 |
 |
|
October 2007
- Oct 22nd-24th
Mark Westneat attends the Phyloinformatics Workshop at the e-science Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland.
“As phylogenetics scales up to grapple with the tree of life, new informatics challenges have emerged. Some are essentially algorithmic - the underlying problem of inferring phylogeny is computationally very hard. Large trees not only pose computational problems, but can be hard to visualise and navigate efficiently. Methodological issues abound, such as what is the most efficient way to mine large databases for phylogenetic analysis, and is the 'tree of life' the appropriate metaphor given evidence for extensive lateral gene transfer and hybridisation between different branches of the tree. Phylogenies themselves are intrinsically interesting, but their real utility to biologists comes when they are integrated with other data from genomics, geography, stratigraphy, ecology, and development. This poses informatics challenges, ranging from the more general problem of integrating diverse sources of biological data, to how best to store and query phylogenies. Can we express phylogenetic queries using existing database langauges, or is it time for a phylogenetic query language? All these topics can be gathered together under the heading 'phyloinformatics'. This workshop brings together researchers with backgrounds in biology, computer science, databasing, and mathematics. The aim is to survey the state of the art, present new results, and explore more closely the connections between these topics. The 3 day workshop will consist of 10 talks from invited experts (45 minutes each), plus 3 group discussion sessions (45 mins - 1 hour each). A poster session will be held in the middle of the meeting for investigators who wish to present their results, and there be also be time set aside for additional discussion and interaction.”
For more info and the list of invited speakers go to: http://www.nesc.ac.uk/esi/events/710/
- Oct 9th
Mark Westneat gives a presentation “Encyclopedia of Life: The Worldwide Biodiversity Project” as part of the Illinois Science Council lecture series Cool Science Talks: Brain Candy for October at Borders Book store on State Street. For more info go to: http://www.illinoisscience.org/biodiversity.aspx
- Oct 2nd
After much suspense the votes are counted; here are the top five nominations and some information about them, three will be chosen to go into the EOL depending on what other museums nominate:
- American Burying Beetle, Nicrophorus americanus
A snazzy-looking federally endangered species (thought for several decades to be extinct). It belongs to a genus with fascinating biology (subsocial with parental care by one or both parents, rearing young on small carcasses that the parents bury). Because of its endangered status, there have been a lot of studies of it including behavioral studies of captive individuals, distribution maps, and even a DigiMorph page.
- Giant Squid, Architeuthidae
Once believed to be mythical creatures, spectacular squid of the Architeuthidae family, are represented by as many as eight species of the genus Architeuthis. They are deep-ocean dwelling animals that can grow to a tremendous size: recent estimates put the maximum size at 13 m (43 ft) for females and 10 m (33 ft) for males from caudal fin to the tip of the two long tentacles. A great deal is known about the feeding habits and reproductive patterns of this creature but much more research needs to be done. The Giant Squid has a very rich body of cultural references, in part because of its mythical counterpart the Kracken.
- The Narwhal, Monodon monoceros
These arctic cetaceans are not only extremely cool looking, and have helped perpetuate the fabulous myth of the Unicorn (travelers used to bring back their tusks and say they were unicorn horns) but are scientifically still the subject of much debate, people are still trying to figure out what the purpose of their crazy cool tusk is. They are also an important part of Inuit culture both in mythology and as a food source.
- Chocolate Plant, Theobroma cacao
This medium sized evergreen bush can be found growing wild on the foothills of the Andes. The scientific name Theobroma means "food of the gods". The cultivation of Cacao by the ancient cultures of Latin America and its important influence in their culture only adds richness to the ethusiasm people exihibit for chocolate today, besides obvious culinary uses, the medicinal properties of cacao are areas of serious scientific inquiry. Beyond that it’s cultivation today has impact on both the economies and ecologies in the countries where it is grown, which are spread throughout South America (the Amazon) and Africa.
- Brazil Nuts, Bertholletia excelsa
Among the largest of trees in the Amazon Rainforests (one of the most diverse and important ecosystems on the planet) the Brazil nut tends to grow alongside large rivers. An important part of rainforests they can live for 500 years or more. Their seeds contain small amounts of radium (1000 times more than any other food), this is thought to be a result of their extensive root structure. These trees are endangered and many interesting studies have been done that correlate the harvesting of nuts with a decline of young growth populations. Brazil nuts for international trade come entirely from wild collection rather than from farms. This has been advanced as a model for generating income from a tropical forest without destroying it.
- Oct 1st
Second target date for applications from Postdoctoral candidates
Continue to September 2007 >>
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
