Biosciences Briefs

Prof. David Pendergrass reports that students and faculty in the molecular biosciences program are having a busy fall semester at the Edwards Campus:

• In the BIOL 420 seminar class, students are preparing their presentations on the critical hormone proopiomelanocortin. The hormone is produced in the brain and pituitary and is involved in regulating stress, immunity, pigmentation, food regulation and addiction.
• In BIOL 637, Biochemistry Laboratory, students are working to purify a protein, tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for making the natural pigments found in hair and skin. It’s also an enzyme involved in the production of several neurotransmitters (molecular communicators between nerves) associated with Parkinson’s Disease.
• The molecular biosciences undergraduate degree program currently boasts more than 50 degree-seeking students. The program also hosts students of the Kansas University Medical Center Clinical Laboratory Sciences program. Additionally, the program hosts Post-Baccalaureate medical students for Kansas University Medical Center. Rural and minority students of Kansas take the upper biology courses at the Edwards Campus before attending KU’s medical school.