Genetics of How and Why Fish Swim in Schools: Research Sheds Light On Complex Social Behavior
Source: www.sciencedaily.com (link in the weebly button)
In the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, a group of researchers came together to study how and why fish swim in schools. When observing 2 different species of stickleback fish from different places, they saw how the stickleback fish from the Pacific Ocean schooled strongly, whereas stickleback fish from the British Columbia preferred to stay away from each other, and were unable to maintain the formation for schooling. The scientists then concluded genetics must be associated with this. After more research, they discovered a genome in the stickleback fish to control the fish's ability to school, as well as its lateral line, a group of organs which detect movement. This can also be found in the human ear.
I've always wondered why most of us have the need to be in a group of people. I understand it might be because of common sense, how are parents teach us, or maybe even being forced into this social life. Yet why would we need this group if most can be content with the company of ourselves? I'm not sure with others, but I know I can be at peace if there are no big groups. When looking for an article for my first SCRAMS report, I was interested to see an article called, "Genetics of how and why fish swim in schools". Before I read it, the first thoughts that came to my mind were the questions above. I thought that this article would only pertain to fish, but I was proven wrong. I was surprised to see there was neurological chemicals and brain regions controlling human social behavior, and these same things might as well control fish social behavior as well. This statement quickly settled my thoughts above, but even though those were settled, I still had a question. Does this chemical vary within people? I do know some people just love socializing and mingling with others, but for people like myself, we don't like being around large groups of people. We tend to stay away from these bright lights, or find tight-knit small groups in our environment.
"If we can understand the process by which evolution works and the genes that tend to be affected during evolution in these other model systems, we can apply that to humans," she said. These are the words of Anna Greenwood Ph. D at the end of the article. The article was discussing how they were going to manipulate the gene to alter the stickleback's schooling behavior. According the article, research for schooling behavior is odd for a cancer research center, but Greenwood says the fish's natural variation can influence not just behavior, but also suspicion to illness and disease. If we can apply this to humans, the immune system could identify illnesses before they come into root, and the body can take care of these illnesses before they affect our bodies. The immune system could identify a lot more illnesses, and help us stay healthier.
Source: www.sciencedaily.com (link in the weebly button)
In the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, a group of researchers came together to study how and why fish swim in schools. When observing 2 different species of stickleback fish from different places, they saw how the stickleback fish from the Pacific Ocean schooled strongly, whereas stickleback fish from the British Columbia preferred to stay away from each other, and were unable to maintain the formation for schooling. The scientists then concluded genetics must be associated with this. After more research, they discovered a genome in the stickleback fish to control the fish's ability to school, as well as its lateral line, a group of organs which detect movement. This can also be found in the human ear.
I've always wondered why most of us have the need to be in a group of people. I understand it might be because of common sense, how are parents teach us, or maybe even being forced into this social life. Yet why would we need this group if most can be content with the company of ourselves? I'm not sure with others, but I know I can be at peace if there are no big groups. When looking for an article for my first SCRAMS report, I was interested to see an article called, "Genetics of how and why fish swim in schools". Before I read it, the first thoughts that came to my mind were the questions above. I thought that this article would only pertain to fish, but I was proven wrong. I was surprised to see there was neurological chemicals and brain regions controlling human social behavior, and these same things might as well control fish social behavior as well. This statement quickly settled my thoughts above, but even though those were settled, I still had a question. Does this chemical vary within people? I do know some people just love socializing and mingling with others, but for people like myself, we don't like being around large groups of people. We tend to stay away from these bright lights, or find tight-knit small groups in our environment.
"If we can understand the process by which evolution works and the genes that tend to be affected during evolution in these other model systems, we can apply that to humans," she said. These are the words of Anna Greenwood Ph. D at the end of the article. The article was discussing how they were going to manipulate the gene to alter the stickleback's schooling behavior. According the article, research for schooling behavior is odd for a cancer research center, but Greenwood says the fish's natural variation can influence not just behavior, but also suspicion to illness and disease. If we can apply this to humans, the immune system could identify illnesses before they come into root, and the body can take care of these illnesses before they affect our bodies. The immune system could identify a lot more illnesses, and help us stay healthier.
New Genus of Electric Fish Discovered in 'Lost World' of South America
Source: www.sciencedaily.com (link in button below) 10-2-13
Source: www.sciencedaily.com (link in button below) 10-2-13
In the upper Mazaruni River in northern Guyana, an electric fish called the Akawaio penak was found by a team of international researchers. The penak is a thin, electric eel-like fish. The team was surprised to find the Akawaio penak, and decided to analyze its tissue samples. They were astonished discovering the penak is a new genus of fish. This would make sense as Nathan Lovejoy states, "The fact this area is so remote and has been isolated for such a long time means you are quite likely to find new species." The Akawiao penak can make a weak electric field to stun prey and communicate with other fish. This helps it in its habitat of murky water.
I'm not the kind of person to explore the outdoors and interact with things, as I would rather stay inside and sleep or read a book. However, I would like to explore someday, since I know there are lots of mysteries waiting in the wilderness. This article helped prove this point. The article states, "The Mazaruni is a hotspot for biological diversity, yet remains largely unexplored because of its remote location." For some, this means an area to explore, as well as finding more information about it while exploring. For others, it means a thirst for curiosity to be filled. As I read the article, I wondered if it is a really small world after all. By this, I mean is there so many things we haven't discovered? Have we only discovered a small fraction of it?
With this new discovery, research teams could be compelled to explore and find more animals. When finding these animals, they might be what the Akawaio penak is, a new genus. Maybe the animal could contain ultimate healing properties, or could contain the opposite. This discovery could open new doors in research.
I'm not the kind of person to explore the outdoors and interact with things, as I would rather stay inside and sleep or read a book. However, I would like to explore someday, since I know there are lots of mysteries waiting in the wilderness. This article helped prove this point. The article states, "The Mazaruni is a hotspot for biological diversity, yet remains largely unexplored because of its remote location." For some, this means an area to explore, as well as finding more information about it while exploring. For others, it means a thirst for curiosity to be filled. As I read the article, I wondered if it is a really small world after all. By this, I mean is there so many things we haven't discovered? Have we only discovered a small fraction of it?
With this new discovery, research teams could be compelled to explore and find more animals. When finding these animals, they might be what the Akawaio penak is, a new genus. Maybe the animal could contain ultimate healing properties, or could contain the opposite. This discovery could open new doors in research.
Large Robotic Jellyfish Could One Day Patrol Oceans
10-27-13
10-27-13
This prototype jellyfish (nicknamed Cyro) is a larger model created by Shashank Priya of Blacksburg, Va, and professor of mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech, was first shown in 2012. The goal for the robojelly is to monitor the environment, as well as studying the aquatic life and mapping the sea. The robot is funded by U.S. Naval Warfare Center and the Office of Natural Research. Cyro swims by electric motors that controls the mechanical arms along with an artificial mesogela, which is the jelly part of the body.
I've always been interested in robots like these, as it fascinates me how you can make a robot replica of a living creature. Reading about Cyro made me think back to these childhood thoughts. When I saw this article, I wanted to see what the robots would be used for. I assumed they would be used for research and other important things (not shooting lasers and being like Godzilla like I thought when I was a kid), and I was right. The robot does research, and is going to be useful. According to the article, Alex Villanueva says, "A larger vehicle will allow for more payload, longer duration and longer range of operation." This will help the robojelly gather information.
Reading this article made me think, "Will we have roboticized animals for every species that currently lives?" This could be possible in the future, as people may invent replicas that might end up in museums or help with research. Yet when will this happen? Will this happen most animals are extinct, or if most are endangered? Would this happen if there is a certain flaw that is not discovered in the animal? Maybe there won't be a robot replica of every species. Maybe there will be robot replicas for research only, but who knows?
I've always been interested in robots like these, as it fascinates me how you can make a robot replica of a living creature. Reading about Cyro made me think back to these childhood thoughts. When I saw this article, I wanted to see what the robots would be used for. I assumed they would be used for research and other important things (not shooting lasers and being like Godzilla like I thought when I was a kid), and I was right. The robot does research, and is going to be useful. According to the article, Alex Villanueva says, "A larger vehicle will allow for more payload, longer duration and longer range of operation." This will help the robojelly gather information.
Reading this article made me think, "Will we have roboticized animals for every species that currently lives?" This could be possible in the future, as people may invent replicas that might end up in museums or help with research. Yet when will this happen? Will this happen most animals are extinct, or if most are endangered? Would this happen if there is a certain flaw that is not discovered in the animal? Maybe there won't be a robot replica of every species. Maybe there will be robot replicas for research only, but who knows?
Threats to Our Clean Water: Impacts to Human and Marine Environments
11-15-13
11-15-13
Water. It's important to everyone, as it is necessary for us to live. There are many ways to prove this, and for this scraMS, we're looking at 2 articles; "Access to Safe Water: A Paradox in Developed Nations" and "Oil Pollution in the Marine Environment: Inputs, Big Spills, Small Spills, and Dribbles." Both express how we must take care of our water.
While reading these articles, one quote stood out to me the best. This quote came from "Access to Safe Water" and is as follows, "Unaware of this complex process, the public in developed nations consider water to be a 'throwaway' commodity, not much different from old newspapers or empty soda bottles.". When I read this, I began to think how much water we use everyday. We use water for showering, brushing our teeth, washing the dishes, and more. This then made me think how some of us just leave water running during all these activities. Are we really using water so carelessly?
I'm no expert, but I believe if we keep using water, the prices for it will go up. Along with using it, water may become scarce. Even if it doesn't seem to be right now, it will be, slowly but surely. There may be a campaign to use less water, yet I haven't heard recent event like that. To me there is a question stuck in my mind after reading this. Will we be able to tell everyone to conserve water?
While reading these articles, one quote stood out to me the best. This quote came from "Access to Safe Water" and is as follows, "Unaware of this complex process, the public in developed nations consider water to be a 'throwaway' commodity, not much different from old newspapers or empty soda bottles.". When I read this, I began to think how much water we use everyday. We use water for showering, brushing our teeth, washing the dishes, and more. This then made me think how some of us just leave water running during all these activities. Are we really using water so carelessly?
I'm no expert, but I believe if we keep using water, the prices for it will go up. Along with using it, water may become scarce. Even if it doesn't seem to be right now, it will be, slowly but surely. There may be a campaign to use less water, yet I haven't heard recent event like that. To me there is a question stuck in my mind after reading this. Will we be able to tell everyone to conserve water?
Reef Fish Find It's Too Hot to Swim
12-8-13
12-8-13
We all have those times when we say, "It's too hot. I just want to lay down and do nothing all day." Well, a couple of researchers from the ARC of Excellence at James Cook University conducted a study showing ocean warming may affect large reef fish like this. Fish rely on swimming for most activities, however, Dr. Jacob Johansen said, "Global warming may reduce the swimming ability of may fish species, and have major impacts on their ability to grow and reproduce". Because of this, large fish may stay on the ocean floor resting rather than swimming and searching for food. If the fish do end up swimming, they swim at a much slower rate than usual. However, there is some evidence that coral trout are adapting to increasing temperatures.
I've also had this feeling the coral trout had, excluding the hot weather. Mainly, this is when I procrastinate. Ah yes, procrastination. Every teenager's (and sometimes adults) worst enemy. Even though these fish are not procrastinating, reading this article reminded me of this very subject. I have trouble with staying on task, as I have a short attention span. I may look like I am paying attention, but I may just be daydreaming about the weekend or sleeping. However, this has gotten better over time. Now in high school, my challenge is time management. How will I spend my time after school? Will I do my work immediately or will I watch YouTube videos until it is time to do homework? Unfortunately, coming home tired from school leads me to watching videos and not starting my work until 6 pm. Sad, isn't it? Although I am in this pickle right now, I am trying to find ways to stop this.
Even if there is evidence that the fish can adapt to increasing temperatures, who knows how long this might take. Will the fish adapt, or must they find a cooler climate to continue their daily lives? How long will it take them to find cooler climates? All of these questions may be answered by a future experiment to see whether or not the fish can adapt to the rapid changing environment. If the experiment does happen, maybe the fish can react to the climate change. Maybe this will cause a change in what they do, or how they do the specific action.
I've also had this feeling the coral trout had, excluding the hot weather. Mainly, this is when I procrastinate. Ah yes, procrastination. Every teenager's (and sometimes adults) worst enemy. Even though these fish are not procrastinating, reading this article reminded me of this very subject. I have trouble with staying on task, as I have a short attention span. I may look like I am paying attention, but I may just be daydreaming about the weekend or sleeping. However, this has gotten better over time. Now in high school, my challenge is time management. How will I spend my time after school? Will I do my work immediately or will I watch YouTube videos until it is time to do homework? Unfortunately, coming home tired from school leads me to watching videos and not starting my work until 6 pm. Sad, isn't it? Although I am in this pickle right now, I am trying to find ways to stop this.
Even if there is evidence that the fish can adapt to increasing temperatures, who knows how long this might take. Will the fish adapt, or must they find a cooler climate to continue their daily lives? How long will it take them to find cooler climates? All of these questions may be answered by a future experiment to see whether or not the fish can adapt to the rapid changing environment. If the experiment does happen, maybe the fish can react to the climate change. Maybe this will cause a change in what they do, or how they do the specific action.