PhD Comics

More like my mom than my advisor…

Gellin’ like Magellan

This post is designed to provide extra information about SDS-PAGE covered in a class demo for Chem 516 to be held Dec 2 and Dec 4.

About SDS-PAGE: (Get a PDF handout sds-page) Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or SDS-PAGE is a commonly used protein separations method. In this method proteins are denatured and coated with an anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). This ensures that proteins have equivalent charge to size ratios and will separate by mass.

About the Criterion System: The Holland Group uses the Criterion Brand Gel electrophoresis system and pre-made gels available from Bio-Rad.(pdf:criterionsystem) For more information about how this system works, I would suggest reading the manual (pdf: criterionmanual) for the system published by Bio-Rad.

Imaging: To monitor the progress of electrophoresis, Bromphenol Blue is often added to protein samples. Following separation, gels are commonly imaged by Coomassie Blue which nonspecifically binds to protein. For proteins of lower concentration other staining techniques such as silver staining (which will be demonstrated on 12/04), fluorescence, and radio-iosotopic labeling.

Bored? May I suggest checking out DNA 11, a private company that sells your personal electrophoresed DNA as art (expensive expensive art).

WVU Seminar: Dec 2

Engineered Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle Bioactivity and Toxicity are Dependent on Particle Length and Shape

Professor Andrij Holian

Director, Center for Environmental Health Science

University of Montana

Tuesday Dec 2, 2008

260 Hodges Hall – 4:00pm

Websites:

Dr. Holian at the U of Montana

Recent Publications:

Buford, M.C., Hamilton, R.F., Holian, A., “A comparison of dispersing media for various engineered carbon nanoparticles” Particle and Fibre Toxicology 4(2007)

New Scientist Roundup

• Solar Powered Sea Slugs (say that one 5 times fast) developed after eating algae and storing the chloroplasts whithin a cell lining. Interesting article on ‘gene theft’.
• A new online gallery of ape art (good if you’re feeling Pollock-y) that will be auctioned off.
• The official teams for the Auto X-Prize were announced. From the looks of things we may end up with several 100 mpg autos from this.
• BAM! (no not Emeril) a super-hard metal alloy of boron, magnesium, and aluminum was discovered in ‘99 by the DoE in an attempt to develop a material to generate electricity when heated. It sucks at that but might make a very nice industrial lubricant.

P.h.D comics: Acronym Help

Seminar: Michael P. Jensen

WVU Department of Chemistry

Departmental Colloquium

Wednesday November 19, 2008

“Biomimetic Sulfur Coordination Chemistry at Nickel (II)”

Michael P. Jensen

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio University

4:30, 312 Clark Hall

Abstract: The ongoing renaissance in structural biology has recently defined metabolic bio-organometallic reactions in anaerobic bacteria and archeabacteria that utilize redox-active metalloenzymes containing nickel. Among the various active sites that support unusual high-valent nickel intermediates, strong coupling with oranosulfur ligands and cofactors is evident. These novel results afford strong impetus for new biomimetic coordination chemistry.

Recent Publications:

Ma, H., Chattopadhyay, S., Petersen, J.L., Jensen, M.P., “Harnessing Scorpionate Ligand Equilibria for Modeling Reduced Nickel Superoxide Dismutase Intermediates” Inorg. Chem. 47 (2008) 7966-7968

Chattopadhyay, S., Deb, T., Ma, H., Petersen, J.L., Young, V.G., Jensen, M.P., “Arylthiolate Coordination and Reactivity at Pseudotetrahedral Nickel (II) Centers: Modulation by Noncovalent Interactions” Inorg. Chem. 47 (2008) 3384-3392

More Information

OU Page on Michael Jensen

Looking for the Personal Blog?

Yes, I’ve finally finished the updates on my Professional Blog which will now be what pops up when you click on www.stephaniearcher.com. To reach the personal blog, you can click on the link in the upper right hand corner OR go to

www.stephaniearcher.com/blog

NANOBAMA!

Seriously how cool is this???

kudos must also go to the fact that the scientist? artist? bothered to explain how the nanobamas were made, (they are carbon nanotubes NOT metal deposition like I originally supposed). Other images kinda give it away.

The structures were made by John Hart (U of Michigan) as part of his NanoBliss program.

Seminar: Dr. Ray Wells 11/12/08

November 12, 2008

Dr. Ray Wells

National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health
“Multifaceted Approach To Understanding Indoor Air Quality”.

4:30 PM, 312 Clark.

Additional Resources

NIOSH’s Respiratory Diseases Research Research Programs: contains information on the ALFORD, ALOSH, and HELD programs located here in Morgantown,WV

…it’s funny ’cause its true