Expedition 51 performed hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science and Earth science. But those boiled over last week with demands that the school fire several people, including a biology professor, Bret Weinstein. The findings have far broader implications than pinpointing the neurological source of dreams , though, said the study's principal investigator, John Peever, a professor of cell and systems biology at the University of Toronto. The class will cover the history of beekeeping, honeybee biology, plant and pollinator relationship and essential equipment. During Barack Obama's time in the White House, members of the president's science council included Google executive Eric Schmidt and academic experts in disciplines ranging from physics to biology. Education: Bachelors in molecular biology from Vanderbilt; But these devices shouldn't lead to less physical interaction with our pets, says Dr. Marc Bekoff, professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and author of several books about animal ethics. UCI professor wins Alzheimers research grant A UC Irvine assistant professor of molecular biology and biochemistry has won a $150,000 grant to be awarded over three years. Here is the original post: Biology | Definition of Biology by Merriam-Webster … Continue reading →

PUEBLO, Colo. (KKTV) - Colorado State University-Pueblo has confirmed a professor died Friday morning when he crashed into a car while riding his bike. Colorado State Patrol identified the man who died as 56-year-old Daniel R. Caprioglio from Pueblo. The school says he was a "well respected biology professor at the university." He began teaching at the university in 1993. The crash is under investigation by both Colorado State Patrol and Pueblo police. Troopers say it was reported around 7:30 a.m. Friday at the intersection of Highway 47 and Pete Jiminez Parkway on the east side of the city. The crash involved a car and a bicyclist. Troopers say the bicyclist, later identified as the professor, died when he turned east onto Pete Jiminez Parkway in front of a car. The driver of the car, 19-year-old Carter Braune, stayed on scene and cooperated with law enforcement. Troopers say when the bicyclist turned in front of the car, which was a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire, they collided and Caprioglio was ejected. He was wearing a helmet during the crash, but was unfortunately pronounced dead on scene. Braune was not injured. Troopers say speed or alcohol are not suspected in the crash. The … Continue reading →

A A For some high school seniors throughout Washington, the opportunity to walk across the stage, smile, shake hands, and receive a diploma in the coming weeks is dependent upon the Legislature. That is because several hundred students have been unable to pass the states standardized biology test one of three basic knowledge exams that are required for graduation, along with English and math. Problematically, the biology test is outdated, with state officials having adopted new science standards and preparing a new general science exam for future graduation requirements. Given that fact and the fact that failure rates for the biology exam are more than twice that of the English exam and four times that of the math exam, lawmakers should step in. Allowing students who have met all other requirements to graduate would appropriately serve those students. Yet while some leeway should be allowed regarding the biology test, the situation also provides an opportunity to reiterate the value of standardized tests as a graduation requirement. The Legislature approved such requirements in 1993, and in 1996 Gov. Mike Lowry vetoed a bill to overturn those requirements, writing, These reforms were historic because, for the first time in our states history, … Continue reading →

The biology assessment is holding up high school graduation for about 3,300 students in Washington state. Two years ago at this time, about 2,000 students faced the same prospect, and lawmakers suspended the requirement. Now its time to kill it until a better science assessment can be devised, but legislators should not take the value of assessment down with it. Two years ago, the state Board of Education agreed that the test itself was the problem. The board had adopted new science standards, but the test was based on old ones. Plus, students across the state had varying exposure to the subject. While few people are fond of the biology assessment, some lawmakers see this as an opportunity to sever the link between the math and English assessments and graduation. Not so fast. The failure rate on the biology assessment far exceeds that for English and math, according to May figures released by the Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction. Its two times higher than the rate for English and four times higher than the rate for math. Yet another indicator that the biology test itself is the problem. Plus, students take many English and math classes before they … Continue reading →

For one week in May, 11 agents and analysts from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation were on campus for an intensive training program spearheaded by one of the universitys preeminent biotechnologists. The goal: giving the law enforcement personnel foundational knowledge and insight into the rapidly evolving field of synthetic biology. Jean Peccoud, the Abell Endowed Chair in Synthetic Biology in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, organized the session with the FBI. Peccoud is a computational and cell biologist whose research is in the development of novel DNA molecules, and improving the manufacture of bio-based drugs and vaccines. At first glance, a relationship between synthetic biology researchers and the nations top law enforcement agency might seem incongruous. Consider, though, the rapid development of genetic engineering techniques over the last several years. The agents who visited campus were part of the FBIs Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate, whose purview includes preventing and responding to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents. The WMD Directorate is working to build relationships with universities and industry partners to become educated on trends in biological research from the manufacture of living organism-based vaccines, to the synthesis of new genes in the lab, said William … Continue reading →