The Effect of Nicotine on Hydra Development
Tobacco consumption has become one of the most highly consumed drugs in the world (Global Drug Survey). However, studies have realize that nicotine immensely negative effect on the human body and is a major cause of birth defects. To counteract this issue, many soon-to-be mothers have began smoking E-cigarettes. What these mothers don’t realize, however, is that the raised level of nicotine may actually be harming their babies.
The objective of this research was to determine which value of nicotine would have the greatest effect on the morphology ofHydra Littoralis (Hydra). The problem was to determine which value of nicotine would impose the most harm on a developing Hydra. The aim was to simulate effects of nicotine on a human fetus in the mother's womb.
Four concentrations (0.1 %, 0.001 %, 0.0001 %, and 0 %) of nicotine were applied to the 27 Hydra samples over a period of eight days. The researchers discovered, via conduction of an ANOVA test, that the greater nicotine concentration had greater effects on the development of the Hydra. Also, via a series of descriptive statistical tests, it was found that the percent of Hydra that had a birth deformity or died when exposed to the varying nicotine levels increased as nicotine concentration increased, further proving nicotine’s negative effects. The original hypothesis (which stated that the greater amount of nicotine would have a greater effect on the Hydra) was accepted, as the data collected showed that the highest concentration of nicotine lead to the most deformities and deaths.
Ultimately, E-cigarettes had a greater negative effect on development when compared to regular cigarettes. By understanding the effect of nicotine, the health of mothers and their children alike may be improved and general knowledge may be gained regarding the safety of E-cigarettes compared to regular cigarettes.
Research Conducted By:
Michelle Lupa
Sterling Heights High School
Adrianna Monacelli
Cousino High School
Warren Consolidated Schools