Gene Therapy May Aid Failing Hearts



This artical was about how University of Washington researchers discovered that they can compensate weak muscles bu introducing them to dATP. Traditionally, muscles use ATP as the main source of energy to create contractions. When muscles are introduced to a form of this ATP, dATP, they learned that the muscle will contract faster and with more power than when it used ATP. They also found that the use of dATP will not harm the cell.

NOS Themes

-Scientists working together
-Science is based on evidence from the study

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130326101618.htm

Nick Saal

Water Pollution Environmental Issues Video

Scientists Use DNA to Quickly Unravel Relationship Between Plants and Insects

In this article, scientists used DNA evidence in the stomachs of insects to quickly study the predator-prey evolution between insects and the plants they consumed.  Normally, without such modern technology, scientists would need to spend years gathering this kind of data.  However, through studying DNA, scientists were able to find out what the insects had been eating in just a few months, speeding up their data-collecting and making their study much more efficient.  They confirmed their results from previous data that had been collected the traditional way, and the data matched up almost exactly.

NOS Themes:
Science is collaborative.  The scientists verified that their technique worked by comparing with data that had been collected previously by other scientists; their work all contributed to developing this new technique.
Science is based on evidence; the scientists had to verify their new technique by comparing to direct observations made over several years.
Repeat ability: The scientists had to be able to confirm their results in over 55 beetles before publishing the study.

Smart Mice

A new study shows that inserting human brain tissue into the brain of a mouse, makes the mouse smarter.
This once thought useless tissue is now being shown to be very important to how the brain works. Originally scientists believed that the tissue was used for holding the brain together and as support cells. These new studies show that it actually plays a huge part in memory formation.

The tests with mice have proved to show that when the mice are infected with genetic disorder, the brain tissue is actually able to fix it. Giving hope to a new cure for neurological disorders.

In tests with normal mice, the brain tissue completely took over the mouse's cells. The mice tested that had the human tissue were shown to have quick memories and be able to follow through mazes and puzzles much faster then mice who did not have the human tissue.

This shows the human tissue (green) being more effective
at its tasks than the  mice cells (red).

NOS.
Science is based on evidence.
Role of credibility
Importance of repeatably
role of chance
role of motivation and curiosity


ARTICLE: "Mice get brain boost from transplanted human tissue."

More information:
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/glia.html
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=the-root-of-thought-what

The Mouth

David Plunkert

This article discussed the amazing things that a mouth does while one chews and eats food. It explained how the way you chew, for instance, is actually as unique to each person as the way you walk.

It discuss the jaw's amazing ability of knowing it's own strength. When crushing a peanut between your molars, for example, the jaw knows exactly when to let up on its pressure in order to crush the peanut and not your teeth. The teeth's ability to detect even a tiny grain of sand was also stated. It showed that teeth were able to feel something only 10 microns in diameter.

It clarified the exact process by which something is swallowed. How the different tubes close and why milk might sometimes slip out of one's nose. It warned against the dangers of young children eating food that is hard to chew or circular in shape, though it also explained why, exactly, most people prefer crunchy food to mushy.

NOS.
Science is based on evidence.
Role of motivation and curiosity.

ARTICLE: "The Marvels in Your Mouth"

More Information on how the mouth works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvpLj5Tcnig

Childhood Malnutrition Causes Psychological Problems in Adulthood

A new study done by the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia has linked malnutrition to personality disorders later in life. People who were malnourished early in life had difficulty handling stress, new situations, meeting people and had a lack of curiosity when compared with those who had proper childhood nutrition. Also, there were higher rates of Schizophrenia, anxiety and depression disorders in the formerly malnourished group. “Poor nutrition early in life seems to predispose individuals to a suspicious personality, which may then fuel a hostile attitude toward others,” said Psychologist Adrian Raine. It is hypothesized that the lack of nutrients may affect the brain's development at an early age and create mistrust of others. 

This article demonstrates themes of science because:

~ Science is collaborative. The psychologists worked with many malnourished communities in Barbados and Mauritius to collect data and get background information.

~ Science is open to new evidence. There are no claims made that this is the only effect of childhood malnutrition as well as no claims made that this is the only cause of depression in starving communities.

The article: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/349102/description/Early_malnutrition_bodes_ill_for_adult_personality

Picture Citation: http://www.transhumanmedicine.com/2011/10/18/worldwide-there-are-more-obese-than-malnourished-red-cross/

Arguments in the Home Linked With Babies' Brain Functioning

Have you ever heard people say that babies can't understand us? Well that's not exactly true. A study conducted by graduate student Alice Graham and her advisers Phil Fisher and Jennifer Pfeifer, found that babies respond to our tone of voice, especially angry ones, even when they're asleep. Babies brains are highly plastic, meaning they're kind of like sponges, soaking up everything around them to help them develop responses to environments and encounters that they experience. It has its downsides though, as severe stress can have a significant and negative effect on the child's development.

In their experiment, Graham, Fisher and Pfeifer took 20 infants, ranging from 6-12 months in age, into their lab at the child's regular bedtime. They were placed in an MRI scanner and once asleep, were presented with nonsense sentences spoken in different tones of voice by an adult male; ranging from very angry, mildly angry, happy and neutral. "Even during sleep, infants showed distinct patters of brain activity depending on the emotional tone of voice we have presented," said Graham. Children from high conflict homes showed more of a reaction to the very angry tone of voice in the parts of their brains that are linked to stress and emotional regulation. Conflicts between parents at early stages in an infants life can have serious detrimental effects on their child's development.

NOS Themes:

1. Science is based on evidence

2. The Role of Motivation and Curiosity

3. Science is collaborative.

Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130325135359.htm

Jurassic park so far fetched?

Rheobatrachus Silus

                Recently a team of scientist in Australia at the University of New South Wales called the Lazarus Project has made incredible progress in an all too familiar approach to reviving an extinct species. Unfortunately, the team hasn't been trying to generate dinosaurs. Instead the scientists have been bringing back an extinct specie of frog! Using a method called somatic cell nuclear transfer, the team has been animating animal cells with the DNA of an extinct frog specie known as the Rheobatrachus Silus, or the gastric-brooding frog. Somatic cell nuclear transfer works by taking living egg cells from a closely related frog and inactivating the nucleus within. They then transfer a dead nucleus into the cell from a carefully preserved specimen of the R. Silus. A good amount of the eggs actually began to divide and grow using the DNA from the extinct frog. Sadly none of these lived for more than a few days. But when these developing embryos died, they were identical in DNA to that of a R. Silus.
                The team is very confident in the advancement of using this cloning technology to explore nearly limitless possibilities.  "We've demonstrated already the great promise this technology has as a conservation tool when hundreds of the world's amphibian species are in catastrophic decline," says project lead, Professor Mike Archer. In fact the hundreds of scientists contributing to Project Lazarus are so sure in their new ability to 'de-extinct' animals that they plan to work wonders bringing back endangered and extinct animals. They even plan to generate animals such as the Tasmanian tiger, dodo bird, and even the woolly mammoth.


Themes of science:

-  science is testable: The entire Project Lazarus would be void if this new somatic cell nuclear transfer method couldn't be subject to experiment.
-  science is observable: Developing embryos are easily monitored as they grow while they do.
-  science is collaborative: it takes several personal and scientist working together to make this project successful.


Original article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130315151044.htm

Wiki on the gastric-brooding frog:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastric-brooding_frog

A New Specie of Pterosaur Discovered by a Nine Year Old

You never expect to find an unidentified prehistoric animal when you are casually strolling down the beach. However, this happened to 5 year old Daisy Morris in 2008, who was touring the Isle of Wight, when she saw a fossil poking out of the sand. The unidentified animal was named Vectidraco daisymorrisae after Daisy and is a type of pterosaur, a winged reptile. The dinosaur comes from the Cretaceous time period and lived in forests and tropical rainforests. The Vectidraco daisymorrisae was rather small and was approximately the size of a crow and had a wingspan of 2.5 feet. It had a crest on its head, was a good runner on land, and could steer through the crowded forests. Lastly, there was even a book written after Daisy Morris and the dinosaur to inspire young people to make discoveries and enter the field of science at a young age. 

NOS Themes
-Science is based on evidence. The fossil served as evidence that the Vectidraco daismorrisae existed and was examined by a team of paleontologists. 
-There is a role of motivation and curiosity. Daisy Morris was curious about the fossil she found and showed it to her family. Her family gave the fossil to a paleontologist at the University of Southampton, so that it could be identified and examined further.
-Science is collaborative. Even though Martin Simpson and his team led the examination of the fossil, many paleontologists shared their knowledge of dinosaurs and how this dinosaur could be a pterosaur. 

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/13/130321-vectidraco-daisymorrisae-pterosaurs-dinosaurs-science-animals/



-Abby Rechkin Hr. 1

Peach DNA May Help Provide New Breeding Strategies for Biofuels

According to recent research, rapidly growing trees such as poplars and willows are perfect candidates for use in the development of biofuels. High energy content fuels can by efficiently extracted from these types of trees. In order to further study this, scientists turned to similar plants that they are familiar with: peach trees. In botany, all of these plants are part of the rosid superfamily, which also contains plants such as apple trees, strawberries, and roses. 

Jeremy Schmutz, head of the Plant Program at the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, explains that the the relationship between peach and poplar trees can be clearly seen in their DNA sequence. Schmutz and several colleagues were part of the International Peach Genome Initiative (IPGI). They published the 265-million base genome of one type of peach in Nature Genetics.

By comparing the genes of various species, biologists can not only improve the cultivation of peach hybrids, but also gain deeper understanding of the basic biology of trees. 

In theory, one gene dubbed the “evergreen” locus can extend the growing season and increase the accumulation of biomass in poplar. Another comparison was made to unravel the metabolic pathways that lead to dissolving the molecular “glue” that holds plant cells together.

This could lead to the discovery of ways to overcome the barriers to converting biomass into fuels. 

Photo in Public Domain (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

NOS Themes:

1. Science is collaborative - This article described the efforts of not only Jeremy Schmutz, but also the entire Plant Program at the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute. They published their findings in a scientific journal in the hopes of aiding other scientists on their endeavors to research further. In addition, the article mentioned the 2007 Plant and Animal Genome XI Conference, where biologists conferred with each other about their findings and new advances in the field. Lastly, the IPGI was funded not only by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, but also the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Italian government. Contributions to the project were made from institutes in Chile, Spain, and France.
2. Science is based on evidence - The genome was recorded with the specific intent for it to become evidence in other projects that could help advance the scientific community.

Link to article: Peach Genome Offers Insights Into Breeding Strategies for Biofuels Crops

Further Reading:

Solutions to Climate Change: Using Trees and Grasses to Capture Carbon and Produce Energy

Origins of Human Teamwork - Chimpanzees

A study was done by putting pairs of chimpanzees in a room with tools to get grapes out of a box and the goal was for them to work together and succeed in their task. They succeed with flying colors. Scientists found that the chimpanzees would work together, even swapping out tools with each other so they could accomplish the task more efficiently. This study shows evidence that chimpanzees aren't only able to intentionally coordinate actions among themselves, but are able to recognize when someone is in need and aid them. This skills are common among humans and now chimpanzees. Another study was held which revealed similar results. Chimpanzees are the closet related primates to humans and we are constantly learning more about them.

NOS Themes:

• Science is collaborative
• Science is based on evidence
• Importance of repeatability 
• Role of credibility
• Role of motivation and curiosity

Article:

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2013/03/19/origins_of_human_teamwork_found_in_chimpanzees.html

Jack Nermyr 

Wild Card DNA?

Researchers like John Chaput have been looking for an enzyme that has the ability to completely rewrite DNA. If found, it would help us learn how DNA has evolved over the years, help us find extra-terrestrial life,  and help us be able to use nucleic acids in medicine.


Article:
 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130321151933.htm

Themes of Science:

• Role of motivation and curiosity

New Drug to Combat Malaria

Researchers at the University of South Florida found a new drug ELQ-300 that has the potential to cure malaria as well as stop the transmission from mosquito to human. Malaria kills nearly one million people every year in mostly poor developing tropical countries. This drug is astonishing the medical community because it not only cures the disease but also helps prevent it. Researchers have said their is a potential for eradicating the disease. Most anti-malaria drugs will target the mitochondria in human cells as well as the malaria virus. However researches at USF are fine tuning the drug ELQ-300 so it only targets the virus. Another benefit to this drug is that it requires a low dosage and hence a lower cost to the people who need it.

Themes of the nature of science:

• Science is collaborative- many researchers at USF and around the world have pooled their resources together to create this drug.
• Science is based on Evidence- Their is substantial evidence that suggest the potential of this drug.
• Motivation and Curiosity- Researchers want to create this drug so they can help the millions of people affected by this drug every year.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130320142709.htm

Experimental Malaria drug may be the new treatment answer

This article talks about the new treatment for Malaria and how it could be the difference and a revolution in fighting the clever disease of malaria that has killed so many people in the continent of Africa. This new medicine goes by the name ELQ-300 and is said to work better than other treatments because of the rate it breaks down which is much slower than other treatments. Although this may turn out to not be as effective as scientists think it is nice to here some optimism with this deadly and tricky disease that has done so much damage to our human race. The problem that most scientists address is that malaria is just too smart and will fine away to adapt and become immune to this new drug before it can really become effective with getting rid and treating the disease. Bur who knows this could be the answer to what seems one of the biggest issues in our world today, which is very exciting to think about.



Nos themes:
1. Science is collaborative because without other information on prior treatments scientists would not know the more effective ways of curing malaria and other major diseases.
2. Science is subject to debate because their are two very strong arguments on both sides of this topic and rightly so.
3. The role of skepticism in science applies to this article because without skepticism there would be no great lengths to prove the treatment right or wrong or help find a new one in the process.

 http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/349137/description/Experimental_malaria_drug_may_be_a_hot_prospect

Habitual Multitaskers Least Capable at Multitasking

    The study found that many people have a skewed perception of their own multitasking abilities. It ran tests on over 300 college students testing how much the students multitask compared to how well they think that they multitask. It showed that 70% of students participating thought they had above average multitasking abilities which, according to the article, is statistically impossible. It concluded that people who multitask a lot just seem to be good at it, but in reality they just have a short attention span and are unable to focus on one thing at a time thus making them worse at the tasks they are performing.

NOS Themes:

• Science is based on evidence
• Role of chance
• Science is subject to debate and tentative

http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20130023223337data_trunc_sys.shtml

Organs grown in labs

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323699704578328251335196648.html



Scientists have been able to artificially produce simple organs since the 1960s, but now they've taken on the most complex one, with the quest to build a heart. Researchers see a multibillion-dollar market developing for heart parts that could repair diseased hearts and clogged arteries.
The spur in lab-grown organs is taking places because of a lack in organ donors and a rise in demand for transplants. These organs, built with patients' own cells, will also be a better alternative for transplant patients because they won't have to take anti-rejection medication for the rest of their lives.

NOS Themes:
Science is collaborative
Role of repeatability
Role of motivation and curiosity

Cassidy Lee, Hour 1

Lion Extinction

In the next forty years, half of all lion populations may go extinct if humans don't stop killing them, intentionally or otherwise. The University of Minnesota's Craig Packer says that the best way to keep lions safe from humans and to keep their homes separate is to fence them off.

It is more expensive to try to preserve lion populations without fences, and it is also much harder. People are likely to try to get revenge on lions that kill their family members or livestock, and if lions can't get to the people, then that problem is gone. Scientists have tried other ways of keeping the lions alive, but fencing is so far the most effective. Dr. Luke Hunter says that there isn't much of a choice; fences are necessary.
Lions now live in only 25% of what they lived in before human intervention.

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2013/03/05/new_report_confirms_almost_half_of_africas_lions_facing_extinction.html

NoS Themes:
1. Science is collaborative. Multiple people from multiple universities have studied this problem and tried to correct it.
2. Science is based on evidence. Scientists have tried making other ways to keep lions away from humans, but fencing seems to be the best based on evidence.
4. Role of Credibility. Luke Hunter has a PhD and many researchers are from universities.

Understanding the Brain's Perceptions.

This article is about trying to understand the way our bodies can take sensory information and turn it information that our bodies can understand and use. Biomedical engineering Professor Garrett Stanley has been working on a way to observe the spiking of neurons in response to stimuli and make a prediction about what is happening with the senses, or causing someone to experience something that is not actually happening. The way to read the spiking of neurons has a lot to do with the timing of electricity in the neurons. If scientists figure out a way to map the brains functions they could cure various diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, or even restore lost body function following a brain injury. With advances in technology it shouldn't be long before the scientists are able to map the neurons in the brain.

N.O.S. Themes:
1. Science is collaborative- many scientists are working on mapping the brain neurons.
2. Motivation and Curiosity- the scientists want to figure out how the brain works and they are curious to see if their experiments will work.

Link to Article: http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2013/03/12/neural_synchrony_may_be_key_to_understanding_how_the_human_brain_perceives.html

 

family dinner helps mental health

A new study shows a relationship between family dinners and a persons mental health. The study was conducted by staff at queens university on adolescents between the ages of 11 and 15 in canada. The results proved that every meal spent with your family positively effected the mental health of the child; the age, gender or family affluence did not effect the results. this experiment was conducted by giving a survey to 26,069 adolescents in 2010. this study is important because in a time of growing technology and the increasing desire to slip into a room and use electronic devices we should know that it is still helpful, even necessary, to spend an increased amount of time with your family.
The study measured mental health by having the survey takers submit 5 dimensions of different mental health indicators.  A possible reason for the result of the study is that when adolescents spend more time  interacting with family members there is more of a possibility for parents to teach their children positive skills and influence choices.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130320114955.htm

N.O.S. Themes

• The role of curiosity because the professors had a desire to find the information
• Science is collaborative. there were multiple people working on this study
• Science is subject to debate and tentative. there are different reasons why the results happend the way they did.

We must save water!

We must conserve water!

Of all of the water in our world only 3% of it is fresh water. 
And Less than 1/3 of 1% of that 3% of fresh water is available for human use.
That means only 1 gallon of fresh water in our planet is available for us to use for every 10,000 gallons of fresh water in the world, and out of all the water in our planet only 3% of it is actually fresh water.

To put it in another way
If 100 liters represent the world's water only about
Half of a teaspoon is fresh water available for us to use.

In 2001 Rio Grande, failed to reach the coast of the gulf of mexico for the first time ever and along with Rio Grande many other great rivers are running dry from over use (Colorado river included).

Global water usage has increased by ten times since the 1900's and many parts of the world are now reaching the limits of their supply. World population is expected to grow by 45% in the next 30 years, where are we going to get water to support everyone? UNESCO predicted that by 2020 water shortage will be a serious worldwide problem.
one third of the world's population is ALREADY facing many problems because of shortage of water and poor drinking water quality.

China, India, and the U.S are the biggest consumers of water in the world, with about 1,100 billion cubic meters of water consumed per year. The consequences of this affect us all, Soil Erosion  salinity, and desertification (and as you know, we need soil to grow our food!) Degradation of water bodies  (Lakes, rivers etc.)

What can i do to save water?
Well, little things can make big differences if many people work together
Close the shower while you shampoo, don't leave the water running, wash your car with a bucket of water instead of the hose (I assure you, it will be just as clean!) We ALL share responsibility for saving water and this means using less water everywhere, your work, your school, your home. We all need to become more water efficient and more conscious of our world, and our environment if we want to have such a great quality of life later on, as we do now and if we want the future generations to enjoy this same quality of life.

Little steps can make a big difference. 

NOS themes-
-Role of credibility
-Science is based on evidence
-Science is subject to debate and tentative


Links
http://www.savewater.com.au/research-and-resources/why-save-water/its-time
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=graphic-science-how-much-water-nations-consume
http://www.vebsar.com/water_conservation.html
http://www.water-pollution.net/

Weird Way Lyme Disease Bugs Avoid Immune System

Weird Way Lyme Disease Bugs Avoid Immune System

The bacterial infection that is transmitted by ticks, can cause fever, fatigue, headaches, rashes and is known as Lyme Disease, has a secret weapon for staying hidden from the human immune system. A new study finds that the bacterium that causes Lyme Disease is able to substitute magnesium in its diet instead of iron, making it the first known organism to live without iron.By doing this, the bacterium can evade the immune system, which attacks invaders by starving them of iron. Researchers have now discovered that the bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi)  causes the disease by using a large amount of manganese to make an important enzyme. This discovery might be able to produce new treatments for the disease. Valeria Culotta, a molecular biologist at the John Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health says, "The best targets are enzymes that pathogens have, but people do not, so they would kill the pathogens but not harm people."

NOS Theme:

• Science is collaborative
• Role of motivation and curiosity
• Science is based on evidence

Link: http://www.livescience.com/28120-lyme-disease-manganese.html

do re mi fa so la ti Whale

Article:

• http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121219174156.htm

Similar Links:

• http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=whales-sing-when-and-where-they-wan-12-12-19
• http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/12/blue-whale-song-mystery/
• http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0051214

Humpback whales sing. They mostly sing when it is the breeding seasons and males are competing for females, but recently, people have reported hearing the songs outside of breeding season have become more common. Ari S. Friedlaender uncovered the mystery that endangered marine animals share their hunting behaviors with their mating behaviors. Essentially they are multitasking. Scientist from U.S. Naval Academy, University of California-Santa Barbra, and Duke University tracked humpback whale in the Artic Peninsula from May to June. This time of year and destination is a major feeding time. They hunt on krill before migrating thousands of miles away for a warmer climate. The scientist used non-harming sensor tags to record the whales' underwater movements and vocalizations. All the whales were recorded singing with the same kind of approach as in breeding season. The  songs indicate when a whale is lunging to catch the krill. The reasons they sing are still not fully understood, but scientist know that they don't just sing while mating. The fact that people heard mating displays being sung off the coast of Antarctica during the main feeding season shows humpback whale songs may be more closely tied to the time of year than to action.


NOS:

• Science is collaborative
• Science is based on evidence
• Role of credibility
• Importance of repeatability
• Role of motivation and curiosity

Fish Peptide May Inhibit Cancer Metastasis

 
This article is about new research that shows that a peptide found in Pacific codfish may stop some cancers from metastasizing. The majority of deaths from cancer are due to metastasis, when the cancerous tumors spread to blood vessels and other organs in the body, causing them to shut down or stop working correctly. This particular study involved a protein found in fish, which contains an antigen that is thought to be important in cancer metastasis. The researchers involved found that the peptide, which is used by polar fish to prevent their tissues from freezing in the cold waters, prevented the cancer cells from latching onto blood vessels and supported the immune system of the subject. In the future, these findings could lead to fish-protein supplements for patients to slow the spread of their cancers. There is still much research and trials to be done before that happens, but these findings may prove to be very important in stopping the spread of tumors in the body.

NOS Themes

Science is based on evidence
Science is collaborative
Role of credibility
Science is subject to debate and tentative

Article Found Here

Microalgae could be a profitable source of biodiesel

Bree Gibis
Hour 3


A group of scientists from Barcelona have recently studied algae and how it could become a profitable source of biodiesel. They studied their quantity of lipids per cell because this is essential for obtaining fuel. A certain algae that hasnt been looked at much, dinoflagellate microalgae, has potential to be a really good fuel. They did a study over 4 years of cultivating the algae while using all natural conditions. No artificial light sources or temperature control were used. They concluded so far that this variety of algae is among the best for creating fuel, and it would be especally helpful for towns near the sea. Another benefit is that a leakage would not harm the environment whatsoever. The algae don't need fresh water to thrive, and salt water is abundant, so they would be easy to grow in even desert areas.

NOS Themes:

Science is collaborative- many scientists in Barcelona working together
Science is based on evidence- they did a 4 year study to get evidence that the algae would be a good fuel

Link:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130321132110.htm

Human Creations leads to Avian Adaptations

In Nebraska, a certain species of swallows used to make their nests in cliff sides. Now, however, these swallows tend to make their nests under road bridges and near areas busy with human activity. Naturally, this leads to a lot of bird roadkill. But in recent years, the total amount of such roadkill has shrunk drastically.
A recently published study, with data collected over thirty years, has shown that these swallows have adapted to living near roads: they now have shorter wings. These wings may be only millimeters shorter, but in the professional opinion of evolutionary biologist Ronald Mumme of Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, "a little bit can make a big difference."

I chose this article because I am a firm believer in evolution, and love to see its effects on the modern world, especially changes caused by humans. However, belief doesn't really apply to science, because the great thing about science is that it's true whether you believe it or not.



1. Science is collaborative. Several scientists researched this phenomenon and collected the data, and others looked into and verified their results.

2. Science is based on evidence. These researchers collected this data for thirty years before drawing any observations, drawing conclusions, or publishing their results.

3. Role of credibility. There is lots of scientific evidence in favor of evolution and the process of adapting, and so this natural phenomenon is credible as it is backed up by facts and research.

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/349028/description/Shorter-winged_swallows_evolve_around_highways

Fish Affected by Antianxiety Pills too?

Link to Article: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/348290/description/Antianxiety_drugs_affect_fish_too



A study recently conducted in Sweden, shows that European Perch are affected by the drug oxazepam which is an antianxiety drug used by humans.  They put fish into 3 tanks, one tank had no oxazepam, another tank had very little oxazepam, and the last tank had a lot of oxazepam.  Their results showed that the Perch that were exposed to oxazepam spent more time alone and gobbled up a meal of zooplankton faster than an unexposed fish. The fish at the highest concentration became more adventurous, entering a new tank more quickly than unexposed fish.  Oxazepam can sometimes be found in rivers.  This coulkd be having a negative effect on populations of these Perch because predators can more easily catch solitary fish then they can fish that are not solitary.

NOS Themes:
Science is Collaborative:  The scientists from Sweden worked together to see the effect of the drug on the Perch.
Science is Based on Evidence:  The scientists conducted an expierement to see the effects of the drug on the Perch.
By: Mitchell Gardner, Hour 1

Embryos of World's Most Endangered Cat Preserved for First Time

http://www.livescience.com/28123-iberian-lynx-eggs-collected.html

Scientists in various European institutions have successfully been able to collect and preserve the embryos of the world's most endangered cat, the Iberian Lynx. The total population of this species was estimated to be less than 200 a decade ago, and it has only fallen since then. Researchers have been working feverishly to find a solution to the growing problem of the lynx going extinct in the near future. After exhausting all other options of preservation, scientists were finally successful in extracting their embryos through female castration. The most likely step to be made after that is to implant the Iberian Lynx's embryos in a similar species acting as a surrogate, the Eurasian Lynx because so far nobody has been very successful in getting small populations of the Iberian Lynx to reproduce on their own. If they aren't quick and the lynxes go extinct, scientists believe this species' only hope may lay in cloning, a strategy last tried after the Pyrenean Ibex went extinct in 2000.

NOS Themes:

• Science is collaborative
• Science is based on evidence
• Role of credibility

Nerve Mapping Technology Improves Surgery for Compressed Nerves

Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130323152444.htm

This article talks about how a new method of telling if nerve surgery was effective was developed. In the article, they talk about how 8 in 10 people will be affected by back pain, and this study will allow for better techniques of relieving this pain to be developed. It accurately tells how strong the signal through each nerve is, and allows for a very accurate method of telling if a nerve is still being compressed or not.


Nature of science themes:
-Science is Collaborative: this was done by Dr. Bartol, who is a leading orthopaedic surgeon, and he tested a group of 42 patients. Without the help of the patients, there could be no results.
-Science is based on evidence: this article is based on the evidence of a new accurate way to test nerve function.
-Science is subject to debate and tentative: this could be proven to be inaccurate, because there has been such a small test group so far.
-Role of motivation and curiosity: the doctor was motivated by knowing that he could help make his patients better with this new method, and he obviously is motivated by helping people because he is a doctor.


By: Cameron Kurisko

New Sensor for Methylated DNA

Picture Source:

http://s.ph-cdn.com/newman/gfx/news/hires/2011/controllingp.jpg

Article Link:

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2013/03/15/mayo_clinic_and_illinois_researchers_develop_new_sensor_for_methylated_dna.html

A new, single molecule test has been developed by collaborators from "Mayo-Illinois Alliance for Technology Based Healthcare" to detect methylated DNA. Methylation means that a methyl group of molecules has been added to a DNA strand. This is a way that gene expression is regulated and when present in promoter sequences, the methylated DNA can indicate tumor development in most major types of cancer. The test the team developed includes a thinner artificial membrane with a small nanopore, a very small  hole in the membrane, that allows a single molecule to be located and identified. Scientists can use "a protein on the methylated nucleotides" to measure ionic electrical current through a solid state membrane. This is much easier than the past method of bisulfite conversion of DNA, fluorescent labeling, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

I believe this is a very important discovery for researchers to be able to catch cancer in its early stages. If a methylated DNA test is carried out, a person could have their tumor identified before it develops into a bigger problem than they originally thought. The problem now is knowing when DNA needs to be tested to find these marked DNA.

NOS Themes:

• Science is collaborative: groups of researchers came together to solve a problem that they were truly passionate about.
• Science is based on evidence: the role of methylated DNA in detecting cancer was already known, but the researchers were able to find and test their theories to develop a more efficient way of testing for the marked DNA.
• Role of motivation: These researchers were motivated to find an easier way to test for the methylated DNA, which would also be more efficient.

Here are some links for more facts on methylated DNA:

http://www.news-medical.net/health/DNA-Methylation-What-is-DNA-Methylation.aspx

http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/the-role-of-methylation-in-gene-expression-1070

Neurons Filmed in Action

Microscopist Phillipp Keller and neurobiologist Misha Ahrens developed a system that records activity of individual neurons across a fish brain.  It is the first time that researchers have been able to capture a brain at the single cell level.  The fish that the system works with is a genetically engineered zebrafish.  The fish's neuron make a protein that fluoresces when there are varying concentrations of calcium ions.  a detector captures the signals while a microscope sends sheets of light through the fish's brain.  The system records activity every 1.3 seconds.  Ahrens and Keller have used light-sheet misroscopy before to image developing embryos and modified the light detectors in this study.  Each experiment generated 1 terabyte of data which enables the researchers to see neurons in distinct regions that correlate to their activity.  There are limitations, however.  One limitation is that the technique works best in zebrafish because the embryos are transparent.  Another limitation is that the system does not work fast enough to tell whether a neuron fired once are several times.  The study will enable researchers to understand how different regions work together in the brain.  The system could explain how the brain coordinates movement, consolidates learning, and processes sights and smells.

NOS Themes:

• Science is collaborative.
• Science is based on evidence.
• Role of motivation and curiosity.

Article:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=flashing-fish-brains-filmed-in-action

Related Article:

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/anatomy/brain/Neuron.shtml

How the Remora Got its Sucking Disk

Lukas Wood
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-remora-got-its-sucking-disk

The Remora also know as shark suckers. The hat looking things are actually suckers that allow the Remora to latch onto just about anything. Scientists have learned where the disks actually came from. in December of 2012 fish experts injected red dye into the bones of the Remora and other fish. The sucking disk is actually formed from the dorsal fin of the fish.

NOS Themes:
Science is colaborative
Science is based on evidence

DNA and Alzheimer's

DNA Damage and Repair

 Scientists at the Gladstone Institutes have discovered that a certain type of DNA damage can include a non-harmful process.  These scientists researched and found out that mice that were put into new environments had higher DSB's (double-strand break) but when returned to the environment they are used to, the DSB level goes back to normal! This occurs normally, not just because of some activities that people do. There are two strategies to reduce the disruptions. 

NOS themes:
Science is collabrative- many sceintsists worked on this, not just one
Science is based on evidence- this is all based on evidence

Should Zebra Fish to be the New Guinea Pigs?

Is it possible that humans are more similar to fish than presumed? According to a study by scientists at the University of California, San Diego, zebra fish now provide the opportunity to study the complexities of the human immune system.  In these unique creatures, there are identified dendritic cells that are units in the mammalian immune system. Even though we are different species, the workings of immune system cells are basically the same. Since Zebra fish are translucent, it makes taking the changes while experimenting on their immune system a lot easier. Scientists had found some other units of the human immune system in these fish, like T and B lymphocytes, but it wasn't until the recent findings of the dendritic cell that made working on Zebra fish ever thought possible. The other benefit is that they reproduce rapidly which allows the study of genetic mutations. These unique fish provide more benefits than one!

NOS Themes:

• This science is based on evidence because the idea was previously encountered but never acted upon until recently.

• This science is collaborative with the scientists working in the University of California, San Diego

• Lastly, this science is a role of motivation and curiosity of finding an easier and more beneficial test subject. 

Here is the source of the article: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/biology-current-events-for-kids.html

For some more information about Zebra fish, take a look at this! 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/d/danio_rerio.htm

The Evolution of Cooperation

Scientists in Kenya at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary observed 12 chimpanzees and imposed a treatment by putting them into pairs and gave them a common goal: obtaining food. The chimpanzees both had to push grapes around inside of a box until they pushed them out onto the ground where they both could eat them. The chimpanzees could not receive the food unless they cooperated and worked together. As Dr. Alicia Mellis, Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science at Warwick Business School states, "This study provides the first evidence that one of our closest primate relatives, the chimpanzees, not only intentionally coordinate actions with each other but that they even understand the necessity to help a partner performing her role in order to achieve the common goal." In the experiment, the chimpanzees successfully worked together in 86% of the trials. Usually chimpanzees prefer to be independent and can be extremely competitive when it comes to get food, the chimpanzees were able to realize that they needed to cooperate to be able to receive food. 

Themes of Science: 

• Science is collaborative: these scientists worked together to examine the chimpanzees
• Science is based of evidence: they were able to come up with a success rate when it came to the ability of the chimpanzees to collaborate to receive food
• Role of credibility: The main scientist Dr. Alicia Mellis, Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science at Warwick Business School
• Role of motivation and curiosity: this idea would've had to come from someone's curiousity in behavior of humans and chimpanzees. 

Link: http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2013/03/19/origins_of_human_teamwork_found_in_chimpanzees.html 

New Ways to Isolate DNA in Cactus

DNA sequencing is the crucial and indespensable tool for biologists to study life. However, the DNA must be extracted and isolated before being sequenced. For one family of cactus, Cactaceae, the presence of mucilage compounds and other polysacharides has made isolating DNA extremely difficult. Not only does extracting DNA when these compounds are present require the use of dangerous toxic chemicals and complicated scientific procedures, but it is also dangerous to the cactus because it requires the extraction of pieces of the "epidermis", something like ripping the bark off of trees. When scientists are dealing with species of Cactaceae that are in danger of extinction, it complicates the process even furthur.

However, head researcher Shannon D. Fehlberg and several other scientists at the Research, Conservation, and Collections Desert Botanical Garden have found a simple method to isolate DNA. Fehlberg and her team developed a method that uses DNA from the cactus spines instead of the epidermis. Fehlberg's procedure shortens the necessary time and makes DNA extraction safer.

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2013/03/05/spinal_tap_using_cactus_spines_to_isolate_dna.html

NOS Themes:

1. Science is Collaborative: Fehlberg and her team worked together to develop the method. 

2. Role of Motivation: Fehlberg and her team worked with these catus every day; they had good reason to try to find a safer and more efficient way to extract DNA.

Scientists debating about nothing

What are you doing today? Some people would simply reply "nothing". But what is nothing? Scientists are debating about what nothing is. Is it just the lack of time and space? Is it just a dark, empty space? What about mathematicaly? Is nothing zero? This is what scientists want to know.
Many scientists can not agree what nothing would be considered, if anything at all. Maybe nothing will never be figured out.

http://www.livescience.com/28132-what-is-nothing-physicists-debate.html