It was such a good experience to hear about my peers research projects. Everyone gave their talks passionately. Everyone took their time to understand their projects. Their chalk talks were a reflection of the amazing young scientists that our generation has. As each fellow was giving their talk , I pictured them in 10 years and was fascinated by everyone’s potential to contribute to science discoveries in the future.
In particular, Reena’s research caught my whole attention. Listening to her describe her research project which involves macaques, old world monkeys was exciting. I found it very interesting how her research focuses on social ranking and health, something that is a big issue worldwide.
In highschool, I studied some molecular biology, but I never really thought about how social ranking might be associated with higher levels of mtDNA. I knew that under short-term stress, the hypothalamus triggers secretion of adrenaline from the Adrenal medulla so as to increase production of ATP in order to prepare for fight-or -flight response. But, what happens if it’s a long-term stress, the kind of stress associated with social ranking ? How does the body cope up with such a situation is something I didn’t’ really pay much attention to until Reena’s research project.
Our body needs ATP to carry on metabolic reactions and my understanding is that Reena’s research will show the relationship between high levels of mtDNA and social ranking. I look forward to her results. I’m assuming that the fact that ATP is needed for survival , it will be pretty interesting how her research project will show a correlation between mitochondria DNA and social ranking/ stress. It’s unbelievable how science is connected to every aspect of life and the environment we live in.
Many thanks to everyone’s chalk talks. I enjoyed listening to them and I’m pumped to hear about your results.
