Author: Young Investigators Review

The Young Investigators Review is Stony Brook University's undergraduate-oriented, all-inclusive science journal. Founded in 2008, our mission is to provide the student community with a way to learn more about the research currently being done on-campus by their faculty and fellow peers. We feature articles that span all fields, from Physics to Neuroscience, as well as original student research reports straight from the campus laboratories. Our journal offers aspiring talented future researchers and physicians a way to hone their science writing skills and spread word of their experiences to inspire incoming students to think about devoting their futures to the various fields of science.
2022-23, Cancer, Health, Health and Medicine, Year

What’s better: negative-pressure wound therapy or standard surgical dressings?

By Shahzadi Adeena, Class of 2025 Figure 1: Health professional holding rolled out gauze Doctors seek to improve post-operative care, as it is a critical aspect of surgery that determines success or infection. Following a surgical procedure, it is routine to apply standard surgical dressings (SSDs) on patients to promote healing and prevent infection. Modern surgical dressings are usually gauze dressings made of cotton, rayon, … Continue reading What’s better: negative-pressure wound therapy or standard surgical dressings?

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2022-23, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Year

In the 21st century, you can become a Christian through AI

By Shahzadi Adeena, Class of 2025 Figure 1: Human Hand Reaching Out to AI With artificial intelligence (AI) on the rise, chatbots have become a valuable resource for many sectors of society. Economic, education, and health industries all benefit from the efficiency and extent of artificial intelligence assistance; other sectors, such as religion, are also susceptible to influence by up-and-coming AI. Researchers Khoa Tran and … Continue reading In the 21st century, you can become a Christian through AI

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2022-23, Health and Medicine, Medicine and Physiology, mental health, Sociology, Year

Black Patients More Likely Than White Patients to Suffer Negative Outcomes After Spine Surgery

By: Jessica George, Class of 2024 Figure 1: Disparities in healthcare outcomes may be due to systemic biases in healthcare delivery Racial disparities in healthcare outcomes have been well-documented in numerous studies, including those focused on surgical procedures. Despite advances in surgical techniques and technologies, disparities in surgical outcomes persist, with some racial and ethnic groups experiencing worse outcomes than others. Understanding the factors that … Continue reading Black Patients More Likely Than White Patients to Suffer Negative Outcomes After Spine Surgery

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2022-23, General Neuroscience, General Psychology, Neuroscience, Psychology

Non-planned and impulsive suicide attempts associated with low activity of frontal brain 

By: Jessica George, Class of 2024 Figure 1: Global frontal brain activity may be a biomarker for non-planned or impulsive suicide attempts Suicide is a serious public health concern and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. One of the major challenges in preventing suicide is the frequent non-planned or impulsive nature of suicidal behavior, leaving little opportunity for intervention. Therefore, it is essential … Continue reading Non-planned and impulsive suicide attempts associated with low activity of frontal brain 

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2022-23, Health and Medicine, Medicine and Physiology, Pharmacology

Potential for Macrophage Cell Cultures to Produce New Medications

Julia Chivu ’23 Macrophages typically dominate the immune system with broad responsibilities related to cell repair, immune response, and homeostasis. However, macrophages also have organ-specific functions embedded into their epigenetic makeup. These powerful and specialized cells may be used in various macrophage therapies that can impact both humans and animals. In spite of this astounding potential, these treatment options are not available yet since scientists … Continue reading Potential for Macrophage Cell Cultures to Produce New Medications

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2022-23, Biology

Symptom Manifestation Indicates Severity of Fracture-Derived Ocular Injury

Vignesh Subramanian ’24 Orbital fractures are breakages in one or more of the bones surrounding the eyeball (collectively known as the orbit or eye socket) that are typically caused by blunt force trauma to the face. While not common, such fractures may cause serious ocular injury, which in turn may result in blurred or double vision, prolonged ocular or facial pain, poorer visual acuity, afferent … Continue reading Symptom Manifestation Indicates Severity of Fracture-Derived Ocular Injury

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2022-23, Health and Medicine, mental health

Mental Health and COVID-19 Pandemic Stressors Among Latina/o/x College Students with Varying Self and Parental Immigration Status

Sydney Giron ’26 The COVID-19 pandemic produced significant levels of reported psychological distress for individuals worldwide. Relative to a baseline, a higher prevalence of depression (33.7%), anxiety (31.9%), and stress (29.6%) were evident in the general population. However, college students experienced an exacerbated array of stressors. Stressors such as academic/job performance, sociability, and health concerns for themselves and their loved ones contributed to psychological decline, … Continue reading Mental Health and COVID-19 Pandemic Stressors Among Latina/o/x College Students with Varying Self and Parental Immigration Status

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2022-23, General Neuroscience

Intrinsic Biases in Maternal EEG/ERP Research Undermine Racial Representation

Vignesh Subramanian ’24 The use of electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERPs) – two methods of recording brain waves to measure continuous and stimulus-based electrical activity, respectively – is most common in the diagnosis of brain disorders. However, EEG/ERP methodology is also used to monitor the timing of cognitive functions during periods of stress or development. EEG’s high temporal resolution allows for the observation of … Continue reading Intrinsic Biases in Maternal EEG/ERP Research Undermine Racial Representation

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2022-23, Biology, Psychology

Pleasant and Unpleasant Odor Identification Ability is Associated with Distinct Dimensions of Negative Symptoms across Multiple Psychotic Disorders

Sydney Giron ’26 The olfactory system is involved in ingestive behavior, awareness of environmental hazards, and social interactions. Olfactory function has been used as both a diagnostic and prognostic marker for psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Previous studies suggest an association between olfactory impairments and negative symptoms that are associated with psychotic disorders. These symptoms include avolition, which is a lack of motivation and alogia, which … Continue reading Pleasant and Unpleasant Odor Identification Ability is Associated with Distinct Dimensions of Negative Symptoms across Multiple Psychotic Disorders

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Announcements

SBYIR Staff and Writer Applications for Spring 2023 Now Open

Do any of the following apply to you?Are you…? Then look no further and apply today to be part of the SBYIR team to join us in our goal of making science more accessible! Enjoy food and games at our events, new friendships and snark at our meetings, and a professional journal at the end of every semester! No research experience is needed and training is provided. We look … Continue reading SBYIR Staff and Writer Applications for Spring 2023 Now Open

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2022-23, Environment, Natural World

Adélie Penguins Are at Risk of Extinction by Climate Change

Melanie Karniewich ’25 Climate change is becoming more alarming at an increasing rate across the globe, affecting humanity and other life. Associate professor of ecology and evolution Heather Lynch and other researchers at Stony Brook University traveled to visit Adélie penguin colonies in Penguin Point, Devil Island, Vortex Island, and Cockburn Island. Comparing the population sizes with the severity of climate change in that area, … Continue reading Adélie Penguins Are at Risk of Extinction by Climate Change

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2022-23, Cellular and Molecular Science, Genetics, Molecular Biology

A Genetic Change Delivered via Gel Treatment for Epidermolysis bullosa Patients Shows Promise

Melanie Karniewich ’25 Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic condition that causes serious blisters to the skin from minor occurrences like rubbing or scratching the skin. In severe cases, blistering can happen inside the body like the mouth or lining of the stomach. Mutations in EB disable genes for the specific proteins that allow the layers of someone’s skin and the lining of organs … Continue reading A Genetic Change Delivered via Gel Treatment for Epidermolysis bullosa Patients Shows Promise

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