Jackson Duan

11/01/16
Annotated Source List
Andrei, M. (2014, August 22). Scientists find out how lizards regenerate their tails. Retrieved
from http://www.zmescience.com/medicine/genetic/lizards-regrow-tails-22082014/
Summary: Website
The article talks about how lizards are able to detach their tails and grow them back
eventually. The scientists in the article say that the reason for this function is in the lizards genes
and that is why it can grow its tail back. They have also identified one cell (satellite cell) that is
what makes the regenerative process successful.
Application to Research:
Like the axolotl, this function can be used to help humans regenerate their own cells.
Using the satellite cells, we may be able to find a way to be able to recover cells for humans and
maybe use the genes in the lizard to affect us too.
Biointeractive. (2014, December 16). Newts can regenerate limbs after amputation HHMI
biointeractive video. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byLDgtSMI0w
Summary:Video
The video talks about how salamanders undergo the process of regenerating a amputated
limb. First the wound seals up and then surrounding cells that are like stem cells build a
blastema which is a clump of cells and then they use their memory to build muscle, tissue, and
cartilage back to its original form.
Application to Research:
This also falls under my topic because it is using animals functions to try and aid human
cell regeneration. By being able to implement the cells that have this memory, humans could
regrow whole limbs for amputees in the war and they wouldnt need prosthetics.
DeWeerdt , S. E. (2011, March 26). Gene expression in regenerating sea stars. Retrieved from
http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/03_01/Sea_stars.shtml
Summary: Website
The article talks about how sea stars can regenerate their limbs and what causes it. They
found that a gene in the sea stars abled them to regenerate and its DNA sequence is very similar
to proteins found in humans and other vertebrates. It then discusses how we could further expand
this finding.
Application to Research:
This applies to my research because it shows the functions of an animal being able to
regenerate and the genes behind this function. The article also says how one particular gene
allows the starfish to regenerate which its DNA sequence is very similar to a protein found in
humans, so this could lead to further expansion in how humans can regenerate cells.
Major, J. R. & Poss, D. K. (2008, December 9). Zebrafish heart regeneration as a model for
cardiac tissue repair. Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2597874/
Summary: Website

The journal talks about zebrafish being able to regenerate heart tissue and how the fish is
able to do the process. It talks about how the fish regenerates its muscle chemically and
genetically. It also talks about how mammals cannot regenerate their heart tissue, so looking into
the zebrafish and knowing what and how to use its function to regenerate heart tissue would be
very beneficial.
Application to Research:
I can use this for my research because i am researching how cells can regenerate from
animal functions and this falls under this category. Us humans have a hard time regenerating
heart tissue, in fact we cant so implementing this feature could benefit people with heart
conditions and save many lives.
Manly, D. (2011, April 13). Regeneration: The axolotl story. Scientific American Retrieved
from https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/regeneration-the-axolotl-story/
Summary:Website
The article talks about how the axolotl is able to regenerate limbs very easily. The
salamander is able to even regenerate parts of its spinal cord, perfect every time. The scientists
discovered the gene that allows the axolotl to regenerate so well. The two compounds that allow
the axolotl to do this is p53 and TGF-Beta 1. They did experiments, testing the two compounds
individually and seeing if it affected the regenerative process.
Application to Research:
The axolotls regenerative ability is so fascinating and if we can use it in humans then it
can greatly improve recovering patients with wounds and disabilities. More information needs to
be done on the compounds for regenerating cells and maybe there is more in other animals, so
we can use the best one.
Price, J. & Allen, S. (2004, April 20). Exploring the mechanisms regulating regeneration of deer
antlers. Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1693364/pdf/15293809.pdf
Summary: Scholarly Journal
The paper discusses about how deers are able to regenerate deer antlers. They are the
only mammals who have repeated rounds of regeneration and the scientists found that
parathyroid hormone-related peptide and retinoic acid affect the regeneration of the deers
antlers. The journal provided evidence of the molecules showing how they affected antler
regeneration.
Application to Research:
This applies to my research because the molecules that affect the antler regeneration
could potentially provide for us humans and we could find similar reactions within our own
bodies with similar chemicals to aid in our regeneration of cells.
Regeneration: what does it mean and how does it work? (2015, November 25). Euro Stem
Cell. Retrieved from
http://www.eurostemcell.org/factsheet/regeneration-what-does-it-mean-and-how-do
es-it-work
Summary: Reference Material

The article talks about different types of stem cells for cell regeneration. There are
pluripotent, tissue, and differentiated stem cells. Pluripotent stem cells are cells of the planarian
of a mammal embryo. Tissue stem cells are in salamanders and frogs. Differentiated stem cells
are in zebrafish.
Application to Research:
This applies to my research because it defines what types of cell regeneration there are
with stem cells. The stem cells that occur in different animals have different functions and
features and it helps my understanding and how we can implement them into us, humans.
Trinity College Dublin. (2016, April 5). Biomechanics team discovers how insects repair their
'bones'. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160405221222.htm
Summary: Website
The article on the website is about how some insects are able to repair their limbs after
they have been injured. The scientists discovered that the locusts create a cuticle bandage which
strengthens their bones as if it was like a DIY kit. Repaired limbs provide around two-thirds of
their original strength,.., and the insects are able to normally go on. The article does not have
any other source extending research on insects ability to self repair.
Application to Research:
I wish I had more information on how the insects can repair themselves. Like the science
behind the cuticle bandage and how its healing properties work. Then we could try to apply it to
human injuries and have a cuticle bandage for humans. Though there is a lack of information,
this is a good example of what I want to research. How special animal traits could be used for
our benefit.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Previous Topic
Barber, M. (2014, July 31). Science of the spear: biomechanics of a javelin throw.
Retrieved from
http://theconversation.com/science-of-the-spear-biomechanics-of-a-javelin-throw-29782
Summary: Website
The article talks about how to throw a javelin and the science behind all the steps into
maximizing the throw of a javelin. It shows how to fast to run and the angle at which one must
throw the javelin.It also talks about the techniques involved in the throw with the delivery and
recovery. The article stated that throwing a javelin is highly technical and that the only major
factors to have a great throw is the release angle and run speed.
Application to Research:
This article provides a mediocre amount of statistics about javelin throw, maybe if I
record people throwing the javelin and measure their distance, speed, and release angle I can
determine data and apply that to a problem which maybe something like javelin throwers
shoulders and how the release angle affects their shoulders.
Dawson-Cook, S. (2016, September 28). Shoulder pain. Retrieved from
http://www.usms.org/articles/articledisplay.php?aid=3273

Summary: Website
The article talks about how to throw a javelin and the science behind all the steps into
maximizing the throw of a javelin. It shows how to fast to run and the angle at which one must
throw the javelin.It also talks about the techniques involved in the throw with the delivery and
recovery. The article stated that throwing a javelin is highly technical and that the only major
factors to have a great throw is the release angle and run speed.
Application to Research:
This article provides a mediocre amount of statistics about javelin throw, maybe if I
record people throwing the javelin and measure their distance, speed, and release angle I can
determine data and apply that to a problem which maybe something like javelin throwers
shoulders and how the release angle affects their shoulders.
Mirkin, G. (2003, September 7). Poor biomechanics can cause injuries. The Washington Times.
Retrieved from
http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/NewsDetailsPage/NewsDetailsWindow?disableHighlig
hting=false&displayGroupName=News&currPage=&scanId=&query=&source=&prod
Id=OVIC&search_within_results=&p=OVIC&mode=view&catId=&u=hcpub_hebron
&limiter=&display-query=&displayGroups=&contentModules=&action=e&sortBy=&
documentId=GALE|A107401372&windowstate=normal&activityType=&failOverType
=&commentary=
Summary:Website
The main idea of the article was to show how several examples of biomechanics caused
some injuries. The major supports were facts about how since the roads were at angles to drain
water, runners on the side of the road have an uneven balance when running. The other
examples are proven with facts and suggestions to help the problems. It shows some bias
because the author does not state any other sides. There maybe another argument to refute the
claims he states, but he just doesnt mention them.
Application to Research:
This article gives me some various problems that I can work with and try and research
something to fix the problem, though the author gives some solutions, I could find even better
solutions to his problems.
Mirkin, G. (1999, January 31). Proper biomechanics can prevent injuries. The Washington
Times. Retrieved from
http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/NewsDetailsPage/NewsDetailsWindow?disableHighlighti
ng=false&displayGroupName=News&currPage=&scanId=&query=&source=&prodId=
OVIC&search_within_results=&p=OVIC&mode=view&catId=&u=hcpub_hebron&limit
er=&display-query=&displayGroups=&contentModules=&action=e&sortBy=&documen
tId=GALE|A56767916&windowstate=normal&activityType=&failOverType=&commen
tary=
Summary: Website
Like the previous paragraph, this article also talks about multiple examples, but instead
talks about how we use biomechanics to help any problems we have. The article talks about
charley horses, which are the cramps at night the author is talking about. He says how they

occur and how they can be eased and not as painful. Then he talks about honey as a substitute for
sugar, but he describes it as the same thing.
Application to Research:
I could apply this to my research just like the other article because it shows me a problem
that I could try and solve. Since there is no real prescription for the charley horses, I can try to
see what would work and what wouldnt work for the cramps.
Reynolds, G. (2015). Why runners get slower with age (and how strength training may
help). Retrieved from
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/09/09/why-runners-get-slower-with-age-and-how-str
ength-training-may-help/
Summary: Website
The article talks about as runners age, they slow down even though they shouldnt. It says
that runners only lose endurance capacity as they age and should be able to run at the same
speeds as their younger self with it only being a bit more difficult. The scientists studied to try
and find out why runners slow down as they age. They found that the muscles were the reason
why the runners were slowing down. As the runners aged, the muscles weakened and the strides
they took became smaller which resulted in slower speeds. In the article it says With each
passing decade, the runners stride length and preferred speed dropped by about 20 percent.
Application to Research:
The article has room for me to research into and I can expand the idea of creating
something that will help muscles to keep their strength so that runners can keep their speed. It
could be a pill that aids muscles or something that helps runners run the same way. I could also
research on what is causing our muscles to weaken like that and solve the problem from there.
UCI Study could eventually help people with sleep disorders, researchers say. (2016, August 31).
Retrieved from
http://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-dpt-me-sleep-study-20160830-story.ht
ml
Summary: Website
The article in the website explained how light onto the eyes affect sleeping. The
scientists studied monkeys that sleep during the night (diurnal) and mice that sleep during the
day (nocturnal). They saw that light affects the process of them sleeping which causes them to
either sleep during the day or night. They then found the cells that tell the organism to be alert
and try to implicate that to human insomnia, The article states, A human who experiences
insomnia is not wired similarly to mice, Zhou said, but instead the super colliculus may not be as
receptive to the signals, possibly preventing the body from entering a sleep mode. which means
more experimentation is required.
Application to Research:
The article has very detailed research on how light actually is processed through the
animals and how I can easily just look up the cell name to further gain knowledge of it. This way
I can start creating ideas of how human insomnia might work and what is responsible of lack of
sleep. The article also has unanswered questions that I could expand off of to further create a
research topic.

Zimmer, C. (2011, May 16). Turning to biomechanics to build a kinder, gentler rib spreader.
Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/17/science/17rib.html?_r=0
Summary: Website
The article talks on how rib spreaders work and how the scientists created a much better
rib spreader. Normal rib spreaders usually break some ribs in people, but the scientists created a
rib spreader that took advantage of the bending properties of bone. Their creation was tested on
pigs and compared to the normal rib spreader. The results evidently showed that the new
invention breaks little to no bones at all, while the normal rib spreader broke a few. To fix this,
the scientists heard popping sounds when the bone started to break, so they made the invention
stop when it heard that popping sound. Their renovation made the rib spreader not break any
bones at all. Both took the same amount of time, so it was obviously beneficial.
Application to Research:
The research and experiments done on rib spreaders was very clear and understandable.
They compare the normal rib spreaders to their new rib spreader which solves the problem of
breaking rib bones whilst in surgery. Im wondering on how the invention could be sped up at a
safe rate because the bones need to bend slowly otherwise they would snap if the bend too fast. If
we can speed up the process, then maybe some lives will be saved.