Above is a fantastic picture of the DNA ligase I enzyme. Computer generated imagery has been used to provide the viewer with a great understanding of how the enzyme interacts with DNA—the details of the protein’s structure can clearly be observed as they mesh with that of the DNA. I think that’s pretty cool.
A recent article in PC World about the top 10 worst computers of all time names Packard Bell machines (specifically, those built between 1986-1996) to be the worst ever. Guess what brand of computer we bought in 1992? That’s right! A Packard Bell! It is funny to recall those days, though, when computers were the Next Big Thing. It was amazing that our computer was “multimedia”—pumping out sound and video at the same time! It printed! The screen was in color! We marveled at clips from the San Diego Zoo, and later entertained ourselves playing Where in the World is Carmen San Diego. I learned about ctrl+alt+del, too.
And as with all good stories, there’s more:
And odds are good that if you bought a new Packard Bell system in 1994 or 1995, at least some of its components had been previously owned. The company was sued several times for selling used parts as new, ultimately paying out millions of dollars in settlements.
Regardless, that old lemon took us from 3.1 all the way through 95.
A peptide that helps fight antibiotic resistant bacteria - The peptide spurs immune response—basically leveraging our own intricate systems to fight off an infection. This is in contrast to direct chemical inhibition, which is how all antibiotics work. From the article:
The team found that a peptide, or chain of amino acids, they have dubbed innate defense regulator peptide (IDR-1), can increase innate immunity without triggering harmful inflammation, and offer protection both before and after infection is present.
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In addition, the peptide did not produce harmful inflammation and toxicity often seen when the immune system is stimulated and, in fact, actually reduced the potentially harmful septic response. Sepsis, a consequence of a ravaging inflammatory response associated with infection, kills as many as 200,000 annually.
The Teaching Authority of the Church does not forbid that, in conformity with the present state of human sciences and sacred theology, research and discussions, on the part of men experienced in both fields, take place with regard to the doctrine of evolution, insofar as it inquiries into the origin of the human body as coming from pre-existent and living matter.
Hey Ya Cover - This is a great cover—and as Mykala pointed out, the acoustic version really makes you listen to the lyrics. A higher quality version of this song is available off the Obadiah Parker MySpace page.
Back from the iTunes dead, as it were, the song “The A La Menthe” has been getting heavy rotation lately. And yes, for once you can listen to a song I am raving about … along with the incredible movie sequence it accompanies. Thanks to Ryan Markoe for the original tip on this song, long ago (ok, a year or two ago).
Audrey Kawasaki - Very unique artistic style. From her info:
Her work is both innocent and erotic. Each subject is attractive yet disturbing. Audrey’s precise technical style is at once influenced by both manga comics and Art Nouveau.
I’m back from the American Chemical Society National Meeting in Chicago. There were 15,000 chemists there, with endless events, awards (our Chem Club (well, Student Affiliate Chapter) earned “Commendable” (place 2 out of 3)), and a whole pile of food. Plus, Chicago is a pretty neat place. McCormick Place is huge (how does 2.2 million square feet of space strike you?).
So, now I’m back at the grindstone, grinding away. Really grinding. It’s nuts over here, and it probably will be throughout April. But have no fear, at some point we’ll sort out that mess of the latest edition of 5 Questions. In the meantime, I hope everyone had a wonderful spring break.
