Nerve circuits are usually analyzed in terms of the axon, the long fiber of the nerve cell. It now appears that there are many circuits involving only the nerve cell's shorter extensions, the dendrites. (Author/BB)

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)

This issue of Exploratorium Magazine focuses on microbes. Different types of microorganisms are introduced based on their living environments or whether they are harmful or beneficial. Contents include: (1) "It's a Small World" (Blake Edgar); (2) "The Human Body: A Complex Ecosystem" (Nik Walter); (3) "The Hills That…

Reviews some research on, and provides a mathematical model for, the decline in bacterial populations in a closed system as a consequence of accumulating toxins and decreasing food. (AL)

Compares various nutrient media, growth conditions, and stock solutions used in culturing protozoa. A hay infusion in Chalkey's solution maintained at a stable temperature is recommended for producing the most dense and diverse cultures. (WB)

Describes the preparation of a simple microbiological medium using inexpensive materials routinely available in any supermarket. Discusses inoculation of the medium and colony examination. (JRH)

Provides evidence of a decline in basic numeracy skills among first-year bioscience undergraduate students. Tests conceptualized numeracy skills which form a component of an introductory microbiology module. (Contains 23 references.) (Author/YDS)

Presents a nonmajor microbiology course on emerging diseases that introduces students to basic concepts in microbiology and improves scientific literacy. (Contains 21 references.) (Author/YDS)

A modified version "Tobacco Induced Mutations" of Ames assay experiment provides a meaningful context for students to learn about the concept of mutations by using a known carcinogen that is tobacco. This experiment shows toxicological concept of the dose/response relationship and visually demonstrates when a mutation have occurred in bacteria…

The 2003 conference of the International Biodegradation and Biodeterioration Society (www.biodeterioration. org) and the International Biodegradation Research Group (www.ibrg.org), was held last September at the Manchester Metropolitan University. The conference, "Management and Control of Undesirable Microorganisms", followed the usual…

Objective and Participants: The authors of this retrospective case study focused on antimicrobial susceptibility of urinary tract isolates in cases of acute uncomplicated cystitis in college-aged women, aged 18 to 24 years, diagnosed at a major south-central university student health center. Methods: The authors obtained pertinent data from…

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS or simply MALDI) has become ubiquitous in the identification and analysis of biomacromolecules. As a technique that allows for the molecular weight determination of otherwise nonvolatile molecules, MALDI has had a profound impact in the molecular…

Cellular respiration and metabolism are topics that are reportedly poorly understood by students and judged to be difficult by many teachers. Although these topics may not be required learning areas in some high school biology curricula, a grasp of fundamental concepts of cellular metabolic processes is advantageous for students undertaking (or…