Research cores are centralized, shared resources that provide access to advanced instruments, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), and specialized services to scientific and clinical investigators. Most have been founded to address the urgent research needs of STEM programs, medical schools, and…

In this work, a versatile and user-friendly selection of stereolithography (STL) files and computer-aided design (CAD) models are shared to assist educators and students in the production of simple and inexpensive 3D printed filter fluorometer instruments. These devices are effective resources for supporting active learners in the exploration of…

In this article, Brian Coppola begins by discussing the 2007 National Academies of Sciences (NAS) publication, "Rising Above the Gathering Storm" which called for for reprioritizing investments because "the world is changing rapidly, and our advantages are no longer unique. Without a renewed effort to bolster the foundations of our…

This investigative laboratory exercise uses the different relations between ambient temperature and metabolic rate in endotherms and ectotherms as a core concept to answer the following question: What thermoregulatory mode is employed by chicken embryos? Emphasis is placed on the physiological concepts that can be taught with this exercise,…

Describes a micromanipulator that is inexpensive, simple to build, rugged, and capable of several modes of operation beyond those of other types. It can, for example, be used with its controls quite remote from the tool holder and microscope or be controlled by computer. (JN)

The preparation and performance of a graphite (silver/copper sulfide) electrode is described. This rod, extracted from a used dry cell, is an acceptable substitute for ion-selective electrodes after it has been cleaned by abrasion followed by an overnight treatment with hydrochloric acid. (JN)

Describes the construction and use of a nondriven pendulum that can be used in a classroom to demonstrate the rotation of Earth on its axis. (JRH)

Reviews techniques for online coupling of high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry, emphasizing those suitable for application to nonvolatile samples. Also summarizes the present status, strengths, and weaknesses of various techniques and discusses potential applications of recently developed techniques for combined liquid…

Describes the construction of a simple, commercial-type electrode which is compact, not orientation sensitive, and requires the minimum of expensive materials (platinum and mercury). (JN)

Microgravity-the absence or reduction of some of the effects of gravity-is an important attribute of free-fall. In microgravity (often incorrectly called zero-g), water no longer flows "downhill" and neither do smoke or steam bubbles rise. This changes a number of chemical and physical activities. Experiments in combustion, fluid behavior,…

Describes construction/use of a device to simulate structures produced in fault zones of dominantly strike-dip motion. Apparatus modifications allow simulation of transtension and transpression as well as pure strike-slip fault motion. Illustrates formation of several structures using the apparatus, comparing them with natural examples. Includes…

Methods of preparing and characterizing modified electrodes are outlined and several applications are described. Topics include how electrodes are modified, characterization of such electrodes, and why it is necessary to modify electrodes. Reasons include use in electrocatalysis and display devices and in analytical/photoelectrochemical…

Describes a physical model that gives a good indication of the kinds of movements made by individual atoms in one plane of a cubic crystal lattice. (MLH)

Describes the construction of an insulated wooden wall incubator that combines excellent temperature control over the usual operating range with easy electrical access, low cost, and a wide potential size range. Presents a temperature- monitoring circuit, designed to measure the small temperature variations within the incubator, which could…

Describes the construction of a vernier scale made of chart paper that can be used to improve the readability of scales on burettes or graduated cylinders. (JRH)