High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025
Cells on Energy Drinks
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Course Code
PCB
Course Number
4529
Faculty/Instructor
Dr. Steven King
Faculty/Instructor Email
Stephen.King@ucf.edu
Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement
For my project in Experimental Molecular Cell Biology, I aimed to investigate the effects of various reagents, particularly energy drink enhancers, on the viability of COS-7 kidney cells. My goal was to induce cell death using an unknown reagent and analyze the results. To assess cell viability, I used immunoflourscence to check if cells were healthy, apoptotic or necrotic.
Initially, I tested hot tub water but found it to be too toxic, leaving almost no cells for analysis. In my second trial, I used a MiO Energy drink enhancer, testing it at 15% and 5% concentrations. The energy drink was more effective, causing necrotic cell death, which I confirmed through fluorescent staining.
This project taught me how powerful immunofluorescence techniques can be for identifying cellular processes, like apoptosis and necrosis, and how even simple reagents can have profound effects on cell health. Additionally, I gained a greater understanding of how AI tools can assist in research, especially for automating tasks like analyzing ingredients lists, which I initially doubted. Overall, this project deepened my appreciation for cell biology and provided valuable insights into the effects of environmental and chemical stress on cell cultures.
Keywords
caffeine, Energy drink, Cells, immunofluorescence, Microscopy, biology
Recommended Citation
Hiscock, Claire, "Cells on Energy Drinks" (2025). High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025. 14.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025spring/14