One very clear memory from my freshman year of college is of a Sunday afternoon that I spent in the library trying to learn the details about the oxidative-phosphorylation, one chemical pathway in mitochondria (i.e., the powerhouse of the cell). I spent hours sitting with my notebook, pen, and biology textbook trying to figure out how all the pieces fit together. My initial motivation was trying to understand enough to pass the test I had the next day. But puzzling through the processes involved in passing electrons … [Read more...] about Sinai and Synapses: Loving the Lord with all my mind and my neighbor as myself
Science Corner: On Creativity and Thanksgiving
I don't know about you, but like many people in the United States, a significant amount of my time and attention this week has been dedicated to getting ready for Thanksgiving. I planned the menu for our family's traditional meal -- roasted Meleagris gallopavo (turkey), mashed Solanum tuberosum (potatoes) with gravy, some type of Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberries), and Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) and/or Theobroma cacao (chocolate) pie. I also been considered how I will spend the time when I'm not cooking --” watching the … [Read more...] about Science Corner: On Creativity and Thanksgiving
Science Corner: Get Ready! It’s Brine Shrimp Season!
For everything there is a season, and now that we have passed the Autumnal Equinox, when the sun is directly over the Equator and days and nights are nearly equal length, we have officially transitioned from summer to autumn in the northern hemisphere. For many people, Fall means it's time to get out sweaters, decorate with gourds, and partake of traditional autumnal foods and beverages (pumpkin spice latte, anyone?). For some people, autumn means it's time to bring in the rest of the crops and garden vegetables. Others … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Get Ready! It’s Brine Shrimp Season!
Science Corner: Mother Knows Best: Even Insect Mothers Provide for Their Offspring
For those of us who observe the academic calendar in the United States, the end of August means the end of summer and the beginning of a new year. It's a time of general excitement and new possibilities. And while we are caught up in the craziness that comes during this season, we are generally unaware that winter is coming - at least for those that live in the northern hemisphere. Somehow, even though I know it is coming, I am never quite prepared for its arrival. My unpreparedness is partly because day-to-day busyness … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Mother Knows Best: Even Insect Mothers Provide for Their Offspring
Science Corner: Awe and Wonder Through a Microscope
Earlier this month, we had the privilege to see magnificent pictures of our universe that were taken by the new James Webb Space telescope. For the first time we were treated to pictures of a region of the Carina Nebula where young stars are forming. We also saw Stephan's Quintet, a cluster of five galaxies that you are probably familiar with if you have watched the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life." This updated picture, constructed from ~1,000 separate images, provides new information about interactions between galaxies … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Awe and Wonder Through a Microscope