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Professional Workshop offered on "How to Clone a Human."

worldsfair — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:53:10 +0000

Professional Workshop offered on "How to Clone a Human."

I just noticed that there's a workshop being offered from June 13th to June 18th, 2011, in Vancouver, Canada, that provides technical and hands-on training for "scientists and non-scientists interested in human cloning." This course has a price tag of $1400 (does not include transportation, room and board) and apparently provides the following:

"This professional course (which can accept only 12 clients) will guide participants through the various methodologies involved in the production of a human clone. This includes extensive lectures on the various techniques as well as a significant portion of the course being hands-on sessions where clients will become adept at blastocyst tissue culture maintenance. Note that this course also includes a full day devoted to practicing on equipment that allows robotic micro-injection of nucleic material into host cell nuclei, and that the workshop includes 8 hours of equipment access time, after the workshop is finished."

Unreal right? Well, o.k. - it is actually unreal. I'm only kidding here, if only to let you know that I will be offering a professional workshop (same dates, same pricetag, and same locale) where molecular cloning is actually covered, although this is more in the vein of general molecular biology techniques used in biomedical research, or molecular characterization of any life science related endeavour.

Additional details on the course can be seen at the above link, or below the fold.

*THE MICHAEL SMITH LABS AND ADVANCED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LAB PRESENTS OUR MOLECULAR BIOLOGY*
*WORKSHOPS 2011 SUMMER Session.*
*
ONE WEEK VERSION (6 DAYS) - MOLECULAR TECHNIQUES WORKSHOPS*
JUNE 13 - 18, 2011 (CAN$1400)

DESCRIPTION: Updated for 2011: This intense 6 day workshop will focus on a myriad of different techniques used in the molecular manipulation of DNA, RNA and protein, as well as inclusion of exercises in some basic bioinformatics tools. Primarily aimed at researchers who are new to the area, familiar but require a quick updating, or would like more practical bench training.

PHILOSOPHY: Whilst molecular techniques have evolved at a speedy rate over the last few decades, the underlying biochemical principles behind the vast majority of them has actually changed little. This workshop therefore combines opportunities to perform the latest, as well as commonly used older techniques, with particular attention to the chemical nuts and bolts behind them. In all, this allows the researcher to not only gain needed familiarity with the techniques, but also achieve a comfortable theoretical level to allow for both (1) that all important skill of troubleshooting, and (2) the often undervalued skill of judging the utility of "tricks" that aim to speed up, or lower costs of a given methodology.

TECHNIQUES COVERED: Various nucleic acid purification methodologies (silica bead, organic, and/or pI based), restriction digests, ligations, dephosphorylation assays, agarose gel electrophoresis, transformation (including electroporation), PCR, reverse transcriptase assay, real time qPCR, basic bioinformatics, (including primer design tools), SDS-PAGE, Western blot analysis, Isoelectric focusing strips, and 2D protein gels.

Full details can be found at http://www.bioteach.ubc.ca/mb-workshops/#molecular

To register or inquire about the workshop, please contact
Dr. David Ng at db@interchange.ubc.ca or 604-822-6264

worldsfair Tue, 04/12/2011 - 06:53

Tags

Nature, as in parts, bits, molecular and stuff

The kids and I make a cardboard pinball machine (or duct tape is AWESOME!)

worldsfair — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:10:22 +0000

The kids and I make a cardboard pinball machine (or duct tape is AWESOME!)

Although I can't remember where I saw "play with duct tape" on the list of learning objectives, I figured it would be cool to make a paper pinball machine with the kids - it's kind of "educational." (right?). Anyway, this ended up being a lot of fun, and (if I do say so myself) our pinball machine is FREAKING AWESOME!

Here are some pictures, and the video at the end is where Hannah and Ben demonstrate its awesomeness.

VIEW FROM FRONT

VIEW FROM TOP

And the video...

(Follow David at @dnghub)

worldsfair Thu, 11/04/2010 - 04:10

Tags

Video links (archive.org samples, for example; Youtube.com; others...)

David,

That IS freakin' awesome! And your kids are very sweet, too. Did you try something larger with a bit more elasticity, like a super-bounce-ball or some such? How about a ping-pong ball - or would that be too light?

So totally cool.

David,
That is one great idea of yours, and sounds like so much fun to make. It is awesome! Not only is it a fun activity to do and use to spend time with the kids, but it also saves you from buying an expensive over-rated pin ball machine! I am currently a sophomore in high school, and your project even interests me! It seems like so much fun to make, and later play! My friend has a pinball machine and it was fun in the beginning, and now every time I walk in it's just there, doesnât interest me. However, if I saw that when I walked in her house one day I would be so interested in it! Itâs not something you see everyday and it is so cool! It looks awesome! Great idea!
Sarina

That IS freakin' awesome! And your kids are very sweet, too. Did you try something larger with a bit more elasticity,

Crickets chirping and Collider Whales

worldsfair — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:10:00 +0000

Crickets chirping and Collider Whales

Sorry it's been a bit quiet here lately. Things have been busy at the museum, and I've also been writing in other places. In particular, These days I'm a guest blogger at Boing Boing, and on top of that, I'm also having fun starting a children's novel.

This novel has a mouthful of a title, Lizzie Popperfont and the Collider Whale Tale, and it's been partly inspired by my time here at the Natural History Museum. More importantly, there's going to be an underlying and subtle narrative that asks, "What happens to society and culture when only self interested elites are aware of the Scientific Method?" and "What happens if such a culture is allowed to brew for hundreds of years?"

This might sound a little dry, but the basic premise is that many of things we can do with science these days would appear downright magical to someone from the past. More so, if my more unscrupulous characters purposely disguise it in aesthetics that promote the idea of magical, spiritual or divine abilities. Creative text about science is what I like doing best, so I figured why not a children's story?

Oh yeah, there's also a blue whale, and a synchrotron, and a GM organism named Kepler (at least according to some of my notes). I also enjoyed the "I'm a science geek" moment when I used the word Entropy in the first chapter.

Right now, the plan is to write it in full view, so you can read along if you like, although don't forget that it is a work in progress. I happen to be an editing freak, so the text you see will definitely change multiple times, especially after I read it to my own kids. However, my first priority is to just get a reasonable first/second edit down. I do plan on finishing it, and the idea of publishing it proper is there in my mind, but sort of a secondary thing right now.

Anyway, go check it out if you're curious, and you can also let me know what you think.

(Follow David on twitter @dnghub)

worldsfair Tue, 11/02/2010 - 05:10

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About writing generally

For big kids,
http://www.springerlink.com/content/x2n575v0233272r8/

Hello Londoners: Science Uncovered at London's Natural History Museum tonight.

worldsfair — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 07:27:47 +0000

Hello Londoners: Science Uncovered at London's Natural History Museum tonight.

Just a quick note for you Brits out there (and specifically Londoners I guess). Tonight (Sept 24th), the Natural History Museum is hosting a "Science Uncovered" evening, whereby scientists and staff from various departments will be on hand.

As well, there will be a place where cocktails can be purchased, which will probably make all the sciencegeek talk all the more lively than usual.

Plus, if you have some biodiversity or fossil flavoured artifact you want looking at, this is also a good time to pop by and show the item off to a panel of experts (they will be manning a sort of "Antique (but science-y) Roadshow")

Anyway, more info can be found here, and do say hello if you're in the area (I'll be one of the scientists wandering the halls tonight).

worldsfair Fri, 09/24/2010 - 03:27

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Man, that sounds like an awesome event. I wish I could come. Proof that you're actually "working" on your sabbatical. :)

We are confident I've check this out identical type of assertion elsewhere, it ought to be gaining interest while using public.

Who wants a tenure track position in beautiful Vancouver? I've got one! (well, seven actually)

worldsfair — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:07:27 +0000

Who wants a tenure track position in beautiful Vancouver? I've got one! (well, seven actually)

(Well, actually 6 since the first ad below is just a bit of fun...)

- - -

JOB POSTING: "IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME"

This is a call for outstanding candidates to apply for a tenure track assistant professor position within the context of the Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia. The successful applicant is expected to work in areas of interest to current faculty members, to interact with related groups within our network and to have demonstrated ability in producing research material of excellent quality and interest.

Due to the competitive nature of this process, we ask that all candidates at the very least meet the following criteria:

The candidate's current area of specialty must contain at least fourteen syllables.

The candidate's expertise must speak naturally to collaborations with the disciplines of science history, Jungian philosophy, international peacekeeping, French Canadian politics, molecular genetics, early 80s pop music criticism, and West African cuisine.

The candidate must be able to "flex arm hang" for a minimum of twelve minutes.

The candidate must exhibit no more than two degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon.

The candidate must be able to rub their tummy and pat their head at the same time.

The candidate must be, in no uncertain terms, hot.

In addition, short listed candidates will be subjected to a rigorous interview process that will likely involve puppetry, ultimate fighting, and some interpretative dance techniques. This, of course, might be televised nationally on CBS, so it is advisable that all applicants prepare in advance for these skill sets.

The successful applicant will covet a salary that will commensurate with experience and research record, but realistically is dependant on an obligation to play as the principle string in the University's Chinese Orchestra during the first three years of his/her track.

We will also endeavor to provide the applicant with reasonable research space, and note that we have one of the country's best supply of camping gear, should this be an issue. We do however ask that successful candidates will themselves provide start up funds to the sum of $1000, which must be used within 48 hours. During that period, you will, of course, be wearing brightly covered overalls and have access to a skilled carpenter who will almost certainly be just as hot as you.

The University of British Columbia is one of the leaders in North America with strong connections with many well regarded institutes, and we look forward to continuing this tradition with this placement. We hire on the basis of merit and are committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified persons to apply; however citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. No losers please.

(...and now the real ones)

- - -
SIX FACULTY POSITIONS: THE MICHEAL SMITH LABORATORIES AND THE CENTRE FOR HIGH-THROUGHPUT BIOLOGY

(Job posting link | pdf)

The Michael Smith Laboratories (MSL) and the Centre for High-throughput Biology (CHiBi) at the University of British Columbia are jointly launching a major recruiting initiative and invite applications for six new faculty positions. These full-time tenure-track positions will be filled primarily at the Assistant Professor level but exceptional candidates at a higher rank may be considered. The six new faculty will be located in exceptional research space at the centre of campus within a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment that includes biological and physical scientists and engineers, as well as proteomics and bioinformatics experts.

TWO TENURE TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR POSITIONS IN CHEMICAL, MOLECULAR AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY, AND BIOENGINEERING

Approaches using molecular genetics, chemical, computational or molecular biology or bioengineering to probe animals, plants and unicellular organisms, and models of disease therein, will be considered.

TWO TENURE TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR POSITIONS IN METABOLIC ENGINEERING AND SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY

All facets of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, from technology development and computational approaches to innovative applications, will be considered. Applicants with an interest in bioenergy and biorefining are particularly encouraged to apply.

TWO TENURE TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR POSITIONS IN COMPUTATIONAL TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

The development of innovative technologies, devices, computational approaches or chemical and biophysical techniques is welcomed, with particular emphasis on genome-wide and high-throughput approaches.

Successful applicants for these positions must have a Ph.D., will have demonstrated outstanding research strength and creativity, have several years of productive experience, will be expected to contribute to high quality undergraduate/graduate teaching and to effectively supervise graduate students, and be prepared to integrate their expertise with innovative researchers at the University. Academic appointments could be within or between departments in the Faculties of Applied Science, Forestry, Medicine and/or Science, evidence of teaching effectiveness would be an asset.

The Michael Smith Laboratories and the Centre for High-throughput Biology comprise a diverse group of 22 research and teaching faculty and over 150 graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and research associates. Research strengths include medical and animal molecular genetics/biology, plant and forest molecular genetics/biology, bioprocess engineering, chemical biology, proteomics, micro-fluidics bioinformatics and statistical genomics. Importantly the group is also providing leadership for the Bio-energy and Refining Innovation (BERI) network as part of a university-wide initiative in sustainability. Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit http://www.michaelsmith.ubc.ca/ and http://www.chibi.ubc.ca/ to learn more about the unique technological and research opportunities available to new faculty members. Substantial start-up funds and exceptional mentoring will be provided.

UBC with over 12,000 faculty and staff plus 8,000 graduate students, has deep research strength across the Applied Sciences, the Life Sciences, the Physical Sciences and Computation, and has formal associations with research hospitals, the British Columbia Cancer Agency, Genome British Columbia, the Genome Sciences Centre, the Centre for Drug Research and Development and the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle. Researchers thus enjoy numerous opportunities for stimulating and productive collaborations. Opportunities exist to attract substantial research funding from government (e.g. Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Canadian Foundation for Innovation), foundations (e.g. Michael Smith Foundation, Genome Canada) and industry.

Applications should include a letter of application indicating the appropriate competition number, a detailed curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a statement of research and teaching interests, and the name, address, e-mail address and phone number of at least three referees. All positions are subject to final budgetary approval. The closing date for all applications is September 14, 2010.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. UBC is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.

worldsfair Wed, 06/23/2010 - 07:07

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The Phylo project has a set of rules and close to 100 cards ready for beta testing.

worldsfair — Sat, 22 May 2010 08:50:17 +0000

The Phylo project has a set of rules and close to 100 cards ready for beta testing.

@dnghub Twitter Feed

Happy Biodiversity Day!

Well, it's been about 5 weeks, and the Phylo project is close to 100 cards, all ready for free printing. As well, a set of rules is now available that is polished enough to go through some beta testing.

Today, we even have an "Oil Spill" card, and I'd like to invite people to leave comments on what text should go on this particular card. Is it too lenient right now, or too harsh? We're really hoping that as the project progresses, the comments on the site will ultimately guide what needs to go on (or off) the cards.

In fact, while I'm making requests, I'd like to suggest the possibility of looking into funding a mobile app that could work with the project. Wouldn't that be cool?

Also, it would be great to get more artists involved. If you are one, see if you can send an image or two our way. If you know one, see if you can lure them in! Here's a sample of the ones recently uploaded on the Flickr submissions pool.

In any event, if you're new to the project, do take a gander - the art, the photos, and the permalinks (where we try our best to find video footage of the card) are all time well spent. Better yet, do tell others about it - always lovely to get more artists, gamers, science-y folks involved.

worldsfair Sat, 05/22/2010 - 04:50

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And, sometimes, there are false paths (like the Venture and Enchanted Island theories

very good

Please contact us too, you appear to the transportation problem at work.

Introducing the Science Scout Badges Free Market Economy (or SSBFME - another worthy acronym)

worldsfair — Mon, 17 May 2010 10:12:07 +0000

Introducing the Science Scout Badges Free Market Economy (or SSBFME - another worthy acronym)

@dnghub Twitter Feed

Original article can be found at our Science Scout site.
- - -

(Acronyms used: SSBFME = Science Scout Badges Free Market Economy)

So... It's been a few years since the Science Scouts were born, and (at last count) we have received over 300 emails from various Indian or Chinese Embroidery companies looking to "offer their badge making services." Finally, we're now of mind to finally lay out a game plan for the selling and obtaining of these Science Scout badges, physically.

And basically, we're going with the free market model - specifically the SSBFME.

In other words, if you want to make them, you are more than welcome to make them and then sell them as you see fit. You can even change the look of the badge, because we figure if you do a good job, then who are we to say that what you're doing is wrong. Likewise, if you want to make badges with gold leaf and sell them for thousands of dollars, make scratch and sniff badges, or provide badges embedded with LCD screens that twinkle annoyingly, then who are we to stop you? This is, after all, about community, and science, and (of course) badges.

We do, however, like to say that we are not, ourselves, responsible for any of the shenanigans involved in this science scout badge economy. In other words, we'll take an arms length approach, happy to just look on, with amusement and a bit of pride as well.

In fact, here is the fist batch.

Don't they look wonderful? In fact, they are lovingly crafted by Rachel Newlin, and you can get them at her Etsy link (better hurry actually: being hand made, they are in limited supply)!

All to say, that we are thankful to Rachel for providing the proverbial catalyst for this market, and also hopeful that others will join in too. Anyway, if you do plan on becoming part of the SSBFME, then do make sure you leave a note on the Science Scout site - maybe at the actual badge post - and we'll also try to do our best to showcase your endeavors.

Happy collecting!

worldsfair Mon, 05/17/2010 - 06:12

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Stuff looks good. For your next design, How about an old-fashioned life buoy: "Escaped drowning in pursuit of science"? Trying to achieve zero flotation alone in the swimming pool is a few neurons short of smart.

If they make a beer drinking badge, then I could earn that and the explosion one simultaneously. No, seriously it happens a lot.

Thanks for the link!

I upgraded my equipment and will be making a bunch of new badges really soon. I'm also taking special orders if people are looking for something specific. You can find me on Etsy or my new facebook page http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Creations-by-Angelheart704/14…

Beylikduzu from home, working on the house continues to transport. You contact us immediately.

Happy Earth Day! Now go outside, and if the weather is crummy, why not play PHYLO?

worldsfair — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:43:54 +0000

Happy Earth Day! Now go outside, and if the weather is crummy, why not play PHYLO?

Seriously, if there's a day to enjoy the outdoors, then that would have to be Earth Day. If, however, you find yourself stuck inside due to poor weather, volcanic ash plumes, or some other reason, then go check out the Phylo game (http://phylogame.org).

It's been up for about a week and a bit, and is already gaining some steady traffic (it's creeping up on google and giving the Greek pastry a run for its money!). Normally, we only put up one new card per weekend, but because it's a special day, we're putting up 6 new cards, and with a variety of different art styles to boot.

As if that wasn't enough, check out this picture:

THAT'S RIGHT! We have some working rules to play around with! Go check them out here, and enjoy your Earth Day!

worldsfair Thu, 04/22/2010 - 04:43

Tags

Nature as in Earth, as in Global, as in Global Issues Generally

Nature on the Web, How Bizarre

Okay, so I'll admit I don't have any experience with these things. But I'm intrigued.

Seriously, if there's a day to enjoy the outdoors, then that would have to be Earth Day. If, however, you find yourself stuck inside due to poor weather, volcanic ash plumes, or some other reason

very good

An idea for a science/environmental children's book?

worldsfair — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:06:36 +0000

An idea for a science/environmental children's book?

A few months ago, for fun, I took a course on "Writing Books for Children." It was pretty good, in that it kind of forced me to sit down and come up and work through an idea. Or at least, work through it enough so that it was close to the stage of maybe querying publishers.

For readers who have followed this blog for a while, you probably know that children's books have always fascinated me, especially with two young children in my own household. It's probably why I've written about it on occasion (see here, here, here, and here for examples). There's something altogether amazing when you read a great children's book to your kids, especially so (for me anyway) when the book has some science in it.

Anyway, embedded below is a slideshow of my book idea. Apologies for the simplistic art, but I am curious about what you think of the book conceptually. I'm game also to submit it somewhere, although to be honest, I'm not sure if the idea is good enough and (as the case may be) I'm not entirely sure where best to send such queries.

Click twice on the movie (but not on the email address) to start and then once each time move through slides

worldsfair Mon, 03/29/2010 - 12:06

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About writing generally

NatureLand: What They Used to Call the Environment