Observing the Effects of Epinephrine and Cortisol on Digestive Health
School Name
Center for Advanced Technical Studies
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Microbiology
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
Stress levels in people has increased, especially with the onset of a global pandemic. 84% of adults in America reported feelings of prolonged stress in February of 2021(APA: U.S. Adults Report Highest Stress Level Since Early Days of the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2021). One of the major effects that prolonged stress has on the body is harming digestive health. This project aims to better understand the mechanism through which stress affects digestive health by determining if it inhibits growth of commensal bacteria in the gut or the ability of the bacteria to ferment carbohydrates. Gut microbiota play a role in maintaining digestive health by producing necessary vitamins, aiding in digestion, and preventing pathogenic bacteria from growing in the digestive tract(Role of the Normal Gut Microbiota, 2015). This project aims to grow E. coli, a bacteria that is commonly found in the human gut, in the presence of the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine to determine if colony growth is inhibited by the presence of the chemical.
Recommended Citation
Prime, Zaire, "Observing the Effects of Epinephrine and Cortisol on Digestive Health" (2022). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 161.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2022/all/161
Location
HSS 116
Start Date
4-2-2022 9:30 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
No
Observing the Effects of Epinephrine and Cortisol on Digestive Health
HSS 116
Stress levels in people has increased, especially with the onset of a global pandemic. 84% of adults in America reported feelings of prolonged stress in February of 2021(APA: U.S. Adults Report Highest Stress Level Since Early Days of the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2021). One of the major effects that prolonged stress has on the body is harming digestive health. This project aims to better understand the mechanism through which stress affects digestive health by determining if it inhibits growth of commensal bacteria in the gut or the ability of the bacteria to ferment carbohydrates. Gut microbiota play a role in maintaining digestive health by producing necessary vitamins, aiding in digestion, and preventing pathogenic bacteria from growing in the digestive tract(Role of the Normal Gut Microbiota, 2015). This project aims to grow E. coli, a bacteria that is commonly found in the human gut, in the presence of the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine to determine if colony growth is inhibited by the presence of the chemical.
