Thank you, Biofuel

Oh Biofuel, you are so important. We need you. You allow us to put to rest a bit more of our over-use of fossil fuels. We continue to change our machines so that we can support more of you, but, alas, this is taking quite a while. We're on our way though, don't you worry. Thanks for what you do, you invaluable fuel.

Mitochondrial Eve

Mitochondrial Eve is the most recent common ancestor of humanity. This title is not to be confused with the original ancestor of humanity.


She is believed to have lived in East Africa some 200 thousand years ago. All humans today are related back to her through their maternal line. 

Above is a rendering of migratory movements of humanity with accompanying dates.


Much controversy and a few fallacies exist in regard to Mitochondrial Eve. To put in your two cents or just get informed about the issue, visit here.

Amphioxus

What an interesting little creature. This little guy is believed to hold key information about the evolution vertebrates and, thus, humanity.

It remains a little incredible to me that humanity evolved from something even more insubstantial that this creature. But my opinion, at this point, is rather inconsequential, I suppose. 

These creatures, also known as lancets, are usually found buried in sand in temperate to tropical seas. They share some features with vertebrates, such as a nerve cord, a tail that goes past the anus, and similar muscular arrangement.

Doggie Parks and Pollution

This lab was extremely convenient for me to attend since I live right across from Macon's magnificent Dog Park. I often glance out of my kitchen window and am greeted with the site of perfectly contented puppies playing in the distance. But enough about my life, on to the content of the lab!

We examined the water found in the little stream that runs through the heart of the park. After hearing about the possible dangers and extra contaminants urban creeks are susceptible to, we took samples from different locations along the stream and from a contributing creek as well. 


The topic of community was also discussed, for dog parks lend themselves to the creation of friendships and neighborly bonds. 


Here is a link to the park's Facebook page.

Darwin's Dilemma

What an interesting video. I know that a few of my classmates were distinctly offended by it, but I was rather intrigued. Having grown up in a public school, I was never, officially, presented with any credibly scientific reason to accept Intelligent Design as truth. I must confess that I am obviously disposed to - at the very least - be quite interested in the video's content because of my beliefs as a Christian, namely, my belief in God as Creator.


The video was, admittedly quite a shock, though, as the last thing I expected to be presented with in college was an argument for Intelligent Design. I suppose a preface to the film, should you decide to show it again, would be prudent.

Experimental Forest? What's the experiment?

The afternoon we spent at the Hitchiti Experimental Forest was probably my favorite lab experience. The forest was beautiful and the day mild, which made for a lovely adventure. We were introduced to wild ginger; I had never seen it growing before. Also, we discussed pine beetles and their effect on the pine population of the forest.

(Disclaimer: This is not actually a picture of the forest, rather, it is a depiction of the effect of the southern pine beetle.)


After learning about these pesky beetles, we ventured further into the forest and discovered a sponge-like moss and hugged a few trees.


Finally, (my favorite part) we made it to the river and I chose to hop across the rocks of the river with a few classmates. I succeeded, thankfully, and probably due to a minor miracle, to not fall into the river. Score.

A Singularly Lovely Lake

May I introduce you to the majestic, the magnificent, Lake Mineral Wells. Though I have never visited this lake, it is located near the town of Mineral Wells, which is where my Happy Place is - my Grandparents' house. My mom and aunt grew up going to the lake, and I've heard many a story about the summers they spent there.