Current Volume

Volume 20 (2025 - 2026)

Research Articles

Article 1: Tattoos as a Risk for B-cell Lymphoma

Brynnlee Young; Bingham Benson; and Lincoln Jacobs

Abstract: Tattooed individuals have been shown to have an approximately 21% higher risk of developing lymphoma than those without tattoos. Lymphoma is a malignancy characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of lymphocytes, specifically B-cells. These B-cells can have mutated or abnormal expression of their cluster of differentiation (CD) markers that lead to uncontrolled proliferation. While the cause behind the uncontrolled proliferation in lymphoma is unclear, tattoo exposure may participate in triggering abnormal B-cell proliferation. The goal of this study is to identify atypical and precancerous B-cells that are associated with tattoo exposure from CD marker phenotyping. Using flow cytometry, B-cells were phenotyped from 50 people (25 with tattoos, 25 without) in search for CD marker expressions that are associated with atypical cells, activated B-cells, and possible lymphoma cells. Atypical Memory cells will be identified by the expression CD45+/CD19+/CD27-/CD21- and Activated B-cells will be identified when expressed as CD45+/CD19+/CD27+/CD21-. Possible lymphoma-associated cells will be identified with the expression CD45+/CD19+/CD10+/CD43-. These CD expressions show abnormalities in B-cells and were used to find possible links with tattoo exposure. Our study revealed that individuals with tattoos display an increased count of activated cells with age, as well as a higher frequency in B-cell lymphoma-associated cells between those who received a tattoo within the last two years compared to individuals with tattoos longer than two years. These findings suggest a relationship with tattoo ink and immune cell response. Further research could provide insight into how B-cell expression changes when exposed to tattoo ink, association with age, and how the activation of other immune cells respond to tattoos.

Article 2: Forensic Geophysics: Field Investigations Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to Search for Human Remains

Allison M. Brown; Sarah Kruse; Michael W. Hernandez; Sara Summers; Douglas Manifold; Ethan Clark; John Sohl; and Dave Cawley

Abstract: Previous studies using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) have explored its effectiveness to locate graves. This study used the NOGGIN GPR system with a 250 MHz sensor to perform grid surveys at locations in both Weber and Sevier Counties, Utah, to search for a lost individual and clandestine grave. This study identified possible targets that showed properties consistent with human remains. Reflexw software was run to prepare and analyze the radargram profiles for diffraction patterns that represented promising targets. The Sevier County GPR surveys were conducted over four sites in dry, sandy-silty soils. The analysis resulted in one promising shallow target (70-80 cm depth) that was excavated. The target was confirmed to be a large tree root system. The Weber County GPR surveys were conducted over three sites, each with its own challenging conditions. Two of the sites were in the flowing Weber River, and the third was on a predominantly cobble point bar. Preliminary analysis identified several targets at Site 1, which used a Sensors & Software pulseEKKO Pro unit with 200 MHz antennas mounted on a raft. Several anomalies were also identified at Site 2, located within the point bar.

Article 3: The Law of One Price for Raw Sugar: A Case Study of China and Brazil

Qi Zhou; Ke Tang; and Wenqi Lu

Abstract: This paper investigates whether the Law of One Price holds for raw sugar between Brazil and China. Using monthly sugar price data and bilater al exchange rates from September 2008 to November 2024, we document a persistent price difference, with Chinese raw sugar prices consistently exceeding Brazilian prices. Although such differences could, in principle, create profitable arbitrage opportunities, the evidence shows no long-run convergence of prices across the two markets. The persistence of these differentials likely reflects tariff policies, transportation costs, and volatility in the Real-Yuan exchange rate.

Article 4: Microbial Metabolisms and Carbonate Dynamics in the Great Salt Lake

Holland Vernon; Anya Midavaine; Nikki Hayes; Amber Devereaux; Alexa Call; Anika Draper; Frankie Van Pamel; and Rylee Wamhoff

Abstract: The Great Salt Lake hosts diverse microbial communities. DNA sequencing revealed metabolic pathways that drive carbonate cycling. Dominant metabolisms identified involved organic carbon breakdown, typically favoring carbonate dissolution. However, geochemical evidence shows carbonate supersaturation. This mismatch underscores the complexity of linking microbial metabolisms to carbonate production.

Article 5: Microplastics in Snow and the Influence of Winter Recreation

Ethan Clark; Riley Blood; Braden Jensen; and Breezy Newman

Abstract: This study attempted to determine if there are more microplastics in snow around areas with human activity, such as a ski resort, compared to areas with little human activity. We collected snow samples from trafficked and untrafficked locations at and near Snowbasin Resort (Utah). Snow was collected, melted, filtered, stained with Nile Red, and fluorescing particles were imaged and counted. Our findings did not indicate significant differences in microplastic amounts between heavily-trafficked and untrafficked snow, although this could be the result of issues with accurate identification of microplastics.

Travel Abstracts

Every year the Office of Undergraduate Research has the opportunity to send students to conferences all over the world to present their research. These students represent Weber State University and our commitment to research and scholarly advancement. What follows is a summary of these industrious students and their hard work that they presented to the world.

Click here for Travel Abstracts

Locations Traveled:

New Orleans, Louisiana
San Diego, California
Denver, Colorado
Cairo, Egypt
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Nashville, Tennessee
Dallas, Texas
Washington D.C