Bats: are belfries their only option?

Small mammals are dying and we don't know why! Does it matter? I've posted why it does and what we know previously. Well it looks like white-nose syndrome is spreading from a couple of caves in NY 2 years ago to 6 states already this year....this is not a good thing.

Mexican free-tailed bats © Lynn McBride (JPG)

One thing that stills concerns me is that researchers are trying to find ways to combat the Geomyces fungus, which is infecting the bats and is the white in white-nose. This is good, however I still have not seen definitive cause-effect data that suggests that fungus is the problem and not a symptom. I hope research is still being done to determine why bats are coming down with these fungal infections.

Possibilities:

1. This is an emerging pathogen that has developed virulence properties. While these fungi do not grow at human body temperature, Im not a cheerleader of emerging mammalian infectious agents.

2. Environmental toxins are screwing up the bats immune system or physiology.

3. A virus is acting similarly to the environmental toxin example (analogous to HIV in people).

4. Others I have yet completed the thought on.

How to make a virus

There was a pretty good seminar I saw on the subject of virology, which is not my area of expertise nor necessarily of interest. However, the presentation and work done was explained well and was done in an engaging way, such that even though this is an area I am not particularly concerned with, I enjoyed immensely.

(Aside: These leads to a particular rant I have. I see that many lab heads avoid departmental seminars unless said seminar is directly related to their particular field. I understand this mindset, because we are all extremely busy, we have many seminars, meetings, and duties beyond research and teaching that vie for our time. However, this mindset is being passed down to the post-docs and, more importantly, the students in these labs. Over the course of several years of this, the end result is a batch of students with little breadth beyond their specific research area, students who are unaware of technical or intellectual advances in other fields that may in fact aid their research, and students who may not have the skills to succeed on their own. /Aside)

The specific seminar I attended was on Hantavirus. Like all organisms, even pseudo-organisms like viruses, there are interesting biological problems and questions associated with them. One thing of interest with the Hantavirus, and other viruses of the Bunyaviridae family, is that it has a segmented genome. This is similar to us, our genome is comprised of 23 individual chromosomes (2 copies of each). Thus, our genome is segmented. This can be contrasted to many, but not all, bacterial species, which have their genomes comprised on a singular circular chromosome. So, the Hantavirus genome is comprised of 3 segments. If you click on the picture, which is from the CDC, you can actually see some of the strands in the viruses that are the RNA segments that comprise the genome. In answer to your question, yes RNA! These viruses maintain their genome as RNA, not DNA. So the discovery of the virus, seeing it inside of cells, analysis of its genomic structure is all basic biology that was worked out over the last few decades.

So what is the profoundly interesting thing here? Well, its a question I do not know the answer to, nor am I sure anyone does in this particular case. However, it does represent an interesting biological problem. A bit more background, when a virus infects a cell, the genome regardless of RNA or DNA is uncoated, in other words freed from the protein shell it travels around in. This allows the virus to replicate, make messages, and make all the proteins necessary to make more viruses. Now once all these new viral genomes are made, they have to be packaged into new shells before leaving the host cell. (Free nucleic acid in the environment usually gets eaten.) For a virus with a single bit of RNA or DNA that gets packaged, you can simply have a protein that grabs one end of the genome and nucleates shell formation or you simply make a bazillion protein shells along with a bazillion genomes and simply play the odds: some shells will be empty but many will not be.

However, our organism of interest, Hantavirus, has a segmented genome. The virus requires all 3 pieces of its genome to be in a shell to have a productive virus. Our previous 2 approaches no longer work so well. In the first approach we need 3 proteins, one for each genomic segment. We could use the same protein 3 times, but how can you ensure all three segments are in each shell and not simply segment 1 and its associated protein 3 times. We could have 3 different proteins, 1 for each segment. The problem here is that Hantavirus only encodes for 3 different proteins total: the shell protein, the RNA polymerase, and an RNA binding protein that does several different things. So we don't appear to have the information necessary to take this approach.

The second approach tends to fail as well. If we make a bazillion shells and a bazillion of each segment. If there is an 80% chance a given segment randomly ends up in a shell then we have a 0.8 x 0.8 x 0.8 = 51% chance of a shell getting all 3 segments, so 0.5 bazillion. That doesnt sound so bad, but I did just make up the 80% number, what if its 50%? then ~12.5% of the shells will have all 3 segments. Is that enough to maintain a viable infection? I don't know, but its knowable and interesting to think about. This issue is more complicated, because we have assumed that once a given segment gets in, the same segment won't get in again. If we abandon this assumption, then our 80% chance of a given segment to get in isn't 51% but 11% (.8 x (.8 x 2/3) x (.8 x 1/3)) We could help our scenario out by making the shells large enough to hold more than 3 segments worth of material. If a shell can hold 5 segments worth of material, then we dramatically increase our chance of getting all 3 segments in.

So what does Hantavirus do? Well based on the seminar, that is still a question that needs answering. Maybe one of the above approaches is right or maybe the 3 segments are not truly separate but tethered together with 1 or more of their proteins or host proteins that the virus coopts for its own devices or maybe its something else even more interesting! Regardless, this is why biology and science in general is cool. We have an obvious problem an organism (Im using the term loosely) needs to solve, how does it do it? By the way, his isn't simply fun for the sake of fun, in the case of Hantavirus, if we know how packages its genome maybe we can develop ways to stop it and effectively combat Hantavirus it or similar viruses.

Clash of the Titans, or something similar anyway

Can we be good without god?

This just came to my attention and I am sorry to say with the late notice I cannot attend. If anyone is able to attend I would enjoy hearing how it turns out.

Apologies for the Previous Post

Thinking about and writing that last post irked the hell out of me. Here's something to make us all feel better....




Been a fan of Birdland since I first heard it. Plus my brother and I grew up on alto and tenor sax (with a modicum of soprano thrown in), so that always hits a heartstring.

Enjoy

Bride of the Creationist "Science" Fair

This is science education?

Yes, its that time of year again, when creationists homeschoolers show off the results of their child abuse. (For the record, I believe that systemic lying to children about reality is child abuse.)

I commented on this religious fair last year. I will try to go again, but I am not sure I have the fortitude. Why might I skip out? Well, this religious fair is advertised as being about science, however the truth is clear from the TCCSA website...

The Scientific Method and Home School Science Fair procedures
....Im skipping ahead here...
VII. Science Fair Day. You as the presenter are the key to a great Science Fair Day.
Five things to remember:
1. Know your material.
2. Be Confident.
3. Communicate well.
4. Be thorough.
5. Pray your exhibit will witness to non-Christian visitors.

That is one of our main goals at the Science Fair.
(adapted from: The Complete Handbook of Science Fair Projects, Bochinski, 1996)

First of all, there is no THE scientific method. There are approaches and methods that are scientific, but there is no one true scientific method. See the real point is not science, not doing science, not communicating science. Nope, its main purpose is to convert non-christians to your religious perspective. Think I might be overstating it? Keep reading

7. Approximately 3rd Weekend in February: our science fair presentation at Har-Mar Mall in a public-secular setting for three reasons:
1) To promote home schools,
2) To show that Homeschool students can do good science.
3) To present our science fair project to non-Christian people. This should be a great Gospel outreach.

In reality, this fair should only promote that these home schools lead to close minded indoctrination. If it shows some good science, it will be in spite of, not because of the viewpoint of the TCCSA. Finally, these knobs need to look up what secular means, its seems to me they are confusing secular with atheistic. Science should not be great gospel outreach, that's like saying our history fair should really promote lollipop consumption (at least lollipops taste good).

But why do this?

We heard about one lady who saw the Science Fair displays at the Mall. She began to read some of the verses on the displays and was convicted to start attending church and get right with God. There are probably other stories like this we have not heard but it shows the power of God's Word through our program.

See, its not demonstrating what you learned or how you have used science, its to bring in more customers. The "science" was just a way to get those unsaved pitiful souls to approach until the trap could be sprung, the unsuspecting wretch sees the bible verse and voila! SAVED! Personally, I am not convinced by self-serving hearsay, but then Im a scientist.

To be clear it gets better (and by better I mean worse).

See here is the introductory premise to scientific religious education written by Russ McGlenn (aka Sir Bunghole). Right from the start....

The fear of God is the beginning of knowledge. Proverbs 1:7

Hey Sir Bunghole, finish the verse or have you no shame? Nevermind, just finish the verse.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

First, god/lord just depends on the version of the bible you use (although Im sure Sir Bunghole believes his version is the one true version written in the original english language). Now Sir Bunghole, see that little smudge at the end of your sentence? Its not a period, its supposed to be a comma. I can see making that mistake, but what happened to the rest of the clause? I mean your point is to make your god out to be a bully, which is fairly simple to do without distorting the bible. Science is hard and requires deep study and real work (both of which require discipline and leads to wisdom). I wonder mostly about the motive of distorting this passage, since virtually all of those looking at the website will be Christians terrified that their child may learn something the parents personally disapprove of, these are people who will parse any verse to fit their preconceived notions anyway, so why distort?

I think Proverbs 1 is an interesting choice here, because essentially it is set up to warn against rejecting knowledge and wisdom. If I skip ahead a bit...

20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares;
21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech:
22 "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?
23 If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you.
24 But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand,
25 since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke,
26 I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you-
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you.
28 "Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me.
29 Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD,
30 since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke,
31 they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."

I would argue this argues pretty strongly that avoiding knowledge and ignoring information is considered bad in god's many eyes. I know, I know, this could be argued the opposite way as well, that's the joy of reinterpreting ancient vague texts. Back to the website....

This is a list of questions kids have asked in our brain storming sessions for science fair topics. These are the raw questions as I have not had time to clean them up or rephrase them in a statement for a hypothesis.

It was written in April 2008? Not had time over the last 9-10 months?

We need to train our students and ourselves to ask the right questions.

Anyone know how the "right" questions are determined?

Evolutionists ask this question:
How can I prove that evolution is true (and God does not exist). This may not be stated in this way, but is inferred by their writings. Darwin and others have said that if evolution is true, there is no need for God.

How many inaccuracies and/or logical fallacies can you find in that proceeding set of sentences? I found 4. Can you find more?

Creation scientists need to ask this question:
What can I learn about myself, God, and God's plan for the universe as I study His creation today. I believe true science is a way to learn more about God and ourselves. It is a living class room in which God is the Instructor and we the students. Jesus used common things in nature to illustrate his principles as he taught.

And so if Jesus used simple things to illustrate general principles to illiterate and fairly simple people, we can use simplicity to uncover the intricacies of the universe. You know, this does accurately summarize the approach creationists take to biology.

The Bible says, "The fear of God is the beginning of knowledge." God will not honor scientist's work if they do not honor Him. Some of the greatest scientific breakthroughs and discoveries were made by Christian men and women.
The following is a partial list of great scientists who were Christians seeking to understand God through His creation as well as the Bible. Sir Isaac Newton began his search for the laws of gravity and motion with this idea: God is a God of order, therefore His must have laws that govern the universe. Kepler discovered the formula for the orbit of planets around the Sun. Faraday developed many of the laws of electromagnetism. Maxwell invented color photography and discovered laws governing the distribution of molecules in gas. Lord Rutherford has been called the father of nuclear physics. Sir John Thomas discovered the electron. Petr Beckmann, a Polish professor who defected to the U.S. during the Cold War, has raised serious questions about Einsteinian physics and has shown that science based on solid experimental data is superior to many of Einstein's theories. These stories and more can be found in Science and Biblical Faith, a science documentary, by Thomas Barnes, 1993.

Some of the greatest serial killers, pedophiles, murderers, rapists, thieves were Christians too. What is the point you are making here? Simple logic is not that tough people. (How much you want to bet Sir Bunghole thinks Sudoku is a demonic ritual?). By the way, thanks Christians for coming up with the number 0. Wait what? Does that mean there will be a bunch of converts to Islam now?

Check out the website for 115 "ideas" for potential projects, I cant list them here because it isnt worth the electrons. However this is currently my favorite: 72. What is God made of? Good luck with that.

I don't know. Im not sure I can subject myself to the subtle undercurrent of hatred that permeates these events this year. Maybe Ill stay home and play with my son.

A Strong Step Forward

Without going into detail, I think the children, and citizens, of Minnesota received a strong step forward today in their science education. More details to come when appropriate....

Thanks to all those involved!

Your American civics acumen in 33 questions

This is kind of fun....

Civics Quiz

You answered 31 out of 33 correctly — 93.94 %
Average score for this quiz during January: 74.2%
Average score: 74.2%

You can take the quiz as often as you like, however, your score will only count once toward the monthly average.
If you have any comments or questions about the quiz, please email americancivicliteracy@isi.org.
You can consult the following table to see how citizens and elected officials scored on each question.

Where to from here?

Answers to Your Missed Questions:

Question #31 - A. an increase in a nation’s productivity
Question #33 - D. tax per person equals government spending per person

31) International trade and specialization most often lead to which of the following?
A. an increase in a nation’s productivity
My choice B. a decrease in a nation’s economic growth in the long term
C. an increase in a nation’s import tariffs
D. a decrease in a nation’s standard of living

I could take this test again and I would still get this wrong. Well I wouldn't now, but my thoughts (incorrect based on the answer) led me to answer B and would again. Clearly, I need to obtain more education in economics.

33) If taxes equal government spending, then:
My choice A. government debt is zero
B. printing money no longer causes inflation
C. government is not helping anybody
D. tax per person equals government spending per person
E. tax loopholes and special-interest spending are absent

This one was a case of identifying an answer that looked good and not reading any others carefully. If I thought about the answers I would have answered this one correctly, trust me.

More fun, check out the website to see how people do based on a variety of criteria. I particularly like that those who identify as being in politics do worse than the general public.

H/T Sandwalk