Gemstone Team Research
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Browsing Gemstone Team Research by Subject "alternative energy"
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Item Harvesting life's energy: increase in the aerotolerence of the electrogenic anaerobe geobacter sulfurreducens due to over-expression of superoxide dismutase and catalase(2009-05) Axe, Jennifer; Billmyre, R. Blake; Duty, Kevin Heffner; Hitz, Greg; Trager, Lauren; Weatherford, AllisonGeobacter-based microbial fuel cells are becoming increasingly viable as a source of alternative energy. Current research and commercial application have been slowed by the inability of Geobacter species to tolerate the presence of oxygen. Oxidative stress protection enzymes normally play a key role in protecting cells from oxygen damage. This project hypothesizes that the over-expression of two important oxidative stress protection enzymes, catalase and superoxide dismutase, can increase aerotolerance. These genes were amplified from the genome of Geobacter sulfurreducens and cloned into plasmid pRG5 behind the ptaclac promoter. This plasmid was transformed into both E. coli and G. sulfurreducens to examine oxygen tolerance, gene expression, and enzyme activity. Preliminary data show increases in enzyme activity in E. coli and an increase in aerotolerance in G. sulfurreducens for both genes. This seems to be the first example of an increase in an obligate anaerobe's aerotolerance due to the intentional introduction of oxidative stress genes.Item A study of the benefits of retrofitting cardiovascular exercise equipment of a gym with human energy harvesting technology(2009-05) Blechman, Adam; Braker, George; Chodnicki, Brad; DuBow, Esther; Pernia, Kelly; Sy, Timothy; Thompson, Matthew; Tucker, Jordan; Kofinas, PeterThis study seeks to identify the benefits of implementing human energy harvesting technology in gym exercise equipment. The central premise is that work put into fitness equipment by gym members can be used to generate electricity for the gym. This supplemental energy source can reduce the gym's overall need for electricity, therefore enhancing the gym as a green gym similar to the way of other alternative energy sources. The study includes an analysis of consumer preferences using detailed survey questionnaires, as well as an investigation of energy efficiency of gym establishments. Moreover, the feasibility of implementing this technology was evaluated from the standpoint of a business plan. By exploring the issue of a green gym from each of these three perspectives, this research shows that retrofitting a gym with energy harvesting technology can successfully enhance the image of the gym while making its operations more profitable.