Lauren
Riggs
Sponsor: Brett Poulin, Ph.D. Environmental Toxicology Due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, temperatures across the globe are expected to rise throughout the twenty-first century, which will affect the rates of biogeochemical processes in sediments. As part of the mercury cycle, microorganisms in sediments transform mercury from inorganic mercury (Hg(II)) to its more toxic form, methylmercury (MeHg). However, the role of temperature on the rate of mercury methylation has not been quantified. To quantify the effects of temperature on Hg(II) methylation, laboratory incubations were performed on intact sediment cores from five locations representing distinct ecological regions in North America under temperatures spanning projected increases. An enriched stable isotope of Hg(II) quantify how temperature influenced rates of Hg(II) conversion to MeHg. Preliminary data suggests that temperature increases lead to increased rates of Hg(II) methylation, and that the magnitude of this change in methylation rate is site-specific. The results of this study will aid the understanding of both the role of temperature in the mercury biogeochemical cycle, as well as the impact of climate change on the severity of MeHg pollution. Associations Between Trait Anxiety and Physiological Markers of State Anxiety in Adolescents
Abstract profile. Full document pending author claim.
Authors:
Lauren Riggs
Date Created:
Not specified
Course Title:
Professor:
Not specified
About Paper:
Adolescence is a vulnerable period for the emergence of anxiety and heightened stress reactivity. Understanding the link between psychological perceptions of experienced anxiety and physiological reactivity is essential for developing targeted interventions to prevent the development of chronic anxiety in youth. In the present analyses, we examine the associations between trait anxiety, state anxiety, and physiological responses of the autonomic nervous system across anticipation, stress exposure, and recovery phases of an acute stressor. Adolescents (N = 300) between 11 and 15 years of age were recruited to participate in an ongoing study. We used the Trier Social Stress Test modified for youth, a standardized social-evaluative stressor. Trait anxiety was measured using parent-report from the State- Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, while state anxiety was measured through the Self-Report State Anxiety. Heart rate variability data were collected using a MindWare mobile device. Using regressions, we assess how trait anxiety is associated with psychological and physiological changes in adolescents during stress. In the future, this research will contribute to deeper knowledge on how trait anxiety could be related to different levels of psychological and physiological responses. Quantifying Equity Gaps in Wildfire Evacuation Planning Across California Isabella Rioja
Source:
UC Davis / Psychology / 2026
Topics:
No topics listed
Co-authors:
Lauren Riggs