Cannabis use alters sperm DNA methylation, but the potential reversibility of these changes is unknown. Semen samples from cannabis users and non-user controls were collected at baseline and again following a 77-day period of cannabis abstinence (one spermatogenic cycle). Users and controls did not significantly differ by demographics or semen analyses. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing identified 163 CpG sites with significantly different DNA methylation in sperm between groups (P < 2.94 × 10−9). Genes associated with altered CpG sites were enriched with those involved in development, including cardiogenesis and neurodevelopment. Many of the differences in sperm DNA methylation between groups were diminished after cannabis abstinence. These results indicate that sustained cannabis abstinence significantly reduces the number of sperm showing cannabis-associated alterations at genes important for early development.
Undergraduate research experience is critical to success
in postgraduate
research settings. The recent movement away from “cookbook”
style laboratories to course-based undergraduate research experiences
(CUREs) in undergraduate laboratories has allowed universities to
provide inclusive research experience while bypassing the limitations
of extracurricular apprenticeships. This paper describes an upper-level
biochemistry CURE designed to provide students with an introductory
experience to graduate-level research by studying a suspected DNA
helicase. This CURE is designed to span multiple semesters, where
each student cohort builds upon the work of previous semesters. Pre-
and postcourse surveys were employed to assess student confidence
in bench skills, perceptions of the course, and project ownership.
The results show that the incorporation of lab meeting style recitations
and poster presentations led to higher project ownership, while overcoming
troubleshooting was a significant challenge. Furthermore, confidence
in every experimental technique increased significantly in all but
one instance. Based on these results, this CURE is providing students
with a realistic experience in graduate-level research.
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