The NSDL Scout Report for Life Sciences -- Volume 1, Number 14

July 26, 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

Ocean Biogeographic Information System
http://www.iobis.org/
Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) is "a user-friendly, web-based provider of global geo-referenced information on accurately identified marine species" developed by the international research program Census of Marine Life. OBIS can be used to integrate information from a host of stand-alone databases including biological, physical, and chemical oceanographic data on a selected species and geographic range of interest. A couple of the sections are still under construction, but this does not affect the ability to use the database. This Web site may provide an important source of accurate information for scientists researching a particular species or location. This site is also reviewed in the July 26, 2002 Scout Report. [AL]
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Net Center for Plant Genomics
http://plantgenome.sdsc.edu/
A collaborative effort between the National Science Foundation (NSF), the San Diego Supercomputer Center, and the Plant Genome Research Program has resulted in this online resource for sharing plant genome information. Users can perform a more general Web literature search, or search a group of databases for nucleotide sequences. The site provides additional information such as other related NSF projects and job openings in plant genomics. The entire site is directed toward a specific and advanced audience. [AL]
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Molecular Information Agent
http://mia.sdsc.edu/
This Web search tool from the San Diego Supercomputer Center allows users to "search the internet to find all current information for a molecule of interest." Molecular Information Agent (MIA) thoroughly searches several online biological databases and removes invalid links from the search results. In order to complete a search, users must complete a brief registration. Because the search function takes a few minutes to generate results, the registration allows users to choose to either save the query and return later to view the results, or have the results emailed to them. This site may prove to be a time saving tool for those users who desire up-to-date information on molecules of interest. [AL]
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World List of Cycads
http://plantnet.rbgsyd.gov.au/PlantNet/cycad/wlist.html
Although the group of plants known as cycads were "once abundant across the globe, the cycads are not greatly reduced in both numbers and distribution." The group of about 250 species has undergone "rapid recent changes in taxonomy," which makes this online version of the World List of Cycads from the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney even more useful, especially considering its ability to be updated frequently. The World List may be searched or browsed, is well referenced, and provides a brief but informative report on each species. The site is easy to navigate and should prove helpful to most users. [AL]
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Bibliography of References Related to Seed Dormancy and/or Germination in Higher Plants
http://library.usask.ca/dbs/seed.html
This online bibliography is an extensive resource with a particular focus on early seed dormancy literature. Professor G.M. Simpson from the University of Saskatchewan has compiled this bibliography of 12,000 sources dating back to the 1890's. The bibliography has a user friendly search function and help page, and a history list of each session is available until the user exits the database. [AL]
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Physiome Project
http://www.physiome.org/index.htm
The Physiome Project seeks to facilitate the exchange of information among the research community and to "speed up the discovery of how biological systems work." By acting as a central repository for data and computational models, the project hopes to advance the study of the physiome for the benefit of the scientific community. Along with a description of the physiome and the project, the Web site will include various databases and models organized into categories based on body systems. The site is still under construction, so many of the categories are not yet active. There are also opportunities for researchers to contribute to the project in a variety of ways. [AL]
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The tmRNA Website
http://www.indiana.edu/%7Etmrna/
The tmRNA Web site is maintained by Kelly Williams of the Department of Biology at Indiana University. Because the site has so many viewing options, it may appear a bit overwhelming, but the amount of information available may make it a worthwhile resource for those interested in bacterial tmRNA. The site uses three separate frames, which are all controlled from the navigational bar at the top of the page. There are currently tmRNA sequences from 239 different species that can be viewed alphabetically or phylogenetically, or selected through a search engine. Although this site is directed at a very specific audience, a bibliography with hypertext links and a tmRNA Minireview are features that may broaden the scope somewhat. [AL]
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Two on Deformed Frogs
Deformed Frogs Form when Parasites and Pesticides Combine
http://www.science.psu.edu/alert/Kiesecker7-2002.htm
Deformed Frogs in Minnesota [.pdf]
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/hot/frogs.html
The first Web site is a recent news release from the Eberly College of Science at Penn State University. Researchers at Penn State have published findings linking both the trematode larvae parasite and pesticide exposure to increased incidence of deformities. The article includes high resolution images and a description of the field and laboratory experiments. The second Web site includes background information on the problem and exploration of deformed frogs in Minnesota, where deformed frogs were first discovered by a group of school children in 1995. The site includes several Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) downloadable reports and fact sheets on deformed frogs and the investigation of them, along with a live frog cam where visitors can observe an aquarium of deformed frogs. [AL]
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Education

The World's Biomes
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/
The World's Biomes, provided by the University California Berkeley's Museum of Paleontology, is an introduction to the earth's ecological regions. Biomes are the world's ecological communities, distinguishable by their predominant vegetation and by the organisms that have adapted to that vegetation. This site provides an introduction to the environmental and ecological features typical of various aquatic, desert, forest, grassland, and tundra biomes. Users can read about the planet's ecosystems, including information on the weather conditions, as well as the geological and soil conditions, that allow different biomes to flourish. The site contains a reference page with suggestions for further reading. [CH]
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Global Warming Kid's Site
http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/kids/index.html
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set up this site to teach kids about global warming, climate change, and climatology, as well as environmentally friendly habits that benefit the earth. The site allows students and educators to approach ecological issues from various perspectives. Global Warming (What it is) is an introduction to current climatological change. Other resources such as Climate and Weather and What is the Climate System? provide overviews of such climatological phenomena as the water cycle, greenhouse gasses, and climatological change over the world's history. Finally, socially and environmentally conscious resources such as So What's the BIG DEAL? and We CAN Make a Difference discuss how changes in our daily lives can affect our impact on the earth's climate. The site also has games, animations modeling climatological activity, and recommendations for educators interested in using the site. [CH]
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Body and Mind [.pdf]
http://www.bam.gov/
This interactive Web site from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages kids to be healthy in body and mind. The activities are designed to complement the type of health and science lessons that are currently taught in many middle school and high school classrooms. The Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) lesson plans include a pre-assessment to help teachers determine which of the activities are most appropriate for their students, and National Education Standards are identified where applicable. Students will also enjoy this Web site with its variety of activities, games, and quizzes (many of which can also be printed). [AL]
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Eco-Info
http://ecokids.earthday.ca/pub/eco_info/index.cfm
Eco-Info is part of Earth Day Canada's interactive and entertaining Web site for kids that focuses on environmental and life sciences. The newest addition to the site is a section on whales. Like Eco-Info's other topics, this section has a great deal of information, many fabulous photographs, and ideas for games and activities. Teachers, students, and parents alike may appreciate the wide variety of topics, quality of information, and attractive presentation. [AL]
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Wild-Eyed Alaska [RealPlayer]
http://www.hhmi.org/alaska/index.html
The Pratt Museum in Homer, Alaska has created this online opportunity for students and other visitors to experience this remote part of Alaska through their computers. Several video cameras were placed on Gull Island in Kachemak Bay to allow visitors to view and learn about the birds and other wildlife found there. Although the six videos are relatively brief, they provide a unique glimpse at an ecosystem that most site visitors would not otherwise experience. [AL]
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The Penguin Page: A Journey to the Bottom of the World
http://users.capu.net/~kwelch/pp/
This extensive Web site was created by Kevin Welch. Although Welch gives no credentials on the Web site, the information is well referenced. The site is very comprehensive, including factual information about six different genera of penguins, evolution, behavior, and much more. There are a large number of brilliant photographs of penguins in the wild, and the site is attractive and easy to navigate. Anyone with a slight interest in penguins is bound to find something of interest on this complete Web site. [AL]
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EPA Global Warming Site: Climate Change Education Resource Database
http://yosemite.epa.gov/oar/resources.nsf/websearch?openform
This educational resource from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is aimed at helping teachers find teaching resources on the interdisciplinary subject of climate change. The easy-to-use database allows teachers to narrow down their search by grade level; select whether they are interested in policy, impacts, or the science of climate change; choose the classroom subject (math, science, history, etc.); and the type of information (book, Internet lesson plan, video, etc.). Not all of the resources are directly available online, but most provide at least a Web site with a description and ordering information. [AL]
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Fun Facts About Fungi
http://www.herb.lsa.umich.edu/kidpage/factindx.htm
This site from the University of Michigan Fungus Herbarium is for learners of all ages. Dr. Robert Fogel (Professor of Biology/Curator of Fungi) and Patricia Rogers (Fungus Collection Coordinator and Editor of Fun Facts) have developed this resource to explain fungi and Mycology, the scientific study of fungi. Each Fun Fact is written in a clear, approachable manner and examines such topics as Caterpillar Fungus use in traditional Chinese Medicine, truffles, Penicillin, and slimes molds (not really molds), as well as associated scientific concepts like uses of data mining and information warehouses in Mycology. The following is one of this reviewer's favorites from this site. "The giant puffball (Calvatia gigantea) can be almost two feet long and contain 7,000,000,000,000 (7 trillion) spores. For comparison, there are about 31.6 million seconds in a year. If you held your breath for 7 trillion seconds, you'd be breathless for 221,817 years!" Huh? The site also has a small games section, the Mushroom Club, and offers more modest versions of the site in Spanish and Polish. [DJS]
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General

Organized Gangs Move Into Wildlife Trafficking [.pdf]
http://www.wwf.org.uk/News/n_0000000589.asp
The British office of the World Wildlife Fund reports that organized crime and wildlife trafficking mix all too well. Reporting that "40 per cent of illegal drug shipments are combined with wildlife," this article describes how high profits, poorly enforced laws, and lack of serious punishment combine to encourage the abuse of wildlife. The article makes recommendations for how this trade in animals can be better discouraged. Although its recommendations are intended for the British government, the principles on which they are based are applicable to any nation. The entire report can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. [CH]
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SeaWeb
http://www.seaweb.org/campaigns/
SeaWeb is a nonprofit organization aimed at raising awareness of the ocean and marine life that play "a critical role in our everyday life and in the future of our planet." SeaWeb employs a team of professionals from biology, exploration, and various communication disciplines. The current campaigns include an effort to protect the declining Caspian Sea Sturgeon ("the source of most of the world's caviar"), an attempt to reduce overfishing of swordfish, and a report about the changes occurring in the world's oceans. This Web site is a robust source of information about many threats that are facing marine ecosystems, and an attempt to reduce the dangers by educating the public about the impacts of their behavior. [AL]
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University of Minnesota Extension Service Plant Disease Diagnostics
http://www.extension.umn.edu/projects/yardandgarden/diagnostics
A useful resource for amateur horticulturists from the University of Minnesota Extension Service, Yard and Garden Clinic. The focus here is on commonly used perennials, grasses, shrubs, and trees in the home garden and the inevitable problems one must face while gardening in a northern climate. Based on visual observations of symptoms, the navigation is easy, and the solutions equally understandable. One wishes this site was more fully developed; however, it is a useful stop if want basic advice. It also provides links to other related Web resources useful to northern gardeners. [DJS]
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New York Metropolitan Flora Project
http://www.bbg.org/sci/nymf/
"While most of the botanical community concentrates on tracking the threats to biodiversity in the tropics," the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is conducting research on the biodiversity found in the urban landscape. The Web site includes useful resources for users interested in identifying, planting, maintaining, or just learning about the plants found in urban areas. The Web site is easy to use, with ample explanations and a glossary of terms. Although the research is focused on the New York metropolitan region, much of the information may be useful in other parts of the country. [AL]
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Two on the Psychological Impact of Nature [.pdf]
Girls with Views of Nature Have Better Chance of Success
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2002-06/uoia-gwv062602.php
Girls and Greenery
http://www.herl.uiuc.edu/girls.htm
A press release from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the first Web site outlines a recent study indicating that inner-city girls who have had a view of nature from their home "may have a better chance for success." The brief article describes the study and some of its implications for urban planning and housing development. For further information about this study and similar studies conducted by these researchers, visit the second Web site, the home page for the Human - Environment Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. This site includes a short summary of the study, a flyer, and the entire scientific article, which can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. Similar pages are included for other studies conducted by the Human - Environment Research Laboratory. [AL]
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California Marine Sportfish Identification
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/msalfidx.html
Produced by the California Department of Fish and Game to aid fishermen, this resource provides a wealth of information on the gamefish of the Pacific coast. Users can access information about a fish species by clicking on its Latin name, common name, or image. The description of each species includes its family, physical description, the areas in which it is commonly found, and its feeding and reproductive habits. Fishing information is also provided, describing the most common methods and areas for catching specific species of fish, as well as the largest recorded fish of each species. The page also provides access to a Record Catches page where the largest catches of sportfish in California are submitted and recorded. [CH]
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A Guidebook of Introduced Marine Species in Hawaii
http://www2.bishopmuseum.org/HBS/invertguide/index.htm
Scientists from the Hawaii Biological Survey and Bishop Museum provide this online guide to Hawaii's invasive marine species. Although brief, the guide focuses on the most common introduced species with the hope that it will educate individuals about the threats posed by introduced species and encourage them to report occurrences of other unknown species. The Invertebrates section can be navigated through a species list of scientific names, or by viewing groups of photos. Each species has a page that includes description and habitat information, as well as photos of other similar organisms. Not as easy to navigate, the Algae section is hosted by the University of Hawaii. The entire Invertebrate section or individual species pages can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. [AL]
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The Council for Responsible Genetics
http://www.gene-watch.org/index.html
The Council for Responsible Genetics is a "non-profit/non-governmental organization devoted to fostering public debate about the social, ethical, and environmental implications of the new genetic technologies." This group's Web site provides news, publications, and resources to inform opinions on genetic technology. The site is fairly easy to navigate with the most recent information highlighted on the main Web page. A large amount of information is also provided in the Program Areas section. [AL]
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Topic In Depth

Salmon
1. Pacific Coast Salmon Fisheries
http://www.tbc.gov.bc.ca/culture/schoolnet/pacific/main.html
2. Fish FAQ: Salmon
http://www.nefsc.nmfs.gov/faq/fishfaq2c.html#q19
3. Pacific Northwest Salmon History Snapshots
http://www.oregonstate.edu/instruct/anth481/fish.html
4. King County Salmon and Trout Topics
http://splash.metrokc.gov/topics/salmon/SALtopic.htm
5. Publications from the Northwest Fisheries Science Center
http://listeria.nwfsc.noaa.gov/pubs/
6. Wild Olympic Salmon
http://www.olympus.net/edu/wos/
7. The Wild Salmon Center
http://www.wildsalmoncenter.org/
8. King County Salmon Cam
http://dnr.metrokc.gov/salmoncam/
The first Web site (1) is intended as an educational resource, but is also fit for a general audience as it introduces salmon, their habitat, the need for conservation, and salmon fisheries. The next site is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Fish FAQs (2) and has several pages of salmon FAQs, all of which can be found by using the next button. The third resource from an Anthropology course at Oregon State University (3) gives an account of the changing Columbia River Basin and the status of commercial fisheries in the region. The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks Web site (4) has information on salmon conservation and recovery efforts in King County. Research papers on salmon and other Pacific Northwest fishes are provided on this Northwest Fisheries Science Center page (5). The Web site for the organization Wild Olympic Salmon (6) celebrates the successful recovery of summer chum salmon to Chimacum Creek. The Wild Salmon Center (7), a nonprofit organization formed to protect salmon and their habitat, provides numerous links to salmon conservation information. Some interesting video clips of salmon runs were caught on tape by the King County Salmon Cam (8). [AL]
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The single phrase below is the copyright notice to be used when reproducing any portion of this report, in any format:

From The NSDL Scout Report for Life Sciences, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/

The paragraph below is the copyright notice to be used when reproducing the entire report, in any format:

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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