Details undergraduate physiology laboratory experiments that demonstrate mechanical properties of cardiac muscle, using strips from the ventricle of a rat heart. Includes procedures for obtaining length-tension curves, demonstrating the role of calcium in excitation-contraction coupling, and showing effects of several cardiovascular drugs…

Describes instruments for the quantitative measurement of radioactively tagged organic and biological molecules used as tracers. (MLH)

Describes an experiment for an honors organic laboratory course that allows the student to approach a synthesis with independent planning and the use of the literature. (MLH)

Describes a method for experimenting with both whitening and deacidifying old newspaper clippings using sodium borohydride bleaching. Clippings are soaked in distilled water then immersed in sodium borohydride for 15-20 minutes. After rinsing with distilled water, the paper is washed with saturated Ca(OH)2 solution. Readers should not begin…

Describes a project designed to introduce infrared spectroscopy as a structure-determination technique. Students are introduced to infrared spectroscopy fundamentals then try to determine the identity of an unknown liquid from its infrared spectrum and molecular weight. The project demonstrates that only rarely can the identity of even simple…

Presents an exercise using linguini noodles to demonstrate an aspect of DNA fingerprinting. DNA maps that show genetic differences can be produced by digesting a certain piece of DNA with two or more restriction enzymes both individually and in combination. By rearranging and matching linguini fragments, students can recreate the original pattern…

Discusses the potential of computers in teaching laboratories to spare the lives of animals; however, it is felt that in areas of physiology education, virtual labs are not as desirable a learning experience for advanced students as live animal labs. (Author/AIM)

Surveyed students and faculty at Louisiana State University about the use of animals for teaching surgery. Found that they favored the practice, finding it helpful for learning aseptic technique and suturing skills but less so for learning tissue handling, dissection, hemostasis, or anesthesia. (EV)

Introduces chemistry laboratories in which students have the opportunity to conduct laboratory projects in multiple sessions that promote planning, thinking, technical performance, and responsibility. Defines the process of experimentation and its applications to science laboratories and describes successful project applications. (YDS)

Contained in this issue are 30 articles reviewing advances in different fields of analytical chemistry since 1980. Cumulatively, these reviews list over 1000 references. (CW)

Presented is an experiment in which students recover almost 90 percent of the original lead chloride thus saving on costs of chemicals and disposal. Included are experimental procedures and a discussion of typical results. (CW)

Reviewed is the use of the Thin-Film Mercury Electrode for anodic stripping voltammetry, simple voltammetry of solution cations and cathodic stripping voltammetry for the determination of an environmentally important molecule, thiourea. The construction of a simple potentiostat and applications for student laboratory courses are included. (CW)

Discussed is some of the confusion encountered in electrochemistry due to misunderstandings of sign conventions and simple mathematical errors. Clarified are issues involving emf series, IUPAC sign conventions, calculation of cell potentials, reference electrodes, the polarity of electrodes in electrochemical devices, and overpotential. (CW)

Described is an experiment which investigates the reciprocal changes in both rats and their handlers during handling. Included are questionnaires, procedures and a description of materials. Probable results are discussed. (CW)

Described is an activity which demonstrates an organic-based reprographic method that is used extensively for the duplication of microfilm and engineering drawings. Discussed are the chemistry of the process and how to demonstrate the process for students. (CW)