Research Projects
"Parakeets are small social parrot species that can learn to imitate human speech. This project is an investigation of parakeets' ability to learn to use human speech referentially. To date, few animals have been shown to use referential communication of any kind that might be argued as similar to human language. Investigations of nonhuman animal communication and cognition systems (such as their ability to learn referential language) helps us better understand the nature of communication and cognition across all species." PROFESSOR KATHY MORGAN'S parakeet language study uses Irene Pepperberg's study with African Greys as a model. Learn more about The Alex Foundation research at: http://www.alexfoundation.org/research.htm
"Numerosity or number sense has become of increasing interest to researchers focusing on animal cognition. Many animals have demonstrated at least a basic sense of number, especially the ability to discriminate between "more" and "less." However, the domestic dog (Canis lupus) has not yet been tested for this ability." As part of a larger study of canine cognitive abilities, PROFESSOR KATHY MORGAN'S study will investigate dogs' ability to make this discrimination.
PROFESSOR MEG KIRKPATRICK of the Psychobiology Department studies the effects of sexual stimulation on the brain as well as the induction of pseudopregnancy in female rats. She says "We do not yet understand how tactile information about mating stimuli is processed by the brain and spinal cord. It is likely that certain neurotransmitter systems are involved in this process. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a noradrenergic antagonist on the establishment of pseudopregnancy in female rats after manual mating stimulation." In addition, she hopes to "identify the possible mbrain areas that are affected by sexual stimulation received during mating. These studies will also allow me to identify possible neurotransmitters or hormones that interact with these brain areas to affect sexual behavior and reproduction."
PROFESSOR ED TONG of the Biology Department uses Zebrafish in his research on Angiogenesis. As he describes it, "Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, is a very important topic in biomedical research. Agents which stimulate angiogenesis may be used to help wound healing or cardiac patients; agents which inhibit angiogenesis may be used to shrink a tumor in cancer patients. Before human studies, a new drug would have to be tested on animals. The rabbit cornea model has been and will continue to be the ultimate in vivo angiogenesis model. Chick embryo chorioallantioic membrane (the CAM model) is widely used to screen potential angiogenic agents. The zebrafish model is one of the new in vivo models to study angiogenesis because it is much cheaper and easier to perform. In addition, zebrafish are now used widely in biological research ranging from genetic studies to behavior studies (second only to mice!)"
Wheaton is home to these adorable Diamondback Terrapins as part of Biology PROFESSOR BARBARA BRENNESSEL'S Headstart Program. These threatened animals are overwintered at Wheaton and are part of paternity, tracking and conservation studies. To learn more follow this link:
http://www.wheatoncollege.edu/science/profiles/brennessel.html