Origins of Photosynthesis

Geologic evidence for the beginnings of photosynthesis:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21628944.500-captured-the-moment-photosynthesis-changed-the-world.html

Simulated Brain

As you begin to study for trimesters, you'll realize that your brain is full of potential.  Believe it or not, the brain's ability to reason and understand concepts outperforms even the most advanced computers.

Scientists have been unable to completely mimic the human brain through computer processing, but that hasn't stopped them from trying . . .

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2012-11/meet-spaun-first-computer-model-complex-brain-behavior

Nobel Prize in Medicine: Solving ethical problems through science

You may have heard about this in science class over the past few years, but two scientists have found a way to turn normal skin cells (or any human cells) into pluripotent stem cells by simply turning four genes off.

This eliminates the debate for stem cell research focusing on aborted fetuses as the primary source for stem cells.

Understandably, Dr. John B. Gurdon and Dr. Shinya Yamanaka have been awarded the Nobel Prize for their findings.

http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2012/press.html

Protein Folding Computer Game

Your knowledge of the four levels of 3-D protein structures will help you in the following online game:

http://fold.it/portal/

New Mechanism for the Link between Overeating and Diabetes Suggested

Most of you may know that eating too much food, especially sugar, leads to diabetes, but here is a new mechanism for that result:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121017153911.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fmost_popular+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Most+Popular+News%29

Cheap, abundant jet fuel

All branches of science share the goal of creating clean energy.  Also, many US military research projects have benefitted millions of people throughout the world (example: GPS, advanced prosthetics, etc).  Let's hope this project works out just as well.

http://news.discovery.com/tech/navy-seawater-jet-biofuel-120928.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews#mkcpgn=rssnws1

Regrow Muscle from ECM

Scientists are constantly finding new ways to treat our wounded soldiers.  Recently they have found a way to regrow muscle.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/17/health/research/human-muscle-regenerated-with-animal-help.html?pagewanted=all&_moc.semityn.www

Hottest Ecosystem on Earth

As summer comes to a close this week, here is an article discussing the world's hottest environment: Death Valley.

http://www.pulse.me/s/djpVt#/www.pulse.me/ap/988a51c6755d4ef2a58242dac4b72991

Personalized Medicine

Soon we may be able to treat each patient differently, based on his or her individual DNA sequence.

http://singularityhub.com/2012/09/06/exclusive-interview-with-complete-genomics-ceo-the-future-of-genetics-based-medicine/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews

Welcome Back

Hope everyone had an excellent summer.

Here is an inspiring biology article from Down Under.  Follow the link below to read about Australian scientists and doctors surgically implanting a bionic eye into a blind patient.  

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2012-08/world-first-scientists-surgically-implant-bionic-eye-blind-patient

Protein Synthesis Tutorial

Better late than never! Go here for a good tutorial on protein synthesis.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Since we're into chapter 30 and learning how the brain works, have you ever wondered what would happen if someone shot a 13 lb iron rod through your brain and it landed 80 feet away...and you survived? Check out the story of Phineas Gage.

Great opportunities

One of the leading genetics research laboratories is in your backyard and has lots of opportunities for you to get hands-on experience with some pretty cool genetics stuff. If you're at all interested in genetics, you owe it to yourself to check out this website for Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories DNA Learning Center and their Saturday DNA! program.

Biology and Christianity

Italian postage stamp showing St. Valentine and an EEG

Bet you didn't know that St. Valentine is the patron saint of epilepsy.

DNA Tech Webpages

For a run through of polymerase chain reaction go here.

For a run through on knockout experiments go here.

For a run through on gene chips go here.

For a run through of gel electrophoresis go here.

For a run through of how DNA is sequenced go here.

DNA Replication - The Movie

Thanks to Mr. Dubon for finding this good video on DNA replication...

DNA Replication

In chapter 12, we're going to talk about DNA replication. This process is one of those things that are a lot easier to understand when you see it in motion. That said, here's a link to an interactive summary of DNA replication. Check it out here.