The NSDL Scout Report for Life Sciences -- Volume 1, Number 5

March 22, 2002

A Publication of the Internet Scout Project
Computer Sciences Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison




In This Issue:

Research

Education

General

Topic In Depth




Research

Carbon Cycle Science Program [.pdf]
http://www.carboncyclescience.gov/
The US Global Change Research Program Carbon Cycle Science Program (last mentioned in the July 19, 2000 Scout Report for Science & Engineering) has been updated to reflect new research, meetings, and publications. Visitors to the current activities section can read about the FY2002 research plans, which include quantifying the amount of carbon storage in agricultural land, improving carbon exchange quantification methods, and a comparison of atmospheric transport models. Also in this section is a link to the North American Carbon Program Workshop, which includes information such as a draft of the program plan, summaries of breakout group sessions, and speaker presentations. [AL]
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PicSNP: A Catalog of Non-Synonymous SNP
http://www.picsnp.org
Maintained by Hangil Chang at the University of Tokyo, PicSNP "is a catalog of non-synonymous Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) in the human genome." Recently updated, the database allows users to select SNPs by gene name, function of affected genes, biological process relevant to affected genes, or cellular component that contain affected genes. The site does not include much instruction on how to use the database, meaning it is most suitable for users who are familiar with the subject. [AL]
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BioVisa.net
http://biovisa.net
BioVisa.net is an online community developed and maintained by life science researchers with the intent to promote information sharing among fellow researchers. The site contains links to research protocols where users can search or browse 1,774 procedures used by other scientists. Registered users can also post comments about any particular protocol. Other site features include online biological journals and forums where researchers can discuss various research topics. After the free registration, users can customize BioVisa.net to their specific interests. [AL]
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Enzymes and Metabolic Pathways Project [SVGViewer, MapEditor]
http://www.empproject.com
The Enzyme and Metabolic Pathways database is created and maintained by a group of scientists, bibliographers, and programmers in Puschino, Russia. The comprehensive database covers all aspects of enzymology and metabolism from about 15,000 original research publications. Users can perform several queries or browse metabolic outlines. This database is user-friendly, offering a complete help file and dictionary of fields. [AL]
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Honey Bee Brain Expressed Sequence Tag Project
http://titan.biotec.uiuc.edu/bee/honeybee_project.htm
Honey bee RNA data from a recent study at the W.M. Keck Center for Comparative and Functional Genomics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has been integrated with gene research on other organisms to create this database. The project is intended to provide updated information on honey bee genes, supplemented with information from other organisms to "suggest cellular roles, biological functions, and evolutionary relationships." Users can search for information by BLAST sequence, keyword, or database ID. This database may be a useful research resource for users studying bee or other insect genomics. [AL]
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ECOTOX Database System
http://www.epa.gov/ecotox
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides this database of chemical toxicity. Three individual EPA databases are combined to provide information on chemical-specific toxicity values for aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals. Users can search for research reports by chemical name, species name, or environmental effect. The site has informative help files and browse features. This Web site is useful for evaluating industrial chemicals or for environmental assessment research. [AL]
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The National Biodiversity Network Gateway
http://212.219.37.110/NBNapp/jsp/index.jsp
Several British conservation and natural resource organizations have collaborated to form the National Biodiversity Network (NBN), a network of biodiversity data. After the free registration, users can access the NBN gateway, which hosts a large variety of datasets that can be navigated by species name or site location. Results allow users to view 10km distribution maps of the selected species. This site encompasses a large amount of data on species distribution in Britain; however, some of the Web site features are still under development. [AL]
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Education

Gender and Science Digital Library
http://www.edc.org/GDI/GSDL/
A new project from the Gender & Diversities Institute and the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse, the Gender and Science Digital Library (GSDL) is a major initiative to create an interactive digital library of high quality gender and science resources. The library will assist K-12 educators in providing equitable science education by raising awareness of the effects that gender has on learning science and sharing teaching methods to address gender differences. The site is currently seeking educators to share resources that they have developed and to review material submitted by others. Teachers can also contribute by responding to a focus group survey on the design of the site. For those users who would like further information, there is also a link to the upcoming conferences in which GSDL will participate. This is an important site to watch for any science teacher concerned about gender equity issues. [AL]
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Exploring Biodiversity [Quicktime]
http://flood.nhm.ac.uk/eb/index.shtml
This new educational resource has been developed by the London's Natural History Museum to help students learn about biodiversity concepts and measures. Teacher resources include a glossary of terms and lesson plans with ideas for working through the online and field sampling activities with students. This is a valuable Web site that promotes an active approach to learning through concept and data investigation. Although the maps and data are specific to the UK, the concepts and lessons are applicable to students everywhere. [AL]
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Virtual Fish Tank [Shockwave]
http://www.virtualfishtank.com
This virtual exhibit from the Boston Museum of Science and Nearlife, Inc. allows you to build your own fish based on characteristics like its fear of predators, preference for deep or shallow habitat, and whether it is attracted to bubbles or shiny objects. You can name your fish, watch it interact with others in your own personal tank, and release it into the museum's virtual tank. A simple registration allows users to access the site fully, which includes viewing what happened to your fish when it was released into the online tank. This is a unique site that allows users an opportunity to learn about behavior and interaction; in addition, it's just plain fun. [AL]
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International Cryobiology Young Researchers Group
http://www.icyr.org/
The International Cryobiology Young Researchers Group, an organization designed to foster communication among young cryobiology researchers and promote the science of cryobiology, has recently redesigned its Web site. Some parts of the site are restricted to members of the organization, but other parts are available to anyone. In addition to learning what cryobiology is, the most useful part of this site for educators is the section of Science Fair Ideas. Several ideas are presented for conducting experiments that don't require sophisticated equipment and can be done as part of a science fair or classroom activity. All of these ideas include background information, research questions, procedures, and required materials -- making them helpful educational tools. [AL]
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Curriculum Guide for the Climate Impacts Map [.pdf]
http://www.climatehotmap.org/curriculum/index.html
This Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) guide was produced by the Union of Concerned Scientists to accompany the Global Warming: Early Warning Signs Web site (last mentioned in the March 14, 2001 Scout Report for Science & Engineering). The activities are designed to involve 9-12 grade students in learning about real world issues using recent data. The activities focus on the following four topics: analyzing climate data from a selected city, collecting and comparing data on perceptions of climate with historical climate data, evaluating how climate change could affect the spread of disease, and exploring the relationship between climate and ecosystems. These lesson plans are complete with objectives, prerequisite knowledge, additional resources, and National Science Education Standards Alignment. [AL]
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Adventures of Echo the Bat [.pdf]
http://imagers.gsfc.nasa.gov/
NASA, the US Geological Survey, and the National Biological Information Infrastructure have partnered to create this interactive multimedia adventure to teach grade school children about remote sensing. The Adventure of Echo is an interactive story about a young bat that introduces students to the ideas of remote sensing, habitat, and biodiversity. Available both online and in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format, the teacher's guide gives introductions and lesson plans under the headings of Understanding Light, Remote Sensing, and Biodiversity. Although remote sensing is a subject that some teachers may not be familiar with, the ideas are presented in a way that can be easily understood. This is a unique site that provides an interdisciplinary learning opportunity designed to capture students interest. [AL]
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The Missing Link: Evolution in Action [Flash]
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/link/evolution.html
This interactive game from PBS's NOVA Online allows students to observe a population of virtual creatures as they evolve under changing conditions. Background color, controlled by the student, represents environmental conditions, while the color of the organism indicates certain adaptations and mutations. Students are able to see how changes in environmental conditions support some colors of organisms, while others become extinct. The game includes instructions and an explanation of the game's purpose, but it is most useful when used in conjunction with supplementary evolution lessons. [AL]
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Spike's Science Projects
http://spikesworld.spike-jamie.com/science
Over 400 science projects, drafted by a professor of Science, are published on this educational Web site. Projects from various scientific fields include animals, atoms, ecology, meteorology, microorganisms, and more. Most of the projects are fun, informative, and can be completed easily with household items. [AL]
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General

The Living Museum
http://www.wettropics.gov.au/lm/livhome2.htm
Tropical North Queensland is one of Australia's treasures. This online museum allows Web users to get a taste of the amazing diversity of this World Heritage Area. The site has great photos and plenty of information about unique animals like tree kangaroos, crocodiles, Mt. Lewis Spiny Crayfish, and giant centipedes. There is also plenty of information about the diverse plant species and communities found in the wet tropics. Anyone interested in the diversity of life should be excited by this Web site. [AL]
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Toxicological Profile Information Sheet [.pdf]
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxpro2.html
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is continually assembling toxicological profiles for hazardous substances. This site contains 256 online profiles listed alphabetically by chemical name. Each profile begins with a non-technical public health statement discussing the chemical, its environmental and health effects, and risk of human exposure. A more technical version of this information can also be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. [AL]
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Mesothelioma Information: The Asbestos Cancer Resource
http://www.mesoinfo.com/
This Web site is a comprehensive resource on mesothelioma, usually caused by exposure to asbestos. The site addresses what mesothelioma is, the various types of mesothelioma, and the risk factors. A brief overview of asbestos and some types of workers who are often exposed to it is also included. Other information includes medical treatment options, frequently asked questions about legal issues surrounding asbestos cancer, and links to additional resources. This site does not provide in-depth information on any of the topics addressed; rather, it serves as a broad overview of asbestos cancer. [AL]
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Mariner's Journal
http://www.aims.gov.au/pages/about/communications/journal/mariners-journal-00.html
This new Web site from the Australian Institute of Marine Science currently has only one featured cruise, the Northwest Cape and Ningaloo Reef expedition. The expedition began on March 6 and focuses on water circulation patterns and food supply for marine fish and crustacean populations. Users can track the progress of the research vessel and click on each date to read daily research reports and view photos from the field. This site is also reviewed in the March 22, 2002 Scout Report. [AL]
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Alternative Medicine: All in Your Mind? [Real Player]
http://whyfiles.org/150alt_med2/index.html
The latest addition to the University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate school's Why Files (first mentioned in the August 9. 1996 Scout Report) is about alternative medicine and the actual biological effects that alternative medicine has on the human body. For many years, alternative medicine was considered "quackery", but this Web site presents some of the science behind the placebo effect and hypnosis. There is also a page on some of the effects of and concerns about St. John's Wort. A bibliography and links to related Why Files provide additional resources for those users who are not satisfied by this brief glance at the topic. [AL]
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Belgo Biotech [Flash]
http://www.belgobiotech.be
Belgo Biotech is a professional group of biotechnology companies within the Federation of Belgian Chemical Industries. Part of the group's mission is to "communicate the sector's position to the authorities and the public." This Web site does that and more. Some highlights of the site are a timeline of important genetic and biotechnology events, an in-depth look at what biotechnology is and some of its important applications, and an ethical code which governs all member companies. This is an interesting look at the field of biotechnology. The wide range of applications presented may make this subject interesting to many viewers. [AL]
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Biological Impacts of the Jessica Oil Spill on the Galapagos Environment [.pdf]
http://www.darwinfoundation.org/jessicareport.html
A year after the Jessica fuel tanker ran aground near the Galapagos Islands, spilling nearly 240,000 gallons of fuel oil into the ocean, researchers from the Charles Darwin Foundation have released this report on the biological impacts of the spill. The report gives an account of activities in the days immediately following the spill, along with research methods and results from subsequent biological monitoring studies. Although at least 370 large animals and more than 10,000 fish and invertebrates were impacted, the report determines that the impact on Galapagos biodiversity "appears negligible." However, this impact is difficult to quantify, partly because it is possible that many animals died at sea and, consequently, were not counted. The report also recommends further monitoring to assess medium and long term impacts, while also highlighting the need for baseline data. Although it was written for a technical audience, the report may be of interest to a more general audience. [AL]
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Parasites and Parasitological Resources
http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/~parasite/home.html
The Ohio State University College of Biological Sciences maintains this Web site, which contains images and information on over 180 species of parasites. Images and information about the life cycle and host are available for many of the species. Species can be selected from an alphabetical (by scientific and common name) or taxonomic list. An interesting part of the site answers questions about parasites affecting pets, some of which can also infect humans. The site is well organized and contains considerable information for anyone with an interest in parasites. [AL]
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Topic In Depth

Signs of Spring
1. Seasonal Rhythms
http://www.hhmi.org/grants/lectures/2000/spring/spring.htm
2. Introduction to Phenology
http://www.the-woodland-trust.org.uk/phenology/standard/home/
3. Environmental Education for Kids: Phenology
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/nature/season/pheno.htm
4. Missouri Botanical Garden: Plants in Bloom
http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/bloom/
5. Plantwatch
http://www.devonian.ualberta.ca/pwatch/
6. Operation Migration
http://www.operationmigration.org/field_2002_spr.html
7. Peterson Online
http://www.petersononline.com/birds/perspective/
8. The Yearly Life Cycle of the Bumblebee
http://www.mearns.org.uk/mrssmith/bees/lifecycle.htm
Because Spring has officially arrived, this week's Topic In Depth focuses on events that occur with the arrival of the new season.

Offered by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the first Web site (1) focuses on seasonal events like hibernation and migration, and the rhythms behind them. Next is a phenology site (2), where visitors can register to record their observations of Spring online or just learn what phenology is and why it is important. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also has a phenology Web site for kids (3). The Missouri Botanical Garden (4) keeps a record of the plants in bloom each week, with corresponding photos and a choice of either a brief or more detailed description. Plantwatch (5), a site from the University of Alberta that encourages students and volunteers to register and report observations, has recently added a downloadable teacher's guide. Operation Migration (6), the organization that has successfully led endangered Whooping Crane migration by ultralight aircraft, provides daily updates as the birds begin preparing for their journey north. Users who want to begin identifying the birds that return to their yard this spring may be interested in the Peterson online identification guide (7). The final site (8) traces the life cycle of the Bumblebee, beginning with the queen emerging from hibernation and building a nest. [AL]
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From The NSDL Scout Report for Life Sciences, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/

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Copyright Susan Calcari and the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, 1994-2002. The Internet Scout Project (http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/), located in the Computer Sciences Department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, provides information about the Internet to the U.S. research and education community under a grant from the National Science Foundation, number NCR-9712163. The Government has certain rights in this material. Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of the entire Scout Report provided this paragraph, including the copyright notice, are preserved on all copies.

Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, or the National Science Foundation.




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