Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an important signaling molecule in humans, however the mechanisms behind H₂S signaling and its toxicity, which is thought to be similar to hydrogen cyanide (HCN), are poorly understood. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a convenient model to study exposure to H₂S and HCN as the proteins that mediate the organismal responses are highly conserved. Our previous work has shown that low levels of H₂S can increase thermotolerance and lifespans in C. elegans, but at high levels H₂S has toxic effects. The disparate effects of signaling and toxicity of H₂S on C. elegans led us to ask how the response to HCN compares to that of H₂S. To investigate this, we exposed different C. elegans strains to gaseous H₂S and HCN in sealed chambers and scored the survival rates between the two gases. We see that while both H₂S and HCN are toxic to C. elegans, HCN leads to death at lower concentrations, suggesting different modes of toxicity. We confirmed that HIF-1, a key transcription factor in the response to both H₂S and HCN, is necessary for survival in both H₂S and HCN. To determine if there are mechanistic similarities between the responses to these gases we exposed mutants that suppress hif-1 lethality in H₂S to both H₂S and HCN, and found that mutants that increased survival in H₂S did not necessarily increase resistance to HCN. This allows us to identify proteins that play a role in the response to H₂S. Understanding the proteins which differentially mediate toxicity in H₂S versus HCN will help us better understand the signaling roles of H₂S.

Previous research has established a link between social media and risky drinking behavior, indicating that social networking sites provide exposure to drinking norms that predict attitudes and willingness towards alcohol use. However, despite the growing usage of social media, there is little research on the effects of social networks (other than Facebook) on risky sexual behaviors. Risky sexual behaviors have been previously defined as behaviors that increase the risk of negative outcomes associated with sexual contact such as unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections. The purpose of the current study is to describe the relationship between having an account with various social networking platforms and risky sexual behavior among young adults. For the present study, risky sexual behavior was defined as having sex with casual partners, having multiple sexual partners, and the lack of condom usage. We hypothesize that being a member of currently popular social media platforms will be positively associated with the aforementioned risky behaviors, while this relationship will be mediated by positive attitudes held towards risky sex. To test our hypotheses, a national sample of 1002 young adults aged 18-20 (53.6% female) were asked to complete a one-time online survey on social media use, health behaviors and risk behaviors, including sexual behavior. Participants reported which social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Snapchat) they have accounts with and their attitudes regarding casual sexual behavior, multiple sexual partners, and condom use. Additionally, participants reported on their sexual behaviors within the past 3 months, including: number of casual sexual partners, number of total sexual partners, and the frequency of condom use during sexual encounters. Results of this study may provide a better understanding of the nature and dangers of social media usage, and can help shape protective actions or interventions for reducing sexual behavioral risk.

Previous research has found that risky sexual behavior, including not using a condom, is associated with alcohol use prior to the sexual experience. However, little is known about whether these relations differ by prototype favorability (defined as the perceived favorability of the typical person who engages in a risk behavior) of individuals who do not use condoms. The present study investigated whether prototype favorability moderates the relationship between prior alcohol consumption and condom use during sex. We hypothesized that prior alcohol consumption is positively associated with not using a condom. Additionally, we hypothesized that this association is stronger for those who have higher prototype favorability for individuals who do not use condoms during sex. To test these hypotheses, the current study (n=1002) used data from a national sample of young adults, ages 18-20, who completed a one-time online survey about health and risk behaviors, including sexual behavior and alcohol use. Participants were asked to report the frequency that they engaged in any type of sex after or while drinking alcohol during the past 3 months and the number of times they used a condom when having sex after or while drinking. Participants were also asked to report on a scale from 1 (not at all) to 7 (extremely) how much the following words: "smart", "popular", "mature", "careless", "attractive", and "risky", describe their image of a typical male or female their age who has sex without a condom with a casual partner after having 4/5 or more drinks (prototype favorability). Regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between alcohol use and condom use, and if prototype favorability moderates the association. Results from this study will help interventions focus on specific beliefs, such as prototype favorabilty, and how they relate to alcohol-related risk behaviors.

The purpose of this survey was to evaluate the importance of international students’ organizations, in the wake of less funding and reduced support. The research on the imperativeness of international students' organizations is significant due to the notable increase in the number of international students in American institutions of higher learning. The gradual proliferation in the number of international students seeking tertiary education has resulted in the need to form friendly associations for students that play a pivotal role in aiding new students in the process of settling in and adjusting to the cultural shock that is experienced after relocating to a new social setting. The research therefore evaluates the practical need for supporting the students’ organizations as a means of ensuring safety and comfort for all the international students. The literature review supports the need for sustainable structures that support better cultural experience for international students. The research was conducted through qualitative methods with the adoption of an exploratory research design. The method included direct questionnaires to various students concerning the importance of supporting international students’ organizations. The results suggest that more students recognize and appreciate the role of student organizations and therefore support any actions meant to stabilize the various student organizations. This research therefore attempts to demystify the assumption that supporting international student organizations is a waste of time and funds.