A cotton-strip assay was used to measure decomposition rate and nutrient uptake by decomposing microbes (i.e., immobilization) within 19 streams across the Chattahoochee and Ocmulgee River Basins in Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia (USA). Decomposition rates were strongly correlated to phosphorus immobilization rates suggesting that nutrient supply influenced carbon cycling. Using GIS and satellite imagery, we analyzed land-use patterns to identify potential sources of phosphorus. The overall impervious cover was positively correlated with decomposition and phosphorus immobilization, but much stronger relationships were observed with low-intensity residential land areas. This suggests that increased rates of decomposition and immobilization could be due to lawn fertilizer application or an aging water infrastructure. Our study shows strong linkages between nutrient and
carbon cycles in urban streams.

This research compared lifetime trauma exposure reported during the COVID-19 pandemic with an age-and gender-matched comparison group in terms of lifetime trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, and physical and mental health. Participants (N= 70) were undergraduates (81% female; 94% White; Mage: 20.64) who completed online surveys. Results indicated more than 80% in both groups reported at least one lifetime trauma. Contrary to expectations, no participants in the pandemic group reported anything associated with the pandemic as their most distressing life event. In addition, there were no between-group differences on PTSD symptoms, physical health, or mental health. Taken together, these findings suggest that clinicians should consider the notion that although living through a pandemic may be stressful, most individuals are managing the pandemic.

Replication Protein A (RPA) is the most abundant single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding protein in eukaryotes. RPA is involved in key DNA metabolic processes, including replication and repair, which makes understanding its binding kinetics essential. RPA has six DNA binding domains, each with different affinities for binding to ssDNA. Individual binding domains may disassociate while others are bound, creating a dynamic binding process. Using a single-molecule fluorescence-based assay, we observed a systematic shift in the binding conformation of RPA as a function of salt concentration. The distributions of conformations at all salt concentrations were heterogeneous but were
dominated by two states. This suggests certain binding domains dissociate from DNA earlier than others as the salt concentration is increased, highlighting the complicated nature of the RPA-ssDNA interactions.

Racism, depression, and everyday stressors negatively affect the mental health of African American men, an understudied demographic. To study this underrepresented group, we made a web-based survey asking male-identifying African Americans a series of questions about experiences of racial discrimination, depressive symptoms, masculinity, racial identity, and demographic. The goal of this study is to see how all these previously mentioned factors affect the willingness of the demographic to seek mental health services on campus. A vast majority of the participants reported never having used mental health services on campus or otherwise. Although this study does not directly benefit the participants, we hope that the data that is collected will help improve access and destigmatize mental health services for African American men on college campuses.

The purpose of this study was to examine Generation Z’s perception of face coverings as fashion, exploring the new cultural norm and how the norm interacted with fashion. Specifically, the study investigated Generation Z’s relationship with face coverings, and if that relationship is influenced by fashion involvement. Overall, data from 200+ participants indicated at least a subtle positive correlation between high fashion individuals and perception of face coverings as fashion. This created an opportunity for the fashion industry to adopt face coverings as a trend, and for companies to begin offering fashionable face coverings for high fashion involvement individuals. This study added to our knowledge of how cultural shifts are adopted into fashion, and how social trends are reflected in the fashions of a time.