The Byrne Seminars (Spring 2010: Sciences)

Spring 2010: Sciences

Other Areas: Humanities • Social Sciences

SPECIAL SEMINAR
Offered January2010

The Estuary in Winter: Field Experiences at Rutgers University Marine Field Station (RUMFS)
Ken W. Able (Director, RUMFS; Marine Science)
This estuarine field experience includes informal lectures and discussions within the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve at Mullica River–Great Bay estuary in southern New Jersey. Students will explore the relatively unaltered terrestrial and aquatic habitats within this unique watershed. We will take a field trip to learn about white cedar forests, the Pine Barrens, aquatic marshes, and marsh microhabitats in pools and intertidal creeks. You will also be exposed to ongoing research at RUMFS and to estuarine management issues affecting coastal New Jersey and other estuaries.

Sunday, January 10 to Friday, January 15. For more info., contact vanpelt@marine.rutgers.edu.

section 01, index 72287

Visual and Auditory Illusions: Royal Path to Brain Research
Thomas V. Papathomas (Assoc. Director, Laboratory of Vision Research; Biomedical Engineering)

The black-and-white picture could either be a vase or two profiles facing each other. Which is it? It depends on many factors that we will study in the course. This seminar presents an interdisciplinary approach to brain research using visual and auditory illusions. First, we'll examine how the brain organizes information that we gather by sight and sound, using psychophysical methods and brain imaging. We'll use illusions in vision and audition to test the hypothesis that perception is not an automatic data-driven ("bottom-up") process, but is subject to cognitive, schema-driven ("top-down") influences. Examples will include an "ever-ascending pitch illusion," the "hollow mask illusion," striking 3-D art pieces ("reverspectives") that appear to move as one moves in front of them, as well as some of the instructor's own illusions.

section 66, index 70841

Fighting Cancer and Other Diseases through Rutgers Research
David T. Denhardt (Cell Biology and Neuroscience)

Could osteopontin (OPN) hold the key for treating some forms of cancer, autoimmune disease, osteoporosis, or other inflammatory diseases? OPN is a hormone found in all body fluids. It stimulates cellular signal pathways via interactions with receptors on the cell surface, thereby regulating many cellular activities. In some instances, OPN stimulates cell survival, for example of cancer cells or cells deprived of growth factors or oxygen. We find that OPN-deficient mice are resistant to osteoporosis, autoimmune disease progression, and some forms of stress. In this seminar we will assess whether inhibition of the biological functions of OPN by an anti-OPN monoclonal antibody might be useful in treating certain human diseases.

section 09, index 69762

Spinal Cord Injury and Stem Cells: Pushing the Frontiers, Raising the Ethical Questions W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience: The Spinal Cord Injury Project
Martin Grumet, Patricia Morton, and Wise Young (Cell Biology & Neuroscience)

Rutgers is home to one of the leading centers for spinal cord injury research in the nation. Drawing on the expertise of our world-class research center, this seminar will introduce students to scientific, social, and political issues related to spinal cord injury and stem cell research. Leading experts will present lectures to address: the challenges and state of spinal cord injury research, clinical trials and the China SCI Clinical Trial Network, the capabilities of stem cells, and the role of public advocates in scientific research and stem cell legislation in New Jersey. Special presentations by people who have spinal cord injuries will help students understand what it's like to live with a spinal cord injury.

section 17, index 74066

Do Your Own Research: Exploring Genome Databases
Ronald P. Hart (Cell Biology and Neuroscience)

With the complete sequencing of many genomes, there is a great need for students who are prepared to explore and analyze genomic data and to apply it in other fields of biology and medicine. This seminar will introduce students to the basic computer tools used for genome analysis. You will use a relational database, learn easy programming tools, and then build on these concepts to explore the vast collection of genomic data and how these data are linked together. Upon completion of the seminar, you will be prepared to mine public genome databases.

section 19, index 69770

The Physiology of Health and Medicine
Gary F. Merrill (Cell Biology and Neuroscience)

How does the human body work? Physiology holds the answer. In this seminar you will learn about the structure, function, and care of the major organ systems of the human body. The physiology of the human body will not be studied for its own sake, but rather as a clue to the unfolding puzzle of human health. Through a combination of lectures, lab visits, and discussion, you will come to understand the relationship of physiology to medicine and medical practice. As an added benefit of the course, we will compare the career paths of health care professionals to those of researchers and teachers in the biomedical sciences. Which is right for you?

section 19, index 69781

Smart Sensors: Civil Engineering for a Sustainable Future
Hani Nassif & Kaan Ozbay (Civil and Environmental Engineering)

At rush hour on August 1st, 2007, a motorist bridge spanning the Mississippi River in Minnesota collapsed, killing thirteen people, destroying property, and strangling the local transportation system. This event led to national public awareness of the importance of monitoring the infrastructure systems which are critical to economy and the safety of travelers. In this seminar we will explore newly emerging technologies—“smart sensors” coupled with computer models—that are used to monitor bridges, tunnel, roads, and traffic. Beyond class discussion of recent research on smart sensors, we'll visit labs and “smart” infrastructure facilities where this technology is being used.

section 40, index 69783

Computer Gaming
Casimir A. Kulikowski (Computer Science)

Have you ever thought of creating your own computer game? Creating a good computer game involves a lot more than just imagination. This seminar will introduce students to technological, scientific, cognitive, biological, and social questions that surround computer games. Mathematical models of game theory, computational/artificial intelligence models of games, and biological models of evolution explain and can be used to computationally represent different aspects of competitive and cooperative game playing and problem solving in deliberately controlled contexts. The seminar will present an overview of how these models influence computer gaming, and students will work on a short demonstration project.

section 28, index 69776

Time and Change: Reading the Signs of Nature through Geology
Marie-Pierre Aubry (Earth and Planetary Sciences; Geological Sciences Program)
We often forget that scientific study is a fundamental human way of connecting to the natural world around us. Our connections to nature are mediated by signs, figures, and special language as we seek to interpret our discoveries. In this seminar you will “meet the earth” through examination of geological time and evolution of life. We will handle fossils and ask: How do researchers extract geological time out of rock sequences? What do fossils tell us about the tempo and particular forms of evolution? Our goal is to understand the objectives and methods of geology deeply and creatively. We will visit the American Museum of Natural History in New York City as background to preparing our own “scrolls” to illustrate some aspect of the evolution of life on Earth. When you leave this class, you'll be able to use the scientific language of “divergence,” “radiation,” “convergent evolution,” “forcing,” and mass extinction with ease.

section 02, index 69755

Food Fright: How Will 9 Billion People Be Fed?
Robert M. Goodman (Exec. Dean SEBS; Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources)

Food and nutritional security is fundamental to the future of human civilization. World population is projected to reach nine billion (up from just over six billion today) by 2050. All of this increase will occur in today's less-developed countries, where today over 800 million children suffer from malnutrition and two billion people live on less than two dollars per day. In this seminar, you will tackle this challenge, something for which no one yet has an answer. You will prepare by reading, classroom debate, and discussion with experts; but in the end, it will become your task to make a set of recommendations to the Secretary General of the United Nations. You will write a short ‘white paper' and discuss it in class before sending it on to Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the UN.

section 10, index 74416

Safe or Sorry? Herbal Medicine, Folklore, and Its Scientific Evidence
Lena Struwe (Ecology, Evolution, & Natural Resources)

Herb medicines and folk remedies are as old as the human race. Though largely replaced in the U. S. by modern medicine and prescription drugs, herbal medicine is increasingly popular and is influenced by cultural heritage and globalization, especially in our multi-cultural New Jersey. This seminar looks at 1) the scientific evidence for the use of specific herbs and their efficiency and safety, and 2) how to use botanical biodiversity for development of new drugs. Our seminar may include a visit to a natural products research laboratory at Rutgers; field visits to a Chinese drug store or Latino botanica to look at contemporary herbal medicine; evaluation of family folk medicines from your older relatives; and interviews with scientists working in the Global Institute for BioExploration (GIBEX) in Africa.

section 06, index 74010

Pets and Parasites
Michael Sukhdeo (Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources)

A fun biological investigation of the relationship between our pets and their parasites, as seen through the eyes of the parasite! This course is meant to acquaint you with basic ideas on parasites and their life cycles. Our purpose is to show that all life forms, even parasites, have the same biological imperatives to survive, grow, and reproduce. Six lecture/discussion classes will focus on examples of parasites of dogs and cats and domestic herbivores (horses and cattle); four hands-on laboratory sessions will focus on collecting and identifying parasites. We will take field trips to animal pastures on Cook campus. A highlight will be a parasitological examination of your own pet's poop!

section 07, index 74011

Weather Gone Wild: Will Climate Change Cause More Extreme Weather?
Anthony J. Broccoli (Environmental Sciences)

Global temperatures are rising, and increases in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are likely responsible for most of the recent warming. Because fossil fuels remain the most important energy source, continuing greenhouse gas emissions are expected to lead to more warming for the next few decades and probably beyond. Some evidence indicates that more extreme weather may result from this warming and that some of these changes may be already underway. In this seminar we will examine the evidence that global warming can increase the likelihood of extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy rainstorms, and hurricanes.

section 03, index 70844

Kitchen Chemistry & Food Physics: The Science Behind the Food You Eat
Richard Ludescher (Food Science)

What's in that burger? Foods are complex and heterogeneous mixtures of bio-molecules (starch, fat, protein, vitamins, colors, flavors, etc.) that provide nutrition and, of course, are tasty to eat. The quality of foods is related to many factors: safety, physical properties (texture), chemical and physical effects of processing and cooking, stability, sensory appeal, etc. This course will investigate how fundamental concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics are used to describe, explain, and manipulate the properties of and ensure the high quality of foods. In the seminar, we will prepare some foods, play with some food ingredients, watch a video (or two), visit a restaurant (or two), and go behind the scenes to a gourmet kitchen, all the while analyzing specific topics and foods of interest to the students in the class. The course will culminate in a group project in which students analyze a particular food and present their findings to the class.

section 04, index 70845

Opium, Endorphins, and Autism
Lei Yu (Genetics)

Opium and its component chemicals (morphine, codeine) have been used by humans for thousands of years for both medicinal and recreational purposes. These chemicals act on certain proteins in the body (opioid receptors) to achieve their biological effects—euphoria and pain relief. Endorphins and opioid peptides perform similar functions, and act on the same protein receptors. Recent research also indicates that the opioid system in the body may be involved in social functions, and its malfunction may be related to autism. This seminar will use research findings to examine the relationship between opium chemicals, endorphins, and their potential role in autism behaviours.

section 61, index 70077

From Polar Bears to Palm Trees: NJ's Changing Climate
David A. Robinson (NJ State Climatologist, Center for Environmental Prediction; Geography)

Since 1990, New Jersey has experienced nine of the twelve warmest years dating back to 1895. Clearly something is happening to our state's thermal regime, with several potential culprits to blame, including human impact on the regional and global atmosphere and landscape. Accompanying the warming are increases in NJ's precipitation totals, and perhaps weather extremes and climate variability. This seminar will explore NJ's climate in the past, at present, and in the future. We will examine the physical system, look at the potential impacts of change on the state, and discuss what can be done to mitigate or adapt to future changes.

section 47, index 69810

Sea Monsters, Robots, and Oceans in Crisis
Oscar Schofield (Marine Science)

The oceans represent the majority of Earth's surface, yet they are largely unexplored. This is surprising since oceans have shaped much of human society, and they play a major role in the global economy. They are also central to global climate and to the survival of many of the world's species. What is going to happen to our world as the oceans change? Will penguins become an extinct species? Why are we seeing more giant squid today? Come explore the deep oceans using robots, divers, and satellites. We will tour marine science labs on campus and take part in controlling an ocean robot from the labs in New Brunswick.

section 05, index 74009

What is Plastics Engineering?
Jennifer Lynch and Thomas Nosker (Materials Science and Engineering)

Americans have a love-hate affair with plastic. We often look down on plastic imitations of natural products, yet we use plastic every day—and there are more than 10,000 kinds of plastics. This seminar focuses on the importance of plastics recycling and plastics engineering. We will discuss packaging, disposal, recycling, and specific technologies developed at Rutgers' AMIPP Center for recycled plastics, including recycled plastic lumber. Advanced materials research at the AMIPP Center has resulted in patented and licensed recycled plastic blends used in structural applications, including railroad ties, pilings, I-beams, bridge substructure, and decking. The seminar culminates in a field trip to a vehicular bridge composed of a recycled plastic lumber blend developed at AMIPP, or to a plant where recycled plastic lumber is manufactured.

section 33, index 74112

Robotics: The Past, The Present, The Future
JingangYi (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering)
Meenakshi Ganesh and Daniel Naftalovich (School of Engineering, Class of 2012)

Most people think of robots as automated machines that do our bidding. They clean our floors, build our cars, and travel millions of miles to other planets to conduct research on alien environments. But have you considered what goes on in a robot’s “mind” while it is roaming the harsh sands of Mars? Have you ever wondered where robots came from, historically, or where they might take us in the future? In this seminar we will explore both the hardware aspects of a robot (including structure, function, components, and materials) and the software side of robots (the brains behind how a robot functions). We’ll touch on artificial intelligence, “useless robots,” and robot celebrities in popular culture such as Transformers, Terminator, and iRobot. Of course, no robotics course would be complete without the fun of building robots in the lab. Guest speakers will present robotics applications in medicine, biotechnology, the military, and manufacturing industries. In this interactive seminar you will find out what is out there in the commercial world of robotics as well as what is being developed in the university. Join us and discover the real world of robots.

section 70, index 74943

The Ethics, Economics, and Science of Cancer
Dessislava Dimova (Molecular Biology and Biochemistry)

We live in a time of rising rates of cancer, in the U.S. and in the world. Why is this so? In this seminar we will explore the scientific problems of cancer research. At the same time, the seminar will place this research in the social context of twenty-first century America. Who should pay for cancer research? Who should pay the bills for a cancer patient? How can our society afford to take care of its ageing and ailing population? How do we decide who participates in clinical trials for new cancer treatments? You will learn about the many different forms of cancer, causes, risk factors, and treatment options. In addition we'll discuss the latest research on the genetics of cancer (oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes). We'll address ethical and economic questions, along with perhaps the most serious question: Is cancer curable?

section 11, index 69764

The RNA Revolution
Sam Gunderson (Molecular Biology and Biochemistry)

Among the macromolecules of life (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleotides), RNA was long relegated to a second-class status. However, over the last twenty-five years we've seen a gradual awakening that more recently has turned into an avalanche of exciting developments in the RNA field. This seminar will cover all the stunning and amazing things that RNA can do and what future research holds. Properties of RNA to be discussed include: 1) how RNA folds and catalyzed reactions (similarly to proteins); 2) RNA's perceived role in molecular evolution; 3) the current excitement about RNA's potential as a therapeutic agent—and how one oxygen atom makes RNA have all these properties. We may do some laboratory experiments.

section 18, index 69769

The Future is Solar: Harnessing Sunlight to Meet Worldwide Energy Demands
Robert A. Niederman (Molecular Biology and Biochemistry)

Within fifty years, the world's primary energy source, usable fossil fuel, will be depleted. Where will our energy come from then? One answer lies in our ability to harness sunlight as a source of clean and renewable energy. In this seminar students will learn how an improved understanding of photosynthesis – especially in simple organisms such as photosynthetic bacteria – can help scientists harness solar energy for a variety of applications: from solar-driven microbial bio-refineries that produce molecular hydrogen as a fuel source, to the fabrication of bio-solar photoelectric cells that can convert sunlight into electric current. Readings and discussions will be based upon current popular science literature.

section 41, index 69784

Bitter Pills? The Benefits and Risks of Prescription Drugs
Tobias Gerhard (Assoc. Director, Center for Education and Research on Mental Health Therapeutics; Pharmacy Practice and Administration)

Recent withdrawals of several high profile drugs from the market have left patients worried and have undermined public confidence in the Food and Drug Administration. How could this happen? By providing an introduction to the science behind drug safety and effectiveness, this course will illustrate what we know and don't know about the risks and benefits of prescription drugs. We'll discuss implications for patients, physicians, regulatory authorities, and the pharmaceutical industry. On the way, students will be introduced to principles of clinical research and basic concepts of scientific inquiry.

section 15, index 69767

Death from the Skies?
Theodore Williams (Physics and Astronomy)

The universe is a dangerous place and our Earth is a fragile home. If an asteroid can wipe out the dinosaurs, what would a nearby supernova do to human civilization? We will explore the astronomical facts, not fiction, of the many perils that threaten our planet, and estimate the odds of surviving to the end of the semester, and beyond.

section 60, index 70057

High-Tech Sustainability: Food for Thought
A. J. Both (Plant Biology and Pathology)

We all need (and love) food. Many of us also enjoy tending to house and garden plants. How is this plant material produced and where does it come from? How can we maintain a safe, year-round supply of food? This course investigates the challenges and opportunities associated with greenhouse production. You will grow plants in a greenhouse, learn about the necessary inputs required for greenhouse production, and work in teams to present a topic for class discussion on issues related to sustainability. In the face of increased transportation costs, food safety concerns, and environmental issues, our interest in year-round production of crops in controlled environments keeps growing!

section 09, index 74415

Malevolent and Magnificent Microbes
Joan W. Bennett (Assoc. VP for Academic Affairs, Women in Science, Engineering and Math; Plant Pathology) and Douglas Eveleigh (Microbiology)

Microbes are organisms too small to be seen by the naked eye. The best-known microbes cause diseases, but most microbial species are an essential and beneficial part of the living world. This seminar will explore the many roles of microbes: in food such as bread and yogurt; for beverage fermentations—e.g., wine and beer; as sources of biologically active chemical compounds such as penicillin and hallucinogens; and in processes such as bio-deterioration and sewerage treatment. Students will also examine microbial diseases in human history, including plagues, syphilis, and tuberculosis.

section 02, index 70846

Reducing the Carbon Footprint
Sunil Somalwar (Physics and Astronomy)

Topics to be addressed in this seminar include: an introduction to global warming/the greenhouse effect, energy and carbon footprint, energy sources and their cleanliness, carbon tax versus emissions trading, public policies to decouple footprint from living standards, energy politics, and effective personal choices. We will look at how the media cover energy issues, week to week, and we'll visit the nationally recognized Rutgers Cogeneration plant, which produces over 50% of the electricity and hot water for the Busch and Livingston campuses using only natural gas.