Nsf-ari-grant - Revision history

Seuka at 03:37, 4 August 2009

2009-08-04T03:37:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:37, 4 August 2009
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	The component of our shared research facility that is located in the basement of Stanley Hall has provided support for research in the molecular research laboratory on the first floor, namely animal rearing and experimentation. Currently this space is occupied by five small rooms. While designed for animal rearing, these rooms have very little climate control capacity. Our new faculty will continue to have needs to rear/maintain vertebrate and invertebrate animals for research. We propose to renovate two of these rooms, converting one into an environmental chamber and the other into a cold-room (Fig. XX). The environmental chamber will have precise temperature and humidity control for the rearing of invertebrates. Ant colonies stored in this space will be used in an NSF sponsored research project (DEB-IOS 0920732) designed to unravel the molecular basis of reproductive division of labor in ant societies. The cold room will serve a dual purpose, serving for storage of temperature sensitive reagents as well as to house equipment. Our BioRad LPLC (and newly funded preparatory HPLC?) column chromatography systems will be housed in the cold room. This will provide optimal conditions for maintaining the activity and function of both natural and synthetic proteins and peptides purified with these instruments. The cold room will also provide a preparatory area for any heat-sensitive biological or biochemical samples.		The component of our shared research facility that is located in the basement of Stanley Hall has provided support for research in the molecular research laboratory on the first floor, namely animal rearing and experimentation. Currently this space is occupied by five small rooms. While designed for animal rearing, these rooms have very little climate control capacity. Our new faculty will continue to have needs to rear/maintain vertebrate and invertebrate animals for research. We propose to renovate two of these rooms, converting one into an environmental chamber and the other into a cold-room (Fig. XX). The environmental chamber will have precise temperature and humidity control for the rearing of invertebrates. Ant colonies stored in this space will be used in an NSF sponsored research project (DEB-IOS 0920732) designed to unravel the molecular basis of reproductive division of labor in ant societies. The cold room will serve a dual purpose, serving for storage of temperature sensitive reagents as well as to house equipment. Our BioRad LPLC (and newly funded preparatory HPLC?) column chromatography systems will be housed in the cold room. This will provide optimal conditions for maintaining the activity and function of both natural and synthetic proteins and peptides purified with these instruments. Proteins purified in the cold room will be used in isotope-edited FTIR studies to investigate secondary structure and hydration changes associated with lipid membrane interactions. The cold room will also provide a preparatory area for any heat-sensitive biological or biochemical samples.

	The basement lab will also be used for a component of Bob Rosenberg�s electrophysiological experiments. He performs single-channel experiments on ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels reconstituted into planar lipid bilayers. These experiments are extremely vibration-sensitive, so the basement lab is ideal. However, the experiments also require lab facilities that are currently lacking (benches, sinks, internet, shelves, air/water/gas/vacuum). We propose to update the basement lab with these facilities in order to make it functional for these (and other) experiments.		The basement lab will also be used for a component of Bob Rosenberg�s electrophysiological experiments. He performs single-channel experiments on ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels reconstituted into planar lipid bilayers. These experiments are extremely vibration-sensitive, so the basement lab is ideal. However, the experiments also require lab facilities that are currently lacking (benches, sinks, internet, shelves, air/water/gas/vacuum). We propose to update the basement lab with these facilities in order to make it functional for these (and other) experiments.
	Bob Rosenberg�s research combines site-directed mutagenesis, heterologous expression, and single-cell electrophysiology to characterize the conformational changes of neuronal nicotinic receptors during activation, modulation, and desensitization.		Bob Rosenberg�s research combines site-directed mutagenesis, heterologous expression, and single-cell electrophysiology to characterize the conformational changes of neuronal nicotinic receptors during activation, modulation, and desensitization.

Seuka at 03:27, 4 August 2009

2009-08-04T03:27:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:27, 4 August 2009
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	The component of our shared research facility that is located in the basement of Stanley Hall has provided support for research in the molecular research laboratory on the first floor, namely animal rearing and experimentation. Currently this space is occupied by five small rooms. While designed for animal rearing, these rooms have very little climate control capacity. Our new faculty will continue to have needs to rear/maintain vertebrate and invertebrate animals for research. We propose to renovate two of these rooms, converting one into an environmental chamber and the other into a cold-room (Fig. XX). The environmental chamber will have precise temperature and humidity control for the rearing of invertebrates. Ant colonies stored in this space will be used in an NSF sponsored research project (DEB-IOS 0920732) designed to unravel the molecular basis of reproductive division of labor in ant societies. The cold room will serve a dual purpose, serving for storage of temperature sensitive reagents as well as to house equipment. ~~CHEMISTRY EQUIPMENT AND ITS USE~~.		The component of our shared research facility that is located in the basement of Stanley Hall has provided support for research in the molecular research laboratory on the first floor, namely animal rearing and experimentation. Currently this space is occupied by five small rooms. While designed for animal rearing, these rooms have very little climate control capacity. Our new faculty will continue to have needs to rear/maintain vertebrate and invertebrate animals for research. We propose to renovate two of these rooms, converting one into an environmental chamber and the other into a cold-room (Fig. XX). The environmental chamber will have precise temperature and humidity control for the rearing of invertebrates. Ant colonies stored in this space will be used in an NSF sponsored research project (DEB-IOS 0920732) designed to unravel the molecular basis of reproductive division of labor in ant societies. The cold room will serve a dual purpose, serving for storage of temperature sensitive reagents as well as to house equipment. Our BioRad LPLC (and newly funded preparatory HPLC?) column chromatography systems will be housed in the cold room. This will provide optimal conditions for maintaining the activity and function of both natural and synthetic proteins and peptides purified with these instruments. The cold room will also provide a preparatory area for any heat-sensitive biological or biochemical samples.

	The basement lab will also be used for a component of Bob Rosenberg�s electrophysiological experiments. He performs single-channel experiments on ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels reconstituted into planar lipid bilayers. These experiments are extremely vibration-sensitive, so the basement lab is ideal. However, the experiments also require lab facilities that are currently lacking (benches, sinks, internet, shelves, air/water/gas/vacuum). We propose to update the basement lab with these facilities in order to make it functional for these (and other) experiments.		The basement lab will also be used for a component of Bob Rosenberg�s electrophysiological experiments. He performs single-channel experiments on ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels reconstituted into planar lipid bilayers. These experiments are extremely vibration-sensitive, so the basement lab is ideal. However, the experiments also require lab facilities that are currently lacking (benches, sinks, internet, shelves, air/water/gas/vacuum). We propose to update the basement lab with these facilities in order to make it functional for these (and other) experiments.
	Bob Rosenberg�s research combines site-directed mutagenesis, heterologous expression, and single-cell electrophysiology to characterize the conformational changes of neuronal nicotinic receptors during activation, modulation, and desensitization.		Bob Rosenberg�s research combines site-directed mutagenesis, heterologous expression, and single-cell electrophysiology to characterize the conformational changes of neuronal nicotinic receptors during activation, modulation, and desensitization.

Deibemi at 01:36, 4 August 2009

2009-08-04T01:36:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:36, 4 August 2009
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	:- use description of SH as whole		:- use description of SH as whole
			::- built in 1972 for Chemistry, Biology, Psychology
			:: - space gained and converted in minimal way to research in 2002
			:: - additional space gained and converted in minimal way in 2004 (EAL)


	::- need details of past renovations of each area to do this		::- need details of past renovations of each area to do this
	::: - renovations under Lilly grant in this area (~~move in~~ hoods ~~only?)~~		::: - renovations under Lilly grant in this area
			:::: - old hoods moved, 1 hood replaced (Bio), controls updated on all hoods


	::: - other renovations - minor changes to adapt space when psychology went to LBC		::: - other renovations - minor changes to adapt space when psychology went to LBC

Amymul: biology's 2.5 pages

2009-08-03T15:34:48Z

biology's 2.5 pages

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:34, 3 August 2009
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	''		''
	5. The description of needs should be comprehensive enough to allow reviewers to evaluate the extent to which the facility improvement is essential and appropriate.''		5. The description of needs should be comprehensive enough to allow reviewers to evaluate the extent to which the facility improvement is essential and appropriate.''


			The component of the research facility located on the first floor of Stanley Hall (built in 1972) has served collaborative student-faculty research projects of biologists and chemists involving DNA, RNA, protein, and tissue both during the summer and academic year (CITE). In addition, because of its central functionality, the space is key for the preparation of undergraduates for progressively independent research work in course associate labs (CITE). Student-faculty collaborative research constitutes approximately 85% of the use of the space; the remaining 15% is for course-associated research endeavors.

			The most recent reconfiguration of this space occurred in 19XX, when the offices for psychology faculty were moved to a new building and relocation of a wall expanded the facility space by 680 ft2. With a total of 1580 ft2, small areas for individual working groups of faculty and students, and shared bench spaces for routine activities (solution preparation, electrophoresis, bacterial culture, spectroscopy, microscopy, etc.), the floor plan facilitates interactions among faculty and students. Additional electrical outlets, a water purification system, a chemical hood, internet connectivity, and one updated sink were added during the past ten years to meet the most basic demands of research. The space has also been rearranged to better house the additional equipment and activities of our new faculty (see below). These modifications are superficial and make-shift; they have not improved the out-dated infrastructure, nor do they meet the needs for the quality and quantity of our research activities (including research funded by NIH, NSF and KECK), especially as we recently hired four new faculty that will use the space. Our aged research space currently houses state of the art, commonly shared equipment for cloning, PCR, DNA sequencing and fragment analysis, gel imaging, gene expression, and single-cell electrophysiology under woefully inadequate circumstances.

			The constraints of the space are substantial. The benches and shelving units date from the original construction. There is minimal lighting directed at the work spaces and storage is inadequate. The facility has limited natural gas access, inadequate electrical and cyber connectivity, and no in-house vacuum or air. The single water purification system is at least 20 years old. HVAC considerations? In addition, many pieces of shared equipment, including the LI-COR 4300L DNA Analyzer and Thermo MultiSkan MCC plate reader, require more space than can currently be provided.



			In addition to the student-faculty collaborative projects described above, the facility space will continue to support the investigative projects associated with courses. Our biology curriculum engages students in scientific inquiry from their first course and builds independence and sophistication progressively. For instance, the introductory level genetics laboratory has students test hypotheses relating to the presence/absence of soil bacteria using PCR and electrophoresis. Other courses involve students performing SDS-PAGE, Western analysis, fluorescent microscopy, and chromatography as part of course-associated experiments. More than 150 students per year have access to equipment and bench space in the facility for these course-related purposes. This number will likely grow in the coming years as more molecular techniques (e.g. ELISA assays, others?) are used by students in physiology and neurobiology projects.



			Our proposed renovation of this space specifically includes the following (refer to Figures x and y):

			1) Removal of a wall remaining from the previous modifications in 19XX. Installation of new benches and shelving units along three exterior walls. Installation of XX double-sided benches and shelve units projecting into the room. Total bench space will increase from XXX ft to XXX ft. New benches will have work-top lighting. Improved storage facilities for supplies will provide a safer, less cluttered environment.

			2) Installation of gas, air, vacuum, electrical, and internet connections on all benches. Installation of X purified water systems.

			3) Installation of a second fume hood.

			4) what else???? Sinks? New ceiling? New lighting (in addition to the bench-top)? To be worked on in early August when all parties are on campus and can see the spaces.


			We know from our prior conceptualization of this space as a facility shared by multiple faculty, that aggregation of our resources allows a synergism among faculty and students working on diverse systems/questions that broadens the research addressed.



			The component of our shared research facility that is located in the basement of Stanley Hall has provided support for research in the molecular research laboratory on the first floor, namely animal rearing and experimentation. Currently this space is occupied by five small rooms. While designed for animal rearing, these rooms have very little climate control capacity. Our new faculty will continue to have needs to rear/maintain vertebrate and invertebrate animals for research. We propose to renovate two of these rooms, converting one into an environmental chamber and the other into a cold-room (Fig. XX). The environmental chamber will have precise temperature and humidity control for the rearing of invertebrates. Ant colonies stored in this space will be used in an NSF sponsored research project (DEB-IOS 0920732) designed to unravel the molecular basis of reproductive division of labor in ant societies. The cold room will serve a dual purpose, serving for storage of temperature sensitive reagents as well as to house equipment. CHEMISTRY EQUIPMENT AND ITS USE.

Stockma at 23:44, 2 August 2009

2009-08-02T23:44:34Z

← Older revision	Revision as of 23:44, 2 August 2009
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		Research Description (Mark G. Stocksdale)

Deibemi at 12:50, 1 August 2009

2009-08-01T12:50:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:50, 1 August 2009
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	A second area of focus has been the isolation and analysis of antioxidants and antioxidant classes from natural products, which have not previously been characterized for this ability. Antioxidant compounds (particularly phenolics) from natural products can serve as protective agents against reactive oxygen species, which have been shown to be important in aging, cancer, Alzheimer�s disease, and Parkinson�s disease. Specifically, the extracts of blue violet leaf (Viola odorata) and red root (Ceanothus americanus ) were shown to have very high antioxidant capacities. Antioxidant activities were measured by the scavenging of a stable radical (ABTS). We have also performed column chromatography (sephadex LH-20) on each extract and determined that the extract of BVL is primarily due to smaller phenolics, while RR is due more to polymeric phenolics (add ref). Continuing research involves looking at their antioxidant effectiveness in other antioxidant tests and further isolation and characterization of the compounds in each extract (both known and possibly unknown compounds).		A second area of focus has been the isolation and analysis of antioxidants and antioxidant classes from natural products, which have not previously been characterized for this ability. Antioxidant compounds (particularly phenolics) from natural products can serve as protective agents against reactive oxygen species, which have been shown to be important in aging, cancer, Alzheimer�s disease, and Parkinson�s disease. Specifically, the extracts of blue violet leaf (Viola odorata) and red root (Ceanothus americanus ) were shown to have very high antioxidant capacities. Antioxidant activities were measured by the scavenging of a stable radical (ABTS). We have also performed column chromatography (sephadex LH-20) on each extract and determined that the extract of BVL is primarily due to smaller phenolics, while RR is due more to polymeric phenolics (add ref). Continuing research involves looking at their antioxidant effectiveness in other antioxidant tests and further isolation and characterization of the compounds in each extract (both known and possibly unknown compounds).


	Research Description for Chris R. Smith:		Research Description for Chris R. Smith:

Deibemi at 12:50, 1 August 2009

2009-08-01T12:50:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:50, 1 August 2009
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	To address these questions Dr. Smith uses standard approaches such as morphometrics, physiological measures, and behavioral observations, coupled with modern approaches such as stable isotope analysis to infer diets, genetic markers to quantify relatedness and genetic variation, and as part of a recently funded NSF grant (DEB-IOS 0920732) genomics. This grant has funded the entire genome sequencing of the red harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, in order to find and validate the genes responsible for reproductive caste determination, the fundamental trait of advanced sociality. While �caste genes� are the main goal in this sponsored research, we have recruited a community of researchers and students to help assemble and annotate this first ant genome, a resource certain to stimulate the budding field of socio-genomics.		To address these questions Dr. Smith uses standard approaches such as morphometrics, physiological measures, and behavioral observations, coupled with modern approaches such as stable isotope analysis to infer diets, genetic markers to quantify relatedness and genetic variation, and as part of a recently funded NSF grant (DEB-IOS 0920732) genomics. This grant has funded the entire genome sequencing of the red harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, in order to find and validate the genes responsible for reproductive caste determination, the fundamental trait of advanced sociality. While �caste genes� are the main goal in this sponsored research, we have recruited a community of researchers and students to help assemble and annotate this first ant genome, a resource certain to stimulate the budding field of socio-genomics.
	Dr. Smith�s research involves domestic and international collaborations and field work. He has also been involved in organizing the ant genomics community in order to facilitate the sequencing, annotation, and sharing of >10 ant genomes in the next 5 years. His research has involved collaborations with other faculty, post-docs, graduate students and undergraduates. Dr. Smith has recently moved to Earlham College after a post-doc at Arizona State University and will initiate collaborative research with undergraduates as part of a NSF sponsored project as well as new collaborative research in the Biology and Chemistry Departments.		Dr. Smith�s research involves domestic and international collaborations and field work. He has also been involved in organizing the ant genomics community in order to facilitate the sequencing, annotation, and sharing of >10 ant genomes in the next 5 years. His research has involved collaborations with other faculty, post-docs, graduate students and undergraduates. Dr. Smith has recently moved to Earlham College after a post-doc at Arizona State University and will initiate collaborative research with undergraduates as part of a NSF sponsored project as well as new collaborative research in the Biology and Chemistry Departments.


	Research description (Wendy P. Tori)		Research description (Wendy P. Tori)
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	Question from Wendy: Should I add previous funding sources for my research?		Question from Wendy: Should I add previous funding sources for my research?


			Research description (Lori Watson) Synthesis and Reactivity Studies of Bisimido and Phosphinoimido Transition Metal Complexes

			My research broadly seeks to answer the question of how electronic structure and steric constraints of ligands affect the structure and reactivity of their mid to late metal complexes. I have particular interest in synthesizing novel unsaturated bisimido and phosphinoimido metal complexes, particularly metal carbene and hydrido complexes, and investigating their reactivity toward alkene metathesis, C-X bond activation, and hydrogenation reactions Imido and phosphinoimido ligands can be variable electron donors, depending on their geometry, and thus tune the electron density available at the metal center, stabilizing unsaturation while allowing incoming substrate attack. This ability to react without the often rate-limiting step of ligand disassociation makes these unsaturated complexes useful in many catalytic applications and many such complexes, most particularly those of rhenium and osmium, have found use in several important reactions (aminohydroxylation and diaminations, for example). My most current project, supported by a Dreyfus Foundation Start-up Grant and internal Earlham College research funds, focuses on the synthesis of imido and bisimido complexes of Re, Mo, and W, sometimes including additional variable electron donating ligands (Figure X).
			In the past 5 years, 16 undergraduates have participated in this research project, many of whom have gone on to further graduate study and work in the chemical sciences. The requested renovations, most particularly of the synthetic and analysis space, will provide an appropriate configuration and quality of space for this research. With our two inert atmosphere gloveboxes (where much of our chemistry is carried out) in the synthesis space, along with other common equipment (i.e. rotovaps) and increased hood and bench space, closer collaboration with other synthetic groups will be fostered. The presence of improved building utilities (house nitrogen and vacuum, in particular) will reduce the time spent in local maintenance of gas cylinders and some vacuum pumps thus increasing the time available for research and research training.

Toriwe at 00:37, 30 July 2009

2009-07-30T00:37:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:37, 30 July 2009
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	::- all spaces are for shared use (not dedicated to a single faculty user) and are organized by function		::- all spaces are for shared use (not dedicated to a single faculty user) and are organized by function
	::- research facility helps serve the research training needs of our shared major		::- research facility helps serve the research training needs of our shared major



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	:: - spaces inadequate for multi-faculty, multi-project use		:: - spaces inadequate for multi-faculty, multi-project use
	:: - increased # of faculty, students doing research needs all of the above		:: - increased # of faculty, students doing research needs all of the above
			- New faculty with new interests. Need for new equipment that can not be supported by old facilities


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	:: - emphasis on ensuring research exposure for large number of students		:: - emphasis on ensuring research exposure for large number of students
	:: - the numbers (grad school, % of majors in college,......)		:: - the numbers (grad school, % of majors in college,......)
			- A lot of faculty members do summer research with undergraduate students
			- Students from BioChem major are required to do research to graduate


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	Dr. Smith�s research involves domestic and international collaborations and field work. He has also been involved in organizing the ant genomics community in order to facilitate the sequencing, annotation, and sharing of >10 ant genomes in the next 5 years. His research has involved collaborations with other faculty, post-docs, graduate students and undergraduates. Dr. Smith has recently moved to Earlham College after a post-doc at Arizona State University and will initiate collaborative research with undergraduates as part of a NSF sponsored project as well as new collaborative research in the Biology and Chemistry Departments.		Dr. Smith�s research involves domestic and international collaborations and field work. He has also been involved in organizing the ant genomics community in order to facilitate the sequencing, annotation, and sharing of >10 ant genomes in the next 5 years. His research has involved collaborations with other faculty, post-docs, graduate students and undergraduates. Dr. Smith has recently moved to Earlham College after a post-doc at Arizona State University and will initiate collaborative research with undergraduates as part of a NSF sponsored project as well as new collaborative research in the Biology and Chemistry Departments.

			Research description (Wendy P. Tori)


			Question from Wendy: Should I add previous funding sources for my research?


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	-HPLC has also been used for epigenetic assays (methylation of cysteine residues), which is something that I've been working on. Also, I have a project that uses stable isotopes (N and C) for inferring diets, and how this relates to both developmental differences as well as the evolution of sociality. Further, GC/MS could be used for studies of social interactions in insects (ants); contact pheromones in particular (hydrocarbons) are the glue that holds insect societies together.		-HPLC has also been used for epigenetic assays (methylation of cysteine residues), which is something that I've been working on. Also, I have a project that uses stable isotopes (N and C) for inferring diets, and how this relates to both developmental differences as well as the evolution of sociality. Further, GC/MS could be used for studies of social interactions in insects (ants); contact pheromones in particular (hydrocarbons) are the glue that holds insect societies together.



			Potential collaborative research from Wendy

			1) Study how hormones affect male dominance and reproductive success of Manakins / Bluebirds (Biology- Chemistry)
			2) Using isotopes to infer the diet of males with different territory qualities and see if there is any relationship with their reproductive success. (Biology- Chemistry)
			3) Using isotopes, examine how Manakin diets change across seasons (breeding/non breeding) and between ages (sub adult / adult) and sexes (Biology- Chemistry)

Smithch at 21:27, 28 July 2009

2009-07-28T21:27:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:27, 28 July 2009
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	Research Description for Chris R. Smith:		Research Description for Chris R. Smith:

	Division of labor occurs when individuals within a group (also organelles within a cell, cells or tissues within an organism, etc.) perform different functions; achieving an effective division of labor is essential to both the evolution of complexity (from prokaryote to eukaryote, uni- to multi-cellularity, individuals to societies, etc.) as well as the spectacular ecological and evolutionary success of the social insects. Dr. Smith�s research focuses on developing an understanding of division of labor in societies, using ants as a model system. Dr. Smith uses tools from genomics to behavioral ecology in order to understand the essential component of insect sociality, the reproductive division of labor. Key questions addressed are: What genes and gene modifications are involved in the development of alternative phenotypes, the worker and queen? How do colonies regulate what castes are produced? And how do elaborate systems of morphological division of labor (when many distinct castes are produced) evolve, in terms of both development and selection?		Division of labor occurs when individuals within a group (also organelles within a cell, cells or tissues within an organism, etc.) perform different functions; achieving an effective division of labor is essential to both the evolution of complexity (from prokaryote to eukaryote, uni- to multi-cellularity, individuals to societies, etc.) as well as the spectacular ecological and evolutionary success of the social insects. Dr. Smith�s research focuses on developing an understanding of division of labor in societies, using ants as a model system. Dr. Smith uses tools from genomics to behavioral ecology in order to understand the essential component of insect sociality, the reproductive division of labor. Key questions addressed are: What genes and gene modifications are involved in the development of alternative phenotypes, the worker and queen? How do colonies regulate what castes are produced? And how do elaborate systems of morphological division of labor (when many distinct castes are produced) evolve, in terms of both development and selection?
	To address these questions Dr. Smith uses standard approaches such as morphometrics, physiological measures, and behavioral observations, coupled with modern approaches such as stable isotope analysis to infer diets, genetic markers to quantify relatedness and genetic variation, and as part of a recently funded NSF grant (DEB-IOS 0920732) genomics. This grant has funded the entire genome sequencing of the red harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, in order to find and validate the genes responsible for reproductive caste determination, the fundamental trait of advanced sociality. While �caste genes� are the main goal in this sponsored research, we have recruited a community of researchers and students to help assemble and annotate this first ant genome, a resource certain to stimulate the budding field of socio-genomics.		To address these questions Dr. Smith uses standard approaches such as morphometrics, physiological measures, and behavioral observations, coupled with modern approaches such as stable isotope analysis to infer diets, genetic markers to quantify relatedness and genetic variation, and as part of a recently funded NSF grant (DEB-IOS 0920732) genomics. This grant has funded the entire genome sequencing of the red harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, in order to find and validate the genes responsible for reproductive caste determination, the fundamental trait of advanced sociality. While �caste genes� are the main goal in this sponsored research, we have recruited a community of researchers and students to help assemble and annotate this first ant genome, a resource certain to stimulate the budding field of socio-genomics.

Smithch at 21:26, 28 July 2009

2009-07-28T21:26:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:26, 28 July 2009
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	A second area of focus has been the isolation and analysis of antioxidants and antioxidant classes from natural products, which have not previously been characterized for this ability. Antioxidant compounds (particularly phenolics) from natural products can serve as protective agents against reactive oxygen species, which have been shown to be important in aging, cancer, Alzheimer�s disease, and Parkinson�s disease. Specifically, the extracts of blue violet leaf (Viola odorata) and red root (Ceanothus americanus ) were shown to have very high antioxidant capacities. Antioxidant activities were measured by the scavenging of a stable radical (ABTS). We have also performed column chromatography (sephadex LH-20) on each extract and determined that the extract of BVL is primarily due to smaller phenolics, while RR is due more to polymeric phenolics (add ref). Continuing research involves looking at their antioxidant effectiveness in other antioxidant tests and further isolation and characterization of the compounds in each extract (both known and possibly unknown compounds).		A second area of focus has been the isolation and analysis of antioxidants and antioxidant classes from natural products, which have not previously been characterized for this ability. Antioxidant compounds (particularly phenolics) from natural products can serve as protective agents against reactive oxygen species, which have been shown to be important in aging, cancer, Alzheimer�s disease, and Parkinson�s disease. Specifically, the extracts of blue violet leaf (Viola odorata) and red root (Ceanothus americanus ) were shown to have very high antioxidant capacities. Antioxidant activities were measured by the scavenging of a stable radical (ABTS). We have also performed column chromatography (sephadex LH-20) on each extract and determined that the extract of BVL is primarily due to smaller phenolics, while RR is due more to polymeric phenolics (add ref). Continuing research involves looking at their antioxidant effectiveness in other antioxidant tests and further isolation and characterization of the compounds in each extract (both known and possibly unknown compounds).

			Research Description for Chris R. Smith:






	:* ideas for collaborative research go here		:* ideas for collaborative research go here
	:- Interaction of the protein component of ant venom with lipid vesicles.(?) Particularly changes in secondary structure and solvation. --[[User:Seuka\|Seuka]] 20:11, 23 July 2009 (UTC)		:- Interaction of the protein component of ant venom with lipid vesicles.(?) Particularly changes in secondary structure and solvation. Some ant venoms are of pharmacological interest, and may also function as fungi- and bacteriacides. --[[User:Seuka\|Seuka]] 20:11, 23 July 2009 (UTC)

	:- Previous research in Bob's lab used planar lipid bilayers to reconstitute ion channels into artificial membranes. We used electrophysiology to characterize the reconstituted channels in various lipid environments. Although we haven't done thihs type of experiment in several years, I'm bringing the equipment and I hope to set up a bilayer rig at Earlham. Is there a possible collaboration with Kalani in this area? Do any of Kalani's proteins show ion channel activity?		:- Previous research in Bob's lab used planar lipid bilayers to reconstitute ion channels into artificial membranes. We used electrophysiology to characterize the reconstituted channels in various lipid environments. Although we haven't done thihs type of experiment in several years, I'm bringing the equipment and I hope to set up a bilayer rig at Earlham. Is there a possible collaboration with Kalani in this area? Do any of Kalani's proteins show ion channel activity?
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	:- Collaborations on molecular analyses using HPLC (hormones) or GC/MS (smaller molecules or isotopic work)?		:- Collaborations on molecular analyses using HPLC (hormones) or GC/MS (smaller molecules or isotopic work)?
			-HPLC has also been used for epigenetic assays (methylation of cysteine residues), which is something that I've been working on. Also, I have a project that uses stable isotopes (N and C) for inferring diets, and how this relates to both developmental differences as well as the evolution of sociality. Further, GC/MS could be used for studies of social interactions in insects (ants); contact pheromones in particular (hydrocarbons) are the glue that holds insect societies together.