The instrument performs a multitude of different experiments for studying the structure, dynamics, and interactions of biological macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. Computational resources for processing and interpreting NMR data and for molecular structure calculations are also available. Cattle with BPP have pneumonia caused by strains of Pasteurella haemolytica bacteria that trigger cells called neutrophils to enter the lungs. Neutrophils protect lungs from the harmful bacteria, but too many neutrophils can damage bovine lung tissue. Important nutrients like protein can leak out of blood vessels and cattle can have difficulty breathing.
Death can result.
Ackermann and his team are studying how to block the binding of neutrophils to blood vessel walls in lung tissue. The team's research is funded by the USDA's National Research Institute. A Genetic Stop Sign for Soybean Pests Funded by a grant from the USDA's National Research Initiative, ISU professors Thomas Baum , Plant Pathology, and Steven Rodermel , Botany, are researching ecologically sound ways to prevent nematodes from infecting soybeans. Responsible for millions of dollars in crop losses annually, cyst nematodes are one of the most important threats to soybeans in the United States. Baum and Rodermel are studying the relationship between the nematode parasite and its soybean host.