Programmed cell death is an integral part of embryonic development. Exploring the regulation of the process, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU) in Munich researchers have shown that so-called microRNAs protect the precursors of neurons from 'precocious' elimination. Programmed cell death -- apoptosis -- is a fundamental and tightly regulated process that occurs in all higher organisms. It is, for example, essential for normal embryonic development, during which superfluous cells must be disposed of in an orderly fashion. Barbara Conradt (Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at LMU) and her team have been studying the role of apoptosis during embryogenesis in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans, a well-established experimental model. They have now shown that small fragments of RNA, so-called microRNAs, have a crucial function in the regulation of apoptosis in this system -- they are responsible for the preservation of the progenitors of the nervous system. The new study appears in the journal Genes and Development. During C. elegans embryogenesis, a stereotypic series of cell divisions give rise to the progenitor cells whose descendants go on to differentiate and form specific tissues and organs, such as the nervous system. In all, 1090 cells are produced, of which 118 are eliminated before the worm … Continue reading →

Teachers is rural elementary schools in Montana often dont have the time and resources to provide their students with specific, in-depth, scientific lessons on subjects like ecology and wildlife biology. But thanks to the work of a technology company and a Missoula nonprofit, 42 fourth-graders at Pine Butte Elementary in Colstrip were immersed in an hour-long intellectual adventure on Thursday, discovering how animals adapt to a winter climate, even though the teacher was 465 miles away in Missoula. The Montana Natural History Center in Missoula employs a naturalist, Amy Howie, as an Interactive Distance Education Coordinator to conduct virtual science classes for kids in Rapelje, Lincoln, Colstrip and Helmville. Howie, who worked as a science teacher for many years, said the kids are exposed to a curriculum that they wouldnt otherwise get. This is totally new to them, she said. They love it because its something new and even though this is new to them, they still know the tech part. So they interact very well. The MNHC partnered with Vision Net, a technology company with offices in Great Falls, Missoula and Billings, to set up the video conferencing platform. Essentially, Howie stands in a green room complete with light … Continue reading →

Emery Betts isnt satisfied with simply going to school. The 22-year-old biology junior is running for Mansfield City Council place 7. So many things can be changed, Betts said. I want to serve the community. He said he wants people to know there are many things that can be done at the local level to enact change. He will be the youngest city councilor, if elected, to serve in Mansfield. Betts said he would like to focus on the gas well provisions, possible term limits for council members and the districting process. I want to show that your voice does matter, Betts said. He said his family and friends have encouraged his campaign and have been a great support system. Mark Scheldberg, Bettss best friend and roommate, is one of Bettss campaign advisers. Scheldberg said he offers advice and his opinions on campaign strategy. He isnt just helping his friend, he said, but hes supporting a candidate he believes will succeed. He is committed to fulfilling the position representing the people, Scheldberg said. He isnt in it for the power. Indivisible DFW, a volunteer-based organization for local candidates, has shown support for Bettss campaign, said Jay Malone, Indivisible DFW steering … Continue reading →

When we were high school sophomores, we took biology. The class was long and boring, right before psychology. Mr. Garrett was our teacher and had taught for many years. Hed taught some of our dads and was respected by his peers. One day in Mr. Garretts class, we cut up big dead bugs. Grasshoppers, I think they were, preserved in gallon jugs. They smelled of strong formaldehyde that made our noses run. And cuz some of us were knuckleheads, we had to have some fun. I looked at Jackson sitting there. I turned to him and said, Ill give you five whole dollars if youll eat that insects head. He said, Ill do one better, and I promise it for sure. Ill eat the whole darn grasshopper for fifteen dollars more. That made it twenty dollars, and to us that was a bunch. But I had to see a person eat an arthropod for lunch. So we gathered up the twenty from the six of us, in all. We handed it to Jackson, and now it was his call. He took the twenty dollar bills and wound them in a roll. Then he chomped down on the hoppers head. I … Continue reading →