighted in this research.

This research examines how social factors (social capital, religiosity, and immigration status), economic indicators (GDP and unemployment rate), and ethnic distribution interact to influence the success of businesses in the United States. The Latino population has experienced significant growth and has increasingly turned to entrepreneurship as a way to achieve economic stability despite facing numerous barriers. This study aims to fill existing knowledge gaps by exploring how these social and economic factors contribute to the success of businesses in highly diverse environments. This research hypothesizes that: (1) Communities with higher levels of social capital and religiosity will have a higher number of successful start-ups, (2) Communities with more ethnically diverse populations will see a higher number of start-ups, and H3: Communities with high social capital, high religiosity, and high Latino presence will have a higher rate of new business formation compared to communities with lower levels of these factors.Data is sourced from the American Community Survey, County Business Patterns, Business Formation Statistics, and the Social Capital Index, with data collected at the zip code level over the past 25 years. Literature review findings suggest that social networks and religious practices significantly contribute to providing the necessary resources and support for entrepreneurial success, but it is the interaction between these variables and the diversity of the environment that might affect the rates. By using linear regression models, this study aims to provide valuable insights for business owners and community leaders.

Traditional Machismo values, emphasizing manliness and strength (Perilla, 1999), are central to Latino culture (e.g, Torres et al., 2022). While these values can showcase positivity (e.g., respect) or negativity (e.g., male superiority; Avila, 2014), limited research has examined the differences between generations. Prior studies suggest a shift in the relevance of Machismo amongst first-generation immigrants(e.g., Ceballos, 2013). This study explores generational differences in positive and negative Machismo values among Latino males. It is hypothesized that positive values will be more strongly emphasized and that first-generation males will more strongly endorse positive values. A sample of 37 Latino males (ages 18–39) completed an anonymous survey assessing Machismo values. Results indicated a significant difference in endorsement, with participants identifying more strongly with positive values (M=6.14, SD=0.71) than negative values (M=2.81, SD=1.21), t(46)=16.17, p<0.001, d=2.36. First-generation males reported slightly higher scores on positive Machismo values M=6.37, SD=0.51) than second-generation males (M=5.97, SD=0.79), t(45)=1.99, p=0.05, d = 0.59, moderate effect, the difference was marginal. No significant differences were found for negative Machismo values. These highlight the importance of positive Machismo values and suggest a decline in negative values. While first-generation males showed a slight tendency to endorse positive values more strongly, the difference was insignificant. This provides insight for understanding identity development and promoting positive cultural values within the Latino community.

RNA thermometers are genetic control systems that utilize RNA to detect alterations in temperature. These temperature sensing RNAs are located within the 5' untranslated region (5'-UTR) of a gene and alter gene expression on the translational level. Low-temperature levels induce a conformational change in the messenger RNA (mRNA), sequestering the ribosome binding site (RBS), known as the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence. This study investigates the activity of a potential RNA thermometer, upstream of the ComFA helicase in Bacillus subtilis, under three distinct temperature conditions. This research aims to investigate if the 5’ untranslated region (5’-UTR) of ComFA helicase is regulated in a temperature-dependent manner. ComFA helicase is a protein involved in the active transport of DNA across the cell membrane of gram-positive bacteria, its structure resembles that of  a well known helicase, the DEAD box helicase. The species I am studying, Bacillus subtilis, is a rod-shaped, gram-positive bacterium capable of forming endospores which protects  the bacterial genome during stressful environmental conditions.  By cloning the bacterial cells and testing the expression using a reporter plasmid containing beta-galactosidase, we aim to characterize the impact of temperature increase on the RNA thermometer's functionality in the ComFA helicase of Bacillus subtilis.

This study explores the experiences of Latina/o college students who have faced parental incarceration. The purpose of this study is to examine how parental incarceration affects students’ lives, relationships, and educational journeys, and to understand the role of college faculty and program directors in supporting these students. We conducted interviews with four Latina/o college students who had a parent incarcerated in a local jail, state prison, or federal prison, along with seven community college and university faculty members and program directors who work closely with this student population. Our research focused on three areas: the impact of parental incarceration on students’ personal and academic lives; how students navigated and challenged the stigmas, stereotypes, and negative labels tied to their parent's incarceration; and the role of faculty and staff in providing support and de-stigmatizing assistance. Findings show that Latina/o college students challenged stereotypes by achieving academic success and receiving continuous mentorship and support services from faculty and staff. This study highlights the critical role of college personnel in helping students overcome the social barriers associated with parental incarceration.

AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate fundamental movement skills and physical fitness differences among Hispanic and Non -Hispanic White elementary school children. 
METHODS: 5 elementary schools agreed to be part of the study, from these 5, 3 were randomly selected to take part in the study. This study included 194 children aged between 4 and 11 in kindergarten, 2nd , and 5th grades. For evaluable participants, t-tests were used to test potential differences in fitness or fundamental movement skills. 
RESULTS There were significant differences between groups across the groups in catch, run, dodge, punt, and two-hand strike (p<0.05). There were no significant differences across the groups in kick, vertical jump, overhand throw, ball bounce, leap, and forehand strike (p<0.05). There were significant differences between groups in pull-up, push-up, and sit-up (all p<0.05). There were no significant differences between Hispanic and Non Hispanic White across the groups in the trunk lift, sit/reach, and 1 mile run (all p<0.05).
 CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Our study shows Hispanic children have lower fundamental movement skills and physical fitness compared to their Non-Hispanic White peers. The paucity of data on fitness and FMS levels in Hispanic children is of grave concern as poor fundamental movement skills and physical fitness at such a young age, may lead to adverse implications for their physical fitness and health in adulthood. Consequently, future studies should target interventions specifically to increase increasing fitness, and FMS in Hispanic children.