Introduction
Research Projects is an area for researchers,
teachers and students interested in conducting collaborative
research. These investigations require "doing the work" to
understand natural phenomenon. Areas of investigation include
both spatial and temporal components and require the
collaboration of many sites. This forum serves as a tool to carry out
this work. The results of these investigations add significantly
to our understanding of the natural world.
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High School cDNA Sequencing Project
This project is designed to give high school students experience in using the
techniques and tools currently being used in the Human Genome Project. There are
many techniques that are currently being taught to students around the United States
in the area of biotechnology. It is important that students understand how the
protocols and techniques that they are being taught are used to find information
about genes.
The
Monarch Watch
The goals of the Monarch Watch are to promote conservation of
monarch butterflies and to involve thousands of students and
adults in a cooperative study of the monarch's fall migration.
Coordinated by Dr. Orely Taylor, University of Kansas, ongoing research
also includes flight vectors, population studies, maintaining monarchs
for laboratory work,
Using Yeast as a Dosimeter of
UV Light
Human activities, including the production of chlorofluorocarbons,
have reduced the concentration of stratospheric ozone. Ozone molecules in
the stratosphere filter biologically harmful ultraviolet radiation (UV-B)
coming from the sun. The reduction of ozone may lead to increased levels
of UV-B incident radiation on the surface of the planet. A possible
biological UV dosimeter is an ultraviolet sensitive strain of yeast This
potential bioindicator could give us a much deeper understanding of this
global change.
Lichens/ Tarigrades and
Atmospheric SO2
Lichens are unique organisms composed of either an alga or a
cyanobacterium living in a symbiotic relationship with a fungus. When
they are exposed to some kinds of air pollutants, especially to sulphur
dioxide (SO2), lichens are injured and die. They therefore make good
indicators of air pollution. Research involves lichens and the key
pollutants which affect them. The effect of these pollutants may be
observed on the distribution and diversity of a simple community living
on the lichens.
Common Milkweed as a
Bioindicator of Ozone
Ground level ozone is believed to be the most common air
pollutant and the cause of most of the injury to sensitive biological
resources. Common milkweed is sensitive to ozone injury and can be used
as a biological indicator of air pollution stress in both urban and
remote rural ecosystems.
Feeder Watch
Wisconsin Fast Plant/NASA CUE
Project SETI
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Online Projects Index