Georgetown Scientific Research Journal (GSR Journal) is Georgetown University's open source scientific journal. GSR Journal aims to publish academic level research within the Georgetown community in order to promote the scientific accomplishments of the student body, foster inclusion within the science community and interest within research-based careers, encourage diversity within the research field, grant more visibility of student authorship, and increase awareness of groundbreaking scientific discoveries within the community. Through an outside of institution peer-review process, our articles are ensured to be original work that adheres to all scientific publication guidelines.
Copyright (c) 2026 Georgetown Scientific Research Journal
The Use of Non-pharmacological Interventions to Treat Cognitive Dysfunction Following Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers a complex cascade of biological changes following a forceful impact to the head. Long-term effects are often life-altering and include cognitive impairment, reduced synaptic plasticity, mood instability, and motor dysfunction. Current pharmacological treatments are limited in their ability to address the evolving and multifaceted nature of TBI pathology and may carry adverse side effects or risk of dependence. This literature review synthesizes emerging evidence supporting non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) that are currently in their clinical trial phase as complementary or alternative approaches. Virtual reality (VR), hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), nutritional therapy, and exercise-based interventions demonstrate promising early results. VR therapy has been shown to improve cognitive function and mood, particularly when combined with physical rehabilitation to enhance balance and mobility. HBOT may mitigate secondary injury processes, including hematoma progression, and improve pain outcomes. Nutritional interventions are associated with improved cognitive function and earlier hospital discharge, while exercise-based therapy supports executive function and allows for individualized rehabilitation strategies. Together, these findings suggest that NPIs may enhance post-TBI care when integrated with pharmacological treatment within personalized rehabilitation models. However, larger controlled studies are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and clinical feasibility.
CAR-T Cell Therapies: An Emerging and Promising Treatment for Human Glioblastoma
Human glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal type of brain tumor. Current therapies struggle to effectively target the tumor, leading to high recurrence rates and poor survival outcomes. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, although new and evolving, has shown success in hematological malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma, and is currently being adapted for GBM. This review discusses emerging clinical and preclinical studies that serve as evidence for both the advancements and limitations of CAR-T therapy for GBM treatment. While prior reviews have addressed individual aspects of CAR‑T therapy for GBM, this review explores how antigen selection, delivery strategy, and the tumor microenvironment collectively influence therapeutic outcomes. Tumor antigens have been used as therapeutic targets, each exhibiting differential expression patterns and distinct anti‑tumor activity. Next‑generation multivalent CAR‑T constructs, which simultaneously engage multiple antigens or pathways, have shown promise in addressing GBM’s heterogeneity and treatment resistance. Beyond antigen targets, delivery methods have also been found to play a crucial role in determining the success of this treatment. Cerebrospinal fluid and locoregional delivery show superior tumor penetration compared to typical intravenous delivery. Still, successful CAR-T engraftment faces major challenges, such as the immunosuppressive nature of the GBM microenvironment, the transient effects of CAR-T cells, and antigen loss. It is important to note that many findings discussed in this review are derived from small-scale Phase I clinical trials, which may limit the generalizability of the conclusions. Collectively, evidence indicates that CAR-T immunotherapy represents a promising, yet evolving, treatment with the potential to improve outcomes for patients with this malignant disease.
Seasonal Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Semi-Urban and Rural Households: A Secondary Analysis from the 2012/2013 Magu HDSS, Northwestern Tanzania
From 2013 to 2023, over 90% of the population in Tanzania fell below the WHO-recommended fruit and vegetable (FAV) intake of >5 servings/day. Variation between wet and dry seasons further influences dietary intake and stability, which has implications for nutritional adequacy and non-communicable disease (NCD) risk, especially in rural areas. However, evidence on seasonal FAV intake and its determinants in Northwestern Tanzania is limited. This study aimed to describe the adequacy and seasonality of FAV intake and examine associations with socio-demographic and health factors in Northwestern Tanzania. Data were collected from 2012-2013 as part of regular serological surveys in the Magu Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), including 7,620 participants. Three multinomial logistic regression models were used to assess associations between seasonal FAV intake and socio-demographic and health characteristics. Most participants (96.1%) reported inadequate intake in both seasons. FAV adequacy and intake measures were significantly higher in the wet season compared to the dry season. In adjusted analysis, females and overweight/obese individuals had a lower relative risk of inadequate intake, whereas rural residents and adults aged 50 years or older had a higher risk. These findings emphasize a need for further research and interventions incorporating seasonal variation on FAV intake, with a focus on vulnerable groups and improving year-round accessibility of culturally relevant, affordable FAV within local environmental contexts.
Brain Organoids – Sentience, Consciousness, Personhood, Agency, and Moral Status in Neuronal Cell Cultures
Recent advances in the use of induced pluripotent stem cells and culture media that mimic the three- dimensional structure of the extracellular matrix have permitted the development of human brain organoids for in vitro disease modeling. However, organoids present a highly salient ethical risk, with significant concerns regarding potential consciousness, moral status, and legal personhood contingent upon sentience, as well as socioeconomic barriers to access. This article explores the challenges associated with the application of brain-based consciousness indices to organoids, which are currently incapable of communicating mental states and possess a unique functional organization. While recent philosophical shifts associated with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) have led to expansive definitions of consciousness and agency, applying analogous paradigms to organoids overlooks ongoing harms to model organisms used in biomedical research and risks delaying neurological drug development, exposing human trial participants to side effects, and discarding promising therapeutics before they reach the clinical stage. Neuroethical frameworks surrounding organoids must avoid distraction by highly speculative apprehensions, and instead emphasize practical issues of informed consent in sample collection and unrestricted entry to minimize the potential harms for patients and researchers.
human brain organoids, neuroethics, consciousness, agency, personhood
Implicit Bias in Maternal Health: Racial Disparities in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia Area (DMV)
The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries, with disparities prevalent in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan area (DMV). Black women experience disproportionately high rates of severe morbidity and death, persisting across socioeconomic levels, suggesting the role of implicit bias in shaping care. These biases manifest through inequitable use of interventions, stigmatized medical documentation, and dismissive provider-patient interactions, contributing to preventable adverse outcomes. Addressing these issues requires examining the presence of bias in both clinical encounters and the broader organizational, cultural, and policy contexts that perpetuate disparities. Efforts to address implicit bias must extend beyond one-time training and instead prioritize standardized protocols, workforce diversity, and structural reforms in education that lead to meaningful improvements in outcomes. Integrating policy initiatives would be a step towards reducing preventable maternal mortality among marginalized populations across the DMV.
Seasonal Variation in Rock Hyrax Behavior and Energy Budget: A Comparative Study in Randilen Wildlife Management Area, Tanzania
The rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) exhibits varying thermoregulation and foraging habits between seasons, which reflect the rock hyrax’s overall behavior and energy budget. However, this relationship has not been sufficiently studied in Tanzania, as rock hyraxes are among the least studied mammals in East Africa. This observational study was conducted during a 10-day period in November 2025 on the kopje at Buti Main Gate in Randilen Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Tanzania. The objectives were to analyze the social behavior and energy budget of rock hyraxes during the dry season at the gate of Randilen WMA and determine whether it differs from that of the wet season. Scan sampling was conducted twice daily (morning and evening) every 5 minutes to observe the behavior and activity state of all visible rock hyraxes. This rock hyrax population ranged from 43 to 116. Data were categorized by age class (adults, juveniles, and both) to determine how often rock hyraxes were inactive versus active and socializing versus isolating. We found that while rock hyraxes were primarily inactive and social year-round, they were more frequently observed active and isolating in the dry season compared to the wet season. Juveniles were primarily observed foraging, whereas adults were frequently seen resting alone in shady areas during hotter times of the day. These results suggest that the conditions in the dry season can significantly reduce rock hyrax social behavior and increase the amount of time spent in an active state, especially for juveniles. The increased energy budget of juveniles in this dry season study challenges previous studies which show that rock hyraxes are primarily inactive, thus warranting future research.
“Just Swapping One Drug Out for Another”: Beliefs and Attitudes Influencing Support for Medication-Assisted Treatment in Rural Communities
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a highly effective treatment method for substance use disorder (SUD) that combines regularly ingested medications with tailored behavioral and cognitive assistance to decrease withdrawal symptoms. Public stigma and personal attitudes can impact the proliferation and efficacy of MAT services. Therefore, understanding the content and prevalence of relevant social factors in rural communities is essential for improving the rural treatment landscape. The aims of this study are to (1) qualitatively examine the specific personal beliefs and attitudes (“belief factors”) present among rural residents that contribute to their support of or opposition to both MAT and government funding for MAT and (2) qualitatively examine the factors of rural social life that could influence those beliefs and attitudes. From May to July of 2025, surveys and interviews regarding personal and community perceptions of people with SUD were conducted with 25 residents of communities from 8 rural counties and 1 non-rural county in Vermont, Montana, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Kentucky. Surveys and interviews were transcribed and coded to identify the specific personal beliefs and dispositions recurring among the interviewees that influence their personal level of support for MAT. This study identifies eight core factors (generally categorizable as either empathy-related, political, or scientific beliefs) as influential for an individual’s level of support for MAT. Also identified are three core social factors of rural life that could influence an individual’s level of support for MAT. These results contain critical implications for future literature and MAT-related messaging campaigns predicated upon individual belief systems.
Trust, Mistrust, Distrust, Disparities, Health Equity, Pre-Medical Curriculum, Healthcare
Copyright (c) 2025 Georgetown Scientific Research Journal
Medical Education and Training Reimagined: Moving Structural Racism and Trustworthiness from the Margins to the Center
Historically, medical education has not adequately addressed racial and ethnic inequities in healthcare or prepared physicians to earn patient trust, especially among marginalized communities. While some curricula cover health inequities and cultural competency, they focus more on encouraging patient trust than on teaching physicians how to demonstrate trustworthiness. By distinguishing between mistrust, distrust, and trust, we highlight a crucial gap in medical training: current training promotes patient trust without equipping physicians with the skills to earn it. The focus must shift from encouraging patients to trust the healthcare system to directly training providers in behaviors and systemic changes that demonstrate trustworthiness in order to gain trust. We propose a reorientation of medical education: one that emphasizes promoting trustworthiness and directly addresses the systemic and provider-level factors that have contributed to the erosion of patient confidence in medicine and their medical providers.
Copyright (c) 2024 Georgetown Scientific Research Journal
Variation in body size introduces behavioural and adaptive constraints in morphologically similar Felidae species
Species within the mammalian family Felidae present a unique opportunity to study the relationship between interspecies morphological and ecological variation due to their high phenotypic trait conservation. Despite a long list of shared characteristics, felids display tremendous diversity in body size, with an almost 300 kg difference between the largest and smallest species. However, extensive research into potential interactions of body size with other traits across felids as a whole has yet to be completed. In this review and collection of exploratory analyses, we examined whether variation in body size introduces ecological constraints on how felids use their common traits, particularly regarding ambush hunting behavior. We collated and explored metadata about numerous morphological and ecological characteristics (including average weight, prey selection and killing strategy, pelage characteristics, habitat preference, and conservation status) for all 41 currently recognized species. We found that felid body size influences prey selection and primary dispatch strategy, with larger felids employing suffocating throat bites while smaller felids preferred nape bites. We also found that larger body sizes seemed generally associated with lower prey capture rates, although data collection on more felid species is necessary to confirm whether this trend holds across the family. We further documented high variation in pelage characteristics and preferred habitat types, suggesting that the near universal need for camouflage in ambush predators exerts a stronger influence on pelage color and pattern than body size. Finally, we reported a relationship between body size and conservation status, as 100% of large species and 84% of small species are currently experiencing population declines. While midsize species fare slightly better with only 56% of species showing declines, all felids face significant threats from habitat loss and other anthropogenic pressures. By collating metadata and exploring patterns relating felid body size to ecological and behavioral traits alongside population trends and conservation status, we aimed to improve our understanding of these charismatic and ecologically important animals, while inspiring further study into the eco-evolutionary implications of body size.
Coding Gender: Exploring the Presence of Gender Stereotypes within ChatGPT
Recently released in November 2022, OpenAI’s latest tech innovation, Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT), has taken the world by storm, using machine learning algorithms to create human-like responses to any given input. With the rapid integration of ChatGPT into numerous social domains and day-to-day tasks, it is imperative to understand this program’s limitations and predispositions. Therefore, this paper examines whether ChatGPT and ChatGPT+ demonstrate a reliance on traditional gender stereotypes in their responses and, if so, how this level of gender bias relates to comparable Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs. This author centers their testing (performed in the Summer of 2023) and conclusions on ChatGPT’s language translation service, asking it to translate gender-ambiguous English sentences into five gendered languages (French, Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian, and Arabic). Additionally, this study examines ChatGPT’s ability to answer open-ended questions and tell stories. Findings reveal a notable correlation between traditional gender stereotypes in both ChatGPT’s translations and open-ended responses, as well as identify minimal differences in this level of reliance between ChatGPT and ChatGPT+. Moreover, this research emphasizes the importance of making continual efforts to mitigate biases in the proof of concept and development stage of Language Learning Models.
Assessment of State-level Operational Policies and Programs for Selected Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the United States
Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over one billion people worldwide. Although the prevalence of these diseases are concentrated in low- and middle-income countries, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, they can also affect vulnerable individuals and communities within high-income countries including the United States (US). Past research on NTDs in the US suggests that there is an unmet need for diagnosis and treatment within at-risk populations and limited information on existing operational policies and programs is publicly available. Methodology/Principle Findings: This study aimed to analyze state-level operational policies and programs for five NTDs previously reported in the US and known to have local transmission: Chagas disease, cysticercosis, soil-transmitted ​​helminthiasis, dengue, and rabies. Departments of Health in 34 states considered to be at higher risk of these NTDs were contacted to ascertain willingness to provide information on policies and programs related to surveillance, notification, diagnosis, and treatment of each of these five diseases. Thirteen state departments of health completed a questionnaire. Responses show substantial variations between states. A majority of states reported operational policies in place for dengue and rabies, focused on mandated health provider-to-state reporting as well as guidelines or recommendations on screening, testing, and treatment. State policies and guidelines were less consistently reported for Chagas disease and cysticercosis and only one state reported any surveillance efforts for soil-transmitted helminths. Differences in types of surveillance systems were also found between each disease and each state. Results highlight the fragmentation of the US public health system with respect to NTD management. Conclusion: Variability in state policies and reporting in addition to lack of active surveillance hinders the accurate measurement of NTD prevalence in the US and as a result, limits the equitable and appropriate distribution of resources. The creation of consistent policy guidelines will reduce inconsistencies in reporting and possibly prevent missed cases of NTDs in high-risk US populations. Greater domestic engagement and prioritization in NTD management should not compromise US support for international NTD control efforts, but rather could be leveraged to demonstrate greater US commitment and solidarity with partner countries.
Neglected tropical diseases, United States of America, disease control policy, Chagas disease, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, rabies, dengue, cysticercosis
Association between IL-6 and Caregiving for People Living with Dementia (PLWD) and Potential Interventions
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 55 million people worldwide that are currently diagnosed with dementia.1 Informal caregivers (such as family and friends) of people living with dementia (PLWD) take up more than 50% of the cost for caregiving.1 Apart from the cost, caregivers to PLWD also spend a significant amount of time (4 hours) per day caring for dementia patients.1 This leads to a significant amount of financial, emotional and social stress on a daily basis. This essentially leads to an exaggerated proinflammatory response and increased levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is a tightly regulated cytokine. IL-6 binds to the IL-6 receptor, which starts a signaling cascade and transcription of genes downstream. This paper discusses research studies that explore the association between IL-6 levels and the caregiving status of individuals. One of the studies reviewed was a 6-year longitudinal study that found that the IL-6 levels of caregivers were predicted to rise at a rate approximately 4 times faster than that of noncaregivers. Another study that was reviewed in this paper suggested that the IL-6 levels of former caregivers were not significantly different than that of current caregivers. This may be explained by the idea that the increased stress created a more permanent prolonging and exaggeration of the caregiver’s proinflammatory response system. However, higher IL-6 levels are known to be associated with physiological consequences. Excessive proinflammatory markers, such as IL-6, can affect the profibrinolytic and anticoagulant effects of endothelial cells, and hence, lead to an increased cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CCVDs), such as heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke (IS), and atherosclerosis. Therefore, an intervention for caregivers to PLWD is essential to help reduce IL-6 levels. This paper also reviews studies that test interventions to help reduce the IL-6 levels. One of the studies showed that higher levels of coping self-efficacy (CSE) led to a decrease in IL-6 levels during high stress. Another study also suggested that a 6-week Pleasant Events Program (PEP), a behavioral activation program, led to a significant decrease in IL-6 levels from pre- to post-intervention. Looking forward, the paper also discusses some future avenues of research to develop an intervention to reduce IL-6 levels in caregivers to people living with dementia (PLWD).
Copyright (c) 2023 Georgetown Scientific Research Journal
Our shared understanding of the scientific world advances at a pace determined by its investigators. This pace has perhaps never been quicker and more relentless than it is now, rightfully so. As researchers return to their labs in the midst of the new post-pandemic environment, the global conscience of the pandemic’s impacts is a pressing reminder that the scientific community must come together in the pursuit of learning from the past, optimizing the present, and being more prepared in the future. In publishing Georgetown Scientific Research Journal’s Spring 2023 issue, we could not be more confident that these worldwide motivations to pursue science rigorously and to deeply study our scientific past, present, and future are perfectly reflected in Georgetown’s community of student researchers. Furthermore, this issue allowed us to appreciate that Georgetown’s committed student researchers, with their diverse research interests, are truly aware of the potential that their work has to improve the human condition. As you read the following articles, we hope the commitment of the authors to understanding and alleviating the challenges faced by diverse communities they may not be a part of also resonates with you. In this issue, we are excited to present novel work in fields of research that are both well-established and just budding. The variety of topics represented can prompt readers to reflect on their own research interests and consider how the student research community at Georgetown critically evaluates what science can teach us about the past, present, and future. Included is a study that looks to the past and considers the lasting impacts of virtual education during the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ social wellbeing, a study that looks to the present and considers how we can better accommodate students with OCD in an academic setting, and two studies that look to the future: one considers a promising genetic target for the therapeutic approach to breast cancer and another evaluates the synaptic activity of hallucinogenic compounds that could be developed for the treatment of depression. We hope that readers are able to recognize the contributions that the authors published in this issue have made to the scientific community. By celebrating the achievements of our peers and drawing inspiration from the far-reaching implications of our work, we can continue to power the hurtling pace of scientific progress that we bear witness to today.
Intradermal Injection of Bleomycin Shows Preliminary Evidence of Dermal Fibrosis in a Mouse Model
Burn wounds can result in the development of hypertrophic scar (HTS). A problematic characteristic of HTS is dyschromia, which is often distressing to patients and has been shown to impact quality of life. There are currently no viable, non-surgical treatment methods for dyschromia, and the mechanisms behind it are not well understood. We aimed to test if the fibrotic microenvironment of the dermis plays a contributing role in the development of epidermal dyschromia. To do this, we focused on reproducing a previously published model of bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis to add to the replicability of previous findings and establish a reliable model to serve as a basis for understanding post-burn dyschromia development. By treating C57BL/6 mice with intradermal injections of three varying doses of bleomycin for two weeks and conducting histological and molecular analyses of collected data, we were able to assess the adequacy of dermal fibrosis development. Collected data showed evidence of hair follicle obliteration, dermal thickening, and other characteristics of fibrotic architecture within all three bleomycin-treated groups, bust mostly profoundly in the high-dose group. However, qRT-PCR data did not reveal any significant trends in differential expression of genes of interest. In future work, additional qRT-PCR analysis, immunofluorescence visualization, and other molecular assays should be conducted to obtain further molecular confirmation of bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis before we can attempt to understand the mechanistic relationship between dermal fibrosis and epidermal dyschromia.
Modes of Democratic Transition, Power Dynamics Between Opposition and Incumbents, and Mass Internet Access: A Literature Review
This literature review explores the evolving landscape of democratic transitions in the 21st century within academia, with a particular focus on the influence of digital technology and access to information. The author examines the role and impact of factors such as primary education, civil liberties, income, and internet access in three types of democratic transition: conversion, collapse, and cooperative. Drawing upon extensive literature, the author scrutinizes the ways in which the aforementioned factors shape the power dynamics between opposition and incumbents, which have a significant impact on democratic transition and maintenance. The author concludes her investigation with an emphasis on the need for systematic analysis of the relationship between digital access, freedom of information, and democratization.