When we learn something new the neurons in our brains form new connections to one another. The stronger these connections, the more lasting the memory. Scientists have recently discovered that these connections form faster than previously thought. Read about this process and their findings here: Science Daily
Rapid Brain Connections
Main, Neuroscience
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Nov 292009
HHMI Making Your Mind Lectures
Neuroscience
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Nov 292009
Use the following link to be able to watch the assigned lectures from the HHMI Holiday Lecture Series videos online. For this assignment, you should choose the 2008 Neuroscience program and watch lectures 2 and 3. Of course, should you desire, you can certainly watch any other lectures on the various topics – there is some great information in these videos!
Structure of Life
Biology
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Nov 292009
In the Structure of Life book, you should read chapters 1,2,4 & 5. You should write a brief paragraph summarizing each chapter. You should also answer the “Got It?” questions at the end of each chapter in your notebook in the same section as the chapter review questions. You may not take the books home.
You should also create a Google spreadsheet table of the organic compounds and share it with me as a collaborator. The table should include the following information: organic compound, functions, monomers, polymers, named examples, link to image, key information
New York Times Article
Anatomy
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Nov 222009
Read the following article and look at the “Living with BRCA Gene: One Family’s Story” family tree located on the left side of the first page. Answer the following questions in your notebook and be ready to discuss them in class.
Cancer Free at 33, but Weighing a Mastectomy
What were the important issues for Deborah Lindner? Was the information presented well by the author? Would you change the way the author presented the data regarding risk and the interpretation of the genetic test?
NIGMS Free Books
Biology
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Nov 202009
In an effort to put your (or your parents’) tax dollars to work, the government offers free educational material. You can go online and order this material for free and have it shipped to you for free. We will use some of this material for this class so you should follow these directions.
- Go to the following site: http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/order/
- Order the following books…
- Inside the Cell (may be out of stock)
- (revised) Chemistry of Health (as of this date, you can pre-order a copy now)
- Computing Life
- The New Genetics
- Medicines by Design
- The Structures of Life
- February 2009 issue of ‘Findings’ (special evolution issue)
You are free to order any other material that you wish, but the above are excellent sources of information that we will draw upon. Again, the material is free – you just give your name and address, no credit card information or the like.
New Mammogram Recommendations
Anatomy
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Nov 172009
The US Preventive Services Task Force has changed its recommendations regarding mammograms for women under age 50. Read the new recommendations and listen to the NPR story here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120470428
Nov 062009
Scientists have recently discovered a ‘copy number variant’ mutation that increases the risk of developing schizophrenia. Having just one extra copy of a specific gene on chromosome 16 gives an 8 times greater risk. Read about their findings here.
Nov 062009
Using RNAi technology, scientists have found new tumor suppression genes which could help design new cancer therapies in the future. Read about their findings here: http://www.cshl.edu/public/releases/09_suppressor.html
Science Fair Index Card
Biology
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Nov 062009
Complete your science fair index card and have it signed by your parents.
Due: Monday, 11/9/09
Protein Enhances Memory
Main, Neuroscience
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Nov 062009
Scientists have found the genetic underpinnings of the need for rest intervals between learning sessions of the same material. It is a well known phenomenon that the brain needs to have a rest period between studying the same material in order to remember it better but no one knew the biological reason or control mechanism for this – until now. Checkout this press release from CSHL and learn something about how we remember things and how we might be able to help people with memory disorders.
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