To begin with, I’d like to offer my readers an explanation as to why my blog last week was so short. As you may have read, I had my third test within the timespan of a week coming up, and I was trying to learn all about photosynthesis and the citric acid cycle and glycolysis regulation. I took a break to write my blog, but while typing, I accidentally hit a wrong button, therefore deleting all of my words except for those in my first paragraph. If you return to my previous blog and look at the comments, I’ve commented on my own blog and filled in some details.
Okay, now on to this week. Once again, I’ve miscounted the weeks until the end of school. I thought we had four weeks of classes left. Oh, no – we have 2.5 weeks of classes left, and then a week of exams. (I don’t know how I always miscount. I’m really not that terribly bad at counting…) Anyways, I feel like I still have a lot to do for school and otherwise. This past Friday, a few of my friends from the Biological Sciences Organization (BSO) and I went to the Science Center to celebrate DNA with Science Center visitors. Next week, on April 25, it will have been 60 years since Watson and Crick published their groundbreaking paper in the scientific journal “Nature” that described the structure of DNA. That determination has literally changed and affected all areas of biological sciences, ranging from cell biology to molecular biology to biochemistry to biotechnology to genetics. At the Science Center, we had a big DNA birthday card for visitors to sign, and we had spin-the-wheel trivia. We also had a fun craft activity that allowed visitors to make-and-take their own DNA strand, which they made using two different colors of pipe cleaners. (And boy, was I exhausted afterward. That night, when I was explaining to my mom what we had done, I said that we used “pipettes” to make DNA strands. True story.)
Next week, the BSO will be celebrating that monumental day in style with a party for biology majors on campus. Be sure to look for us, as we’ll be wearing our “DNA Is Life. Everything Else? Just Details.” shirts around campus. And the week after, BSO will have a very big Wednesday. We will be having our annual seniors’ graduation party in the morning and then going on an Owl Prowl in Forest Park that night. (Our new librarian, Mark Glenshaw, works in conjunction with Forest Park Forever and the World Bird Sanctuary, and he offered to take a few of us to Forest Park to show us owls’ nesting and habitat. We’re all really excited about it.)
So, for once, my social calendar is actually full. What about my school calendar, you may ask? Well, yes, my planner is chock full of due dates and the like. However, for the first time ever, I don’t feel like I’m completely panicking about finishing all of my work. Just give me a couple more days, though, and I’ll assure you that the panic will have begun…
~ With Carly and Kaniz at the BSO table at the Science Center! ~
Tagged as:
Biology,
BSO,
End of the Semester,
Owl Prowl,
Science Center
Tomorrow, Monday, March 4, the Biological Sciences Organization will be hosting our semesterly bake sale. Usually, we donate a portion of the proceeds from our sales to animal adoptions. And, though we absolutely love animals and strongly support and promote saving their habitats, we have decided to break from tradition in order to support another worthy cause: breast cancer research.
On campus, a few students (including me) led by Dr. Thomason and Dr. Rayhel are currently working with the EMT6 breast cancer cell line and with mouse-derived macrophage cells. Dr. Thomasson originally published his research in the 1980s. Right now, we are trying to determine which new route we would like to take with this work.
So if you have any questions about the research we are performing on campus, or if you would like to support the cause and purchase a baked treat, stop by the BSO table tomorrow in the Ryan corridor between 11:30 and 1:30. We will have a variety of cupcakes, cookies, and other delicacies available for just $1 each, and every person who purchases a treat will receive a free handmade breast cancer ribbon of their choice in order to wear to show their support. We hope to see you tomorrow!!
Tagged as:
Biology,
BSO,
Cancer,
research
As those of you who’ve read my previous blogs of this semester know, I am a St. Louis Sciene Center volunteer. I absolutely love the Science Center, and I’ve been all excited about two of the newest limited engagements. One of those is a traveling exhibit called “Wildlife Rescue,” which is an awesome, interactive exhibit about orphaned animals and conservation efforts that help save those animals. The other is an Omnimax film called “Born to Be Wild,” which is, as of last Saturday when I first saw it, my favorite Omnimax film of all time. (It took the place of “Everest,” which was my previous favorite Omnimax film of all time.)
Yesterday, some BSO members went to the Science Center to see the Wildlife Rescue exhibit. It was a really fun time, especially since last week was full of tests, quizzes, and midterms. It was also a great experience because the Wildlife Rescue exhibit really coincides with the BSO’s theme of this school year, which is “We are all connected in the great Circle of Life” (which is lovingly derived from that famous scene where Mufasa shows Simba what will one day become his kingdom in the epic movie “The Lion King”).
If you’re looking for a fun afternoon trip that’s only about ten minutes away from campus, I totally suggest that you go see both the film and the exhibit. In fact, if you show your Fontbonne student ID, you’ll get a discount. I think I can speak for all of the BSO members that were present in saying that we had a “roaring” good time. If you go to the Science Center and see the movie and/or the exhibit, I can assure you that you will have a “roaring” good time, too.
~ Me, Mary, Steph, Amanda, and Kaniz at the Science Center ~
Check out the “Born to Be Wild” trailer! But beware – you’ll fall in love with the adorable baby animals!
Tagged as:
Biology,
Born to Be Wild,
BSO,
Omnimax,
Science Center,
Wildlife Resuce
