Acinetobacter venetianus and Alcanivorax borkumensis are bacterial strains capable of degrading hydrocarbons from oils or natural gases. Plastics are often derived from fossil fuels like crude oil and natural gas, with similar chemical structures and formulas to oil. Both products are commonly disposed of improperly and collected in the natural environment with few means for effective removal. Since A. venetianus and A. borkumensis are known to consume hydrocarbons, the ability to consume microplastic Polyethylene (PE), a type of hydrocarbon, will be explored. The bacteria are expected to consume the microplastic fastest when concentrations are highest. The premise of this experiment was to see if bacteria could consume PE and while there was bacterial growth, PE consumption was not being measured directly. Both strains were given high, medium and low concentrations of PE as the sole nutrient source and growth was measured with optical density. In the second trial, A. borkumensis demonstrated a significant difference between samples with PE and control samples, whereas there was no difference in the other trial. In one trial, through the growth phase and after the stationary phase in all concentrations of PE, A. venetianus had a significantly higher OD600 compared to the control. It appears both strains may be capable of consuming microplastics, however continued research is needed to explore whether microplastics are truly consumed or simply broken down further.

When it comes to the medical field, 3D modeling has previously been used to render anatomical images in greater detail in order to better understand bodily functions. Lately, however, 3D modeling has made waves in depicting diseases, with a focus on their severity and progression. Unlike a model depicting computer graphics, 3D culture models allow cells to interact in three dimensions and better display cell growth and movement, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Culture models are beneficial in replicating the complexities of disease by promoting interactions between cells and providing insight into potential solutions. In this issue of the Journal of Young Investigators, Priscilla Detwieler and her colleagues demonstrate that atelocollagen incorporated in a 3D model is shown to simulate a potential treatment for inflammation-induced osteoarthritis.  

Over the past decade, there have been many significant advances in the field of skin aging, including studies that explore the clearance of senescent (growth-arrested) cells in skin, regenerative therapeutics, and even 3D bioprinting of skin. One of the latest discoveries showed that blocking Interleukin 17 (IL-17) signaling leads to delays in the skin aging process. But how does IL-17, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, delay what has been known as the inevitable hallmarks of skin aging? 

To combat the harmful effects of stress, neuroscientists are pointing to mindfulness, defined as the practice of being fully present and aware of our external environment and our actions, while not being overly reactive or overwhelmed by external events. To shed light on this, JYI interviewed renowned neuroscientist Dr. Alexandra Fiocco, whose expertise lies at the intersection of mindfulness, stress, and cognitive aging. Dr. Fiocco currently does research at Stress and Healthy Aging Research (StAR) Lab and teaches at Toronto Metropolitan University.