Nearing Experimental Trials

We've had several setbacks over the past few weeks concerning our cultures. Our starter cultures are experiencing population wipeout, with both Cultures A and B dwindling severely in numbers. We were able to determine a closer range of EE2 dosages by diluting our original HIGH (2000um/L), MEDIUM (1500um/L), and LOW (1000um/L) concentrations down to numbers between 300-900 um of EE2 per L. Unfortunately, while we were testing these concentrations, our negative concentration also experienced high mortality, indicating that there are problems with our husbandry procedures. We are currently waiting for our starter cultures to recover more before attempting another trial.

Because of shortages in time, we might not be able to complete any more pre-trials; instead, we may be forced to complete one singular experimental trial as opposed to several weeks of data collection. To collect the appropriate number of data points, we will be testing only one concentration of EE2 in several identical containers for a minimum of 120 data points.

To improve the viability of our cultures, we are experimenting with feeding them more, as research demonstrated that the color of the D. magna is indicative of the state of their food supply; if they are brightly pigmented, then they are well-fed, but if they are translucent like our current cultures, they are most likely closer to starvation.

Below are several clear images of the D. magna magnified under the EVOS microscope.