PlantsT: Functional Genomics of Plant Transporters
http://plantst.sdsc.edu/
This database from the University of California and the San Diego Supercomputer Center "is part of the Plant Genome Program for the National Science Foundation." The information contained within the site focuses on genes involved in transport and uptake of plant nutrients. Users can perform a variety of different searches and limit the results by species, if desired. Users can also register to take advantage of certain customizing features. Although there are educational features, this site is primarily for an audience with advanced knowledge of plant genetics. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Center for Eukaryotic Structural Genomics
http://www.uwstructuralgenomics.org/cesghome.htm
A collaboration between the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Medical College of Wisconsin, Molecular Kinetics, Inc., and Hebrew University, the Center for Eukaryotic Structural Genomics (CESG) intends to "develop critical technologies for determining three-dimensional structures of proteins rapidly and economically." The site gives an overview of CESG, including the goals and mission of the center, biographies of people involved, and the methodology and results of the program. The results section is the most substantial part of the site, giving information on how target proteins were selected, protocols and technology used, publications based on CESG research, and more. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
DNA Data Bank of Japan
http://www.ddbj.nig.ac.jp/
The DNA Data Bank of Japan collects DNA sequence data and assigns internationally recognized accession numbers mainly from Japanese researchers. It is one of the International DNA Databases that shares data on a daily basis with the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL) and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI); as a result, all three sources should provide the same information. Users can search for data in several different ways or use one of the various analysis tools. The site also provides information for researchers looking to submit data. Most information is presented in both English and Japanese. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
The Peptaibol Database
http://www.cryst.bbk.ac.uk/peptaibol/welcome.html
This online database from the Crystallography Department at Birkbeck College, London "deals primarily with naturally occurring peptides, generally these have a fungal origin." The search function is easy to use; data can be queried by name, family, or residue motif. Another useful feature is the Peptaibol Picture Gallery, which includes images of several peptaibols. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Bibliography of the Neuropterida
http://entowww.tamu.edu/research/neuropterida/bibhome.html
Created and maintained by neuropterid researcher John D. Oswald through Texas A&M University, this Web site is a searchable database of literature regarding lacewings and closely related insect orders. The author provides detailed instructions for using the literature search feature, which works much the same as most bibliographic databases. Visitors should note that this bibliography is a work in progress with many incomplete citations, as well as content that heavily reflects the author's own research interests in systematics, taxonomy, and phylogeny. Neuropterid researchers are encouraged to help complete the bibliography by submitting information that completes, corrects, and/or adds to existing citations. [RAS]
[Back to Contents]
Homeodomain Resource
http://genome.nhgri.nih.gov/homeodomain/
As part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Human Genome Research Institute's (NHGRI) Division of Intramural Research (DIR) conducts research regarding the genetic component of human disease. The Homeodomain Resource presents "an annotated collection of non-redundant protein sequences, three-dimensional structures, and genomic information for the homeodomain protein family." In addition to providing compilations of data from the literature, this Web site features a homeodomain database that can be searched by a number of criteria, including gene sequence, protein name, organism, and gene symbol. [RAS]
[Back to Contents]
Agroforestree Database
http://www.icraf.cgiar.org/treessd/AFT/AFT.htm
The International Center for Research in Agroforestry has created this database to help field workers and researchers choose appropriate tree species to meet specific agroforestry goals. Users can search the database of over 300 species by common name or botanic name, and select output from a list of data categories. The site is very easy to use, including features to help users find the exact name of the plant that interested them and a glossary of scientific terms. This database may be helpful to the agroforestry community as well as others with a botanical interest. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Oklahoma Biological Survey
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/
Associated with the state of Oklahoma and the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oklahoma, this Web site provides a wealth of information on the flora, fauna, and ecological communities found throughout the state. The site offers a variety of databases and literature collections on a variety of subjects including rare species, woody plants, breeding birds, and much more. The site is easy to navigate, and most searches can be executed simply. Some general information on biodiversity and tips on information sources for the non-specialist make this site valuable to a broader audience. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Global Human Traits Survey 2002
http://www.edquest.ca/Projects/GHTS/ghts.html
One of the latest online projects from EDUQUEST.CA Middle School Science Resources is the Global Human Traits Survey. The survey allows students to collect data on inherited traits from a local population and then share it online with other participants. Once data is collected, Phase Two will allow students to use the data collected by themselves and others for hypothesis testing. This is an interesting forum for students to learn about genetics and the scientific method by sharing real world data with their peers across the globe. This site is also reviewed in the August 9, 2002 Scout Report. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Global Climate Change Research Explorer: Biosphere
http://www.exploratorium.edu/climate/biosphere/index.html
Take a first-hand look at how climate change affects the biosphere at this Web site from San Francisco's Exploratorium. Visitors can access long-term, short-term, and even near real time data from a number of research projects conducted by various institutions. All data are presented graphically, with straightforward explanations of phenomena in question. Science educators may find this Web site useful in that it conveys the sense of "how researchers gather evidence, test theories, and come to conclusions." A helpful glossary and a number of useful related links are included. [RAS]
[Back to Contents]
Brain: The World Inside Your Head [Flash]
http://www.pfizer.com/brain/index.html
The pharmaceutical company Pfizer publishes this Web site as a complement the traveling exhibit of the same name (currently in Atlanta, GA). This Web site makes learning about the brain interesting and fun for children and adults alike. Visitors can take a virtual tour of the museum exhibit for a thorough introduction to the brain and how it works, and then test their understanding with a well-presented quiz. Educators will find the Teacher's Guide useful; it offers over a dozen brain-related exercises for students, clearly indicating the appropriate grade levels for each activity. This Web site also features a downloadable video game based on neuron function (for PC only). [RAS]
[Back to Contents]
Webvision: Organization of the Retina and Visual System [QuickTime]
http://webvision.med.utah.edu/
Offered through the John Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, this Web site aims to "summarize the recent advances in knowledge and understanding of the mammalian retina." The Web site is arranged simply in a book-like fashion with chapters headings leading to well-referenced text and illustrations. The information presented is quite comprehensive, and would serve as a useful educational tool for anyone interested in retinal function. The site includes two new chapters titled Psychophysics of Vision and Primary Visual Cortex. [RAS]
[Back to Contents]
Ecology Explorers
http://caplter.asu.edu/explorers/index.htm
This Web site from the Center for Environmental Studies at Arizona State University was developed as part of the Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-term Ecological Research Project (CAP LTER), but can be used by any classrooms interested in exploring urban ecosystems that surround them. Students and teachers learn about the scientific method and several data collection protocols that they can use right in their schoolyard. The site is attractive and easy to navigate; information is explained clearly and logically. A number of lesson plans for a variety of K-12 age groups will help teachers incorporate activities from this Web site into their classroom. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Pathfinders: Science
http://infozone.imcpl.org/kids_pathfinders.htm#science
The Indianapolis Marion County Public Library provides these educational subject specific pathfinders "that contain a list of library materials, web sites, and other information about a topic." The Science section includes topics focused on how the human body works, including the circulatory, digestive, excretory, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and skeletal systems. Each topic includes a detailed diagram and facts about the body system, and a variety of helpful books and online resources appropriate for children. This site is a useful resource for gathering information on a specific subject or browsing a variety of topics. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
BirdCentral.net: An Introduction for Teachers and Students
http://birdcentral.net/teacher.htm
This section of the Web site BirdCentral.net is focused specifically on students and teachers. Developed by Jim Rosso, a PhD student in Educational Technology at Pepperdine University, the site provides a number of brief lesson plans to get teachers and students started learning about zoology and, more specifically, birds. Although brief, the lesson plans are organized by grade level, focus on a variety of subjects, and leave plenty of room for teachers to adapt them to their own needs. The glossary gives lots of information on a number of scientific terms, and the Index of Zoological Themes provides much information on a large number of birds, behaviors, and habitats. These themes also link to appropriate lesson plans, adding to the site's usefulness. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
The Minibeast World of Insects and Spiders
http://members.aol.com/YESedu/welcome.html
Directed especially at young people, this Web site provided by the Young Entomologists Society (YES) is a wealth of information on insects and spiders. Students can learn about arthropods, how they are studied and classified, and learn the specifics of several species. A large selection of bibliographical topics can help lead students toward further research, and the youth center activity ideas may lead students to develop their own insect related projects. The Teacher's Tower is a useful section that includes some activities, lesson plans, and other teacher resources to help integrate these creatures into science education. YES has additional Web sites that focus more specifically on certain types of insects. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Interim Genomics Policy [.pdf]
http://epa.gov/osp/spc/genomics.htm
These Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) documents from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) communicates the EPA's "initial thoughts concerning genomics and its related technologies." Although the field of genomics is rapidly advancing, how organisms respond on the genome level to environmental stresses is not yet understood. The EPA will continue to face these issues as genomic understanding increases. This four-page document outlines the EPA's current policy of "prudent and beneficial uses of genomics information on a case-by-case basis." [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Orca Live [.pdf, Flash, RealPlayer]
http://www.orca-live.net/
The brainchild of orca biologist Dr. Paul Spong, this Nature Network Web site aims to "relay live sound and images of the orcas in the natural environment of Hanson Island," near Vancouver Island, Canada. Live sound and image feeds are available at 56K and 300K connections, and, by completing a simple registration, visitors will be alerted via email whenever orcas are near the cameras and mikes. Click on Highlights 2000 to see and hear past Web casts of orcas activity. This Web site links to others that relay live images and sounds from animals located around the world. [RAS]
[Back to Contents]
Bat Conservation International, Inc.
http://www.batcon.org/
The Web site for Bat Conservation International, Inc. (last mentioned in the November 12, 1997_Scout Report for Science and Engineering_) has added significant content since our last coverage of the site. Although the site still has information about the organization, bat facts, FAQs, and information on bat biology, in-depth sections on a wide variety of research projects have been added, ranging from bats in Latin American ecosystems to bats in your very own yard. Although there is a large focus on research, the text is still written for a general audience, and most sections include a variety of photos. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Robber Flies (Asilidae)
http://www.geller-grimm.de/asilidae.htm
This Web site focuses on "one of the largest and most abundant families of present day insects" -- the Robber Flies. Maintained by Fritz Geller-Grimm of the Museum Wiesbaden in Germany and Cornell University graduate student Torsten Dikow, the site includes a variety of information on many aspects of these insects. The Asilidae section contains many resources that are most appropriate for an advanced or research audience, including identification keys, species and distribution databases, and literature references. The Dipterology and Entomology sections include plenty of more general information suitable for a variety of audiences. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
American Turkey
http://www.carnegiemuseums.org/cmnh/turkey/american_turkey.html
Although most of us think of turkey in terms of Thanksgiving and backyard barbecues, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History has created this Web site that gives a much broader perspective of this "magnificent, noble bird that received respect from American Indian peoples, sustained fledgling New World colonies, and inspired patriots." The life of the turkey focuses on biological aspects including details of its life cycle, behavior, and anatomy; while the times section includes some historical details surrounding the relationship between wild turkeys and humans. Although there is a slight bit of silliness involved with a Web site devoted to turkeys, it is brief, fun, visually appealing, and informative. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Freshwater Jellyfish
http://nsm1.nsm.iup.edu/tpeard/JELLYFISH.HTML
Readers can discover the freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii at this straightforward and informative Web site from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Biology Department. Learn how C. sowerbii is related to marine jellyfish, where they live, and what they eat, as well as other aspects of this species' natural history. The site includes a small image gallery, an extensive reference section on the subject, and relevant links to other freshwater jellyfish research Web sites. The authors encourage visitors to report any of sightings of this species to be included in future versions of the C. sowerbii distribution databases. [RAS]
[Back to Contents]
Salamander Feeding Movies [QuickTime]
http://socrates.berkeley.edu/~deban/feedingmovieindex.html
This Web site is compiled by salamander biologist Stephan Deban, who offers a look at a number of different feeding strategies used by salamanders. High-speed video clips of twelve different salamander species are available for viewing, accompanied by brief descriptions of each species and their particular feeding behavior. This Web site is easy to navigate and interesting to visit, even for those unfamiliar with the field of salamander biology. [RAS]
[Back to Contents]
Orchids of Wisconsin: An Interactive Flora
http://www.botany.wisc.edu/Orchids/Orchids_of_Wisconsin.html
Orchid enthusiasts may appreciate this Web site developed by Jeff Hapeman, graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Information including "photos, typical taxonomic descriptive information, a description of similar species to aid in identification, habitat information, blooming dates, a section on pollination biology (if information is available), herbarium records, and a range map" are included for each species of orchid (native and naturalized) found in Wisconsin. Species can be viewed through an alphabetical listing of genera or by navigating through the interactive key. However, even though it is an interesting Web site for browsing orchid information, those without botanical background may be frustrated by the technical terms used throughout the key. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Human Evolution
1. Skulls Found in Africa and in Europe Challenge Theories of Human Origins
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/06/science/06SKUL.html?ex=1029640957&ei=1&en=c3fe06572f3725b9
2. Is Human Evolution Finally Over?
http://www.observer.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,644002,00.html
3. Human Evolution
http://www.handprint.com/LS/ANC/evol.html
4. Hominid Evolution
http://www.hunterian.gla.ac.uk/museum/hominid/hominid.html
5. Fossil Hominids: The Evidence for Human Evolution
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/homs/
6. Human Evolution: The Fossil Evidence in 3D
http://www.anth.ucsb.edu/projects/human/
7. Becoming Human
http://www.becominghuman.org/
8. Human Evolution
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/evolution/
The first Web site is an article from the New York Times (1) detailing some recent fossil discoveries that are shaking the paleontological world (free registration is required). Another relatively recent article from Guardian Unlimited (2) discusses a scientific debate surrounding the question of whether "a Western lifestyle now protects humanity from the forces that used to shape Homo sapiens." The third resource (3) includes a likely timeline of events in the history of hominids and a tour of the fossil record. A second timeline from the Huntarian Museum and Art Gallery at the University of Glasgow (4) is less detailed, but links to many major fossil discoveries of human and pre-human history. An "overview of the study of human evolution, and of the currently accepted fossil evidence" (5) is used to inform arguments for creationists and evolutionists. An interesting site from the University of California Santa Barbara (6) (last mentioned in the December 1, 1998 Scout Report for Social Sciences) presents 3-dimensional views of "modern primate relatives and fossil ancestors of humans." The interactive documentary from the Institute of Human Origins (7) (last mentioned in the April 20, 2001 Scout Report) is a great resource for those with the Flash plug-in and a high speed connection. Lastly, a resource from PBS.org (8) focuses on human evolution in a format aimed at kids. [AL]
[Back to Contents]
Below are the copyright statements to be included when reproducing annotations from The NSDL Scout Report for the Life Sciences.
The single phrase below is the copyright notice to be used when reproducing any portion of this report, in any format:
From The NSDL Scout Report for Life Sciences, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/
The paragraph below is the copyright notice to be used when reproducing the entire report, in any format:
Copyright Susan Calcari and the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, 1994-2002. The Internet Scout Project (http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/), located in the Computer Sciences Department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, provides information about the Internet to the U.S. research and education community under a grant from the National Science Foundation, number NCR-9712163. The Government has certain rights in this material. Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of the entire Scout Report provided this paragraph, including the copyright notice, are preserved on all copies.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, or the National Science Foundation.
For information on additional contributors, see the Internet Scout Project staff page:
http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/about/team.html
