NYCSEA

Abstract: Red 40 dye has been banned in European countries due to rising health concerns. There is evidence that Red 40, also called Allura red AC, can cause hyperactivity in humans along with negatively affecting the colon and causing Early Onset Colorectal cancer in mice. This study aimed to investigate if doses of 0, 15, 30, and 60 microliters of Allura red AC can contribute to negative effects on the phototaxis rate and the rate of regeneration of Dugesia tigrina. It is hypothesized that if Allura red AC is fed to Dugesia tigrina then, it will increase motility, and slow the rate of regeneration. This study was performed using four groups of Dugesia tigrina with 0 µM, 0.125µM, 0.25µM, and 0.5µM of red 40 and measuring the length of the planaria, and the rate of movement of planaria over the course of 31 days. The results of this study show that an increase in Allura red AC exposure causes a decrease in the regeneration rate, an increase in phototaxis, and an increase in mortality. Future research suggests a conversion in dosage and/or form of dye (powder version). Also, recommendations for future research include using a different type of organism such as Drosophila melanogaster. 

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