As we speak on the topic of human evolution, a recent study has shown that nearly 20% of the Neanderthal DNA is matched in the human genome, including numerous skin genes that may have contributed to our adaptation to the ancient environment. Benjamin Vernot, a population geneticist at the University of Washington, speaks on the importance of technology in making such discoveries: “I think it’s really interesting how careful application of the correct statistical and computational tools can uncover important aspects of health, biology and human history.” This is applicable to both our topics in class and in lab – the very techniques we are utilizing in lab are very much alike to those that other genetic scientists are using! From studying molecular trends we can attribute those findings to larger forms of life, and how they are all interconnected. He also stated that in the future, scientists may be able to examine and determine hominid ancestors just by studying human DNA: “…the “fossil free” method of sequencing archaic genomes… holds promise in revealing aspects of the evolution of now-extinct archaic humans and their characteristic population genetics…scientists will be able to identify DNA from other extinct hominid, just by analyzing modern human genomes.” This is both very exciting for in shedding new light on human evolution, but also emphasizes that the research we are performing on bacteriophages can relate to the data analyzation that scientists are using in their own labs, and that it is indeed the future of science. Pretty cool!

I recently read an article that was mentioned in bioremediation presentation last week, building off of the clean up of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico; this article discusses its affect on marine life in the area. Researchers have found from samples of the area that the crude oil prolonged the action potential (up to 90%) of isolated cardiomyocytes in juvenile tuna neurons, thus blocking potassium reabsorption during the repolarization period following synapse. This was also found to decrease the calcium current that in turn disrupted excitation-contraction coupling in cardiomyocytes.

During early fish development, embryos are significantly vulnerable to high PAH (hydrocarbon constitute in crude oil) toxicity levels resulting from such disasters, and ultimately lead to long term acute and chronic side effects. Although the exact mechanisms leading to such cardiac functions are unknown, there is plenty of evidence validating the toxicity effects on marine life; following the Exxon Valdez spill, exposed fish embryos characterized significant heart failure, bradycardia, arrhythmias, reduction of contractibility, and edema surrounding the heart.

To explore these mechanisms, researchers assessed juvenile bluefin and yellowfin tuna captured in the area and held at the Tuna Research Conservation Center for observation. The cardiotoxic effects of four crude oil samples were assessed. The cardiac depolarization disorder is suggested to lead to cardiac arrhythmias, as the human homolog for the disorder causes such conditions and can lead to death. With PAHs interfering with EC coupling, lowered Ca2+ output levels during shortened depolarization (blockage of K+ pores in ion channels) periods result in the deficiency in producing contractile movements in cardiomyocytes.

With these findings, it is critical to understand the devastating effects of such disasters, and the need to control and properly clean up such events.

Last week I decided to research the Borna Disease Virus (BDV), partially because I love neuroscience and partially because it isn’t a commonly known virus! BDV a neurotropic virus that is most common in horses and other animals that usually causes abnormal behavior and fatality. It is still controversial if BDV plays any role in human mental disorders, although there has been recorded linkage between BDV and bipolar and schizophrenia (present BDV antibodies detected). It is thought that it is transmitted through saliva or nasal secretions. Through experiments with rats, it appears that the virus causes learning impairments and altered social behavior (in some cases meningitis). Its been demonstrated that the virus infects the limbic system (emotion). As the disease develops, seizures, ataxia, paraplegia, and other neurodegenerative symptoms persist; the immune response usually results in immune-mediated death of infected and neighboring cells, thus degradation of mental processes.

BDV is non-segmented, negative-sense ssRNA virus with at least six identified orfs producing proteins N, P, M, G, L, and p10 (uses enzymes to create a + strand). It is known to replicate in the nucleus of neural cells. The method of transmission is still unclear.

I love the name! Its great how each of our phages are unique in their characteristics. This has been quite a journey – next semester will be too!

Look at my beautiful phage!!! Any suggestions for names? Its nice to finally be able to see it and know its real:) haha. Can’t wait to go on to the DNA process.

Saw this on Pinterest and just had to post it here! Made me think of the streak tests we’ve had to do in lab. Maybe I’ll make and bring these in for the holidays:) anyways just thought it was funny !