Computer vision (CV) is a subfield of artificial intelligence (AI) that trains computers to understand our visual world based on digital images. There are many successful applications of CV including face and hand gesture detection, weather recording, smart farming, and self-driving cars. Recent advances in computer vision with machine learning…

This paper describes the expressed models that children aged 7, 11, and 14 years have about micro-organisms and microbial activity. These were elicited using a variety of data collection techniques that complemented each other, resulting in a rich dataset, and provided information about the level of knowledge and progression of ideas across the…

The ability to sequence genes has vastly altered our understanding of higher-level relationships among organisms such as those found at the kingdom level. It is important for biology teachers to incorporate these new views and not retain outdated concepts still present in some textbooks. This article provides an overview of our new understanding…

By using a computer program to identify bacteria, students sharpen their analytical skills and gain familiarity with procedures used in laboratories outside the university. Although it is ideal for identifying a bacterium, the program can be adapted to many other disciplines. (Author)

A rapid sequencing method for ribosomal RNA was applied to the resolution of evolutionary relationships among Metazoa. Describes the four groups (chordates, echinoderms, arthropods, and eucoelomate protostomes) that radiated from the coelomates. (TW)

Describes an exercise which uses a computer program (written for Commodore 64 microcomputers) that accepts data obtained from identifying bacteria, calculates similarity coefficients, and performs single linkage cluster analysis. Includes a program for simulating bacterial cultures for students who should not handle pathogenic microorganisms. (JN)

Considers the classification of organisms into five kingdoms based on evidence from molecular biology and microscopic techniques. Divides organisms into Protoctista, Monera, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia, discussing characteristics of prokaryotes and eukaryotes as related to division of the kingdoms--prokaryotes in kingdom Monera and eukaryotes in…

Using the biochemical record to class archaebacteria, eukaryotes, and eubacteria involves abstractions difficult for the concrete learner. Therefore, a method is provided in which students discover some basic tenets of biochemical classification and apply them in a "hands-on" classification problem. The method involves use of RNA…

Presented is a card game (loosely based on Canasta) for use in teaching microbial systematics. The cards and rules are described for the game, which is based on the construction of named microorganisms drawn from a collection of cards carrying a range of characteristics. (CS)

Characteristics of the archaebacteria (comprising the methanogenic, thermoacidophilic, and extreme halophilic bacteria) are discussed, including comparisons of molecular traits for archaebacteria, eubacteria, eukaryotes, and taxonomic considerations. Issues related to integrating the archaebacteria into biology curricula and teaching about the…