Update
So I updated my resume and added a little youtube video page(with the help of my husband). Monday I start at my new job at Drug and Lab Disposal.
Brief BioI was born and raised in Kalamazoo MI. I earned my bachelors of science in biology from Western Michigan University. I met and fell in love with a big goof of a man named Cliff. I have a fat lazy cat named Kerby and a dog named Bear. |
From the backyard to the ocean: New study shows streams act as key nitrogen filters
From Physorg.com, a study of river systems from across the US looks as how these systems filter nitrogen. How it’s done is by denitrogenzing bacteria taking nitrates from the water and creating nitrogen gas. And the amount of nitrates in the water is related to the amount made into gas. This relates to algal blooms that is harmful to humans and create dead zones in the ocean.
International Rivers, a NGO, is having action for rivers, today and tomorrow.
Evolution of root nodule symbiosis
From EurekAlerts.com, a study looking at the genetics in plants that have a associated fungi and the plants that produce nodules involved with nitrogen fixation. Seems that the symbiosis receptor-kinase gene is a bit longer in N2-fixing plants than mycorrhiza associated plants.
The Handiness Question
One of the big questions in the origin of life, is why are some chemicals right handed or left handed. Usually in a reaction, the two enantiomers are formed. And this is dependent on several factors. Looking at meteorites, scientists have found that in space there is a higher proportion of left-handed amino acids than expected.
Edit: After publishing this piece, I received information about a conference on this topic.
Evolutionary thoughts
So FL has accepted science standards that require teaching about evolution. And a hero of mine has recently said that evolution shouldn’t be taught until collage because it’s so complex. With the resent discovery, the heat shock regulator involved with folding proteins, specifically those involved with growth., Dr. Woese has a point. Just teaching the basics, the transitional fossils, the genetic similarities, etc, has been problematic.
Thoughts on High School
It has been 20 years since I graduated. And I have been following the news about my alma mater. So this gets me thinking that just twenty years ago, this play would not have been even considered. It also gets me thinking about the openly gay friend of mine. Although I don’t know how much of a friend I was, since I don’t say anything about the hateful things people were saying about him. It leaves me feeling like I didn’t do enough. I hope he has a life partner and is happy.
It also reminds me, when I asked why being gay was bad(I don’t quite remember the exact question). And the answer was the Bible says so. End of discussion. Of course being a closeted atheist, that wasn’t good enough. But I didn’t pursue it.
Unexplored microbes hold incredible potential for science and industry
From Physorg.com, so the American Academy of Microbiology has a report outlining the need for increased research into what microbes are out there. Since we only an infinitesimal number of microbes and know a even smaller amount very well(having mapped their genomes or have been using them in the lab), this seems like a no brainer. NASA is looking for microbes in the lakes of the Antarctic.
Hot springs microbes hold key to dating sedimentary rocks
From Physorg.com, an example of biogeochemistry where microorganisms contribute to the deposition of sediments. Looking at Angel Terrace in Yellowstone National Park, the rate of precipitation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was reduced when there was not microbes. So depending on the layers of limestone, the age of the rock can be determined. Also, the microbes seem to create a pattern in the calcium carbonate crystals.
Molecular evolution of limb length
From EurekaAlert.com, this show the subtle way that changes in form can occur. By mucking about with a gene that regulates limb growth, scientists have created mice with long fore limbs.
The disappointment
From BBC News, it is believed that the flavanols in chocolate are likely being removed during the manufacturing process. So it’s not a good for you as one would hope.