University of Alberta
BIOFEEDBACK, Week Ending: March 16, 2006,
Volume 13, Number 10

Submissions

Volume 13, Number 10
Submissions, questions, or comments to Deanne Timmons 2-3310 -deanne.timmons@ualberta.ca 
Submission deadline for the next issue is at noon on Wednesday, March 22

Department Calendar

March 17 Strickland Memorial Lecture and Banquet
March 25 Laboratory for Vertebrate Palaeontology Gala & Fundraiser
April 7 Celebration of Excellence
April 12 Last Day of Classes
April 14 Good Friday, University Buildings Closed
April 17 Easter Monday, University Buildings Closed
April 18 Last Day to Submit Theses to FGSR for Spring Convocation
April 18 - 29 Fall and Winter Terms' Final Examinations
April 28 Defensive Driving Course
May 1 Safety Training for New Workers
May 5 Defensive Driving Course 
Payroll Deadlines and Information www.biology.ualberta.ca/department/hr/

BioSci Calendar Online
When you have an event to list on the Department Calendar of Events, contact Deanne or Scott at deanne.timmons@ualberta.ca or scott.wierstra@ualberta.ca 

Department News and Notices

Last Chance to Fun Curl
The BGSA Funspiel happens next Saturday, March 25, from 5:30 until 11:00 p.m. at the Saville Sports Centre and everyone is welcome! Cost is $12 for students and $15 for everyone else. There will be drink specials and prizes for best-dressed team and best overall team. Students, contact your RIG rep, everyone else contact Daelynn at dbuelow@ualberta.ca RIG reps are:

Microbiology – Daelynn- dbuelow@ualberta.ca

Ecology and Environmental Biology – Steve- steve.kembel@ualberta.ca

Systematices and Evolution – Sean- bromilow@ualberta.ca

Molecular Biology and Genetics -Nicholas- naf2@ualberta.ca

Physiology and Cell Biology -Liz- eorr@ualberta.ca

Plant Biology –Stefan- slittle@ualberta.ca 
 
News from the Safety Officer
Defensive Driving Courses: April 28 and May 5
I am giving Defensive driving courses on Friday, April 28, and again on Friday, May 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Room M 149. Please register by e-mail to: barry.mccashin@ualberta.ca. The course is free to staff/students who require it for driving a UofA vehicle for work/research. Current requirements for driving are the same as last year and are summarized on the BioSci Driver Info page: http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/facilities/safety/index.php?Page=2495 
There are also daily defensive driving courses scheduled on campus at the end of April and into May. Contact Barry Kaye to register or for a road evaluation. Go to: www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/driving/nav02.cfm?nav02=22242&nav01=22232 
Safety Training for New Workers - Monday, May 1, 2006
The WHMIS training for new summer students and other workers is on Monday May 1 at 10:00 a.m. in M 149. All workers who have not previously attended a session like this are required to come. I will cover: introduction to WHMIS, chemical safety, spill cleanup, fire extinguishers and some field hazards. Brian Parker will discuss Bear Awareness and safety. Total length is about 100 minutes and registration is not required. For further information, contact Barry McCashin at 2-2399, CW 315A, or e-mail barry.mccashin@ualberta.ca
 
The training schedule for chemical, radiation safety, transport of dangerous goods, and first aid offered by the office of Environmental Health&Safety is posted here: http://www.ehs.ualberta.ca/docs/Training-Schedule.doc 
Some other training (first aid, boating, etc.) is listed on this page:
Information on training for Fire Extinguishers and Trailer Safety Workshop will be presented when the details are available.
  
Autoclave Information
I just published a new web page on the operation and safe use of autoclaves at http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/facilities/safety/index.php?Page=4321. 
Two posters summarizing this information will be put up in autoclave rooms in the next few weeks.
 
Status of the Chemical Waste Disposal Room G204C
For those who use the Chemical Waste Disposal room at the BioSci loading dock,  I have added information on the Safety home page that indicates whether the room is still open or if it is full and closed until waste is shipped out.  Check here first to see if there is space before you lug your chemicals down:
  
Molecular Biology Laboratory Techniques Course
The Molecular Biology Facility is offering a four week long molecular techniques course from May 1 – May 27.  There will be labs with instruction on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Techniques covered will include vector isolation, genomic DNA extraction, agarose gel electrophoresis, microsatellite enrichment library construction (transformation), DNA sequencing, sequence analysis (BioTools), fragment analysis software, RNA isolation, northern blotting, RT-PCR, cosolvents in PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, protein expression in bacteria, affinity tag purification, western blotting and detection.

The course is offered on a non-credit, cost-recovery basis with a fee of $350 per student. Enrollment is limited, with Biological Sciences graduate students having priority. A high level of participant commitment is required. Interested individuals should register with Gary Ritzel at 2-8956 or 2-2911 or Corey Davis at 2-8049.

Seminars

Thursday, March 16, 2006, 4:00 p.m., TBW 1 Tory Breezeway
Ring Cardé, Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside
"PHEROMONE COMMUNICATION IN MOTHS AND ITS DISRUPTION"
Entomology 602
 
Friday, March 17, 2006, 12:00 p.m., M 149 Biological Sciences Building
Jan Volney, Rene Alfaro, Peter Bothwell, Ted Hogg, Anthony Hopkin, Ed Hurley, Gaston Laflamme, Juha Metsaranta, Gary Warren, Ken Mallett, Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service
"HOW TO KISS A TOAD: ENGAGING SCIENTISTS ON A POLICY ISSUE DEVELOPING A FRAMEWORK FOR FAST-GROWING SPECIES PLANTATION RISK ASSESSMENT"
Biology 631
 
Friday, March 17, 2006, 3:00 p.m., 3-27 Earth Sciences Building
Ring Cardé, Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside
"FINDING AN ODOUR SOURCE IN A TURBULENT WORLD: STRATEGIES OF MOTHS AND MOSQUITOES"
Strickland Memorial Lecture, co-hosted by Lloyd Dosdall and Maya Evenden

Monday, March 20, 2006, M 137 Biological Sciences Buildng
J. Manuel Rodriguez-Maillard, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
"QUORUM SENSING AND SIGNAL INTERFERENCE"
Microbiology 607
 
Monday, March 20, 2006, 12:00 p.m., M 149 Biological Sciences Buildng
Matthew Gaudett, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
"GENE STACKING: THE NEXT CHALLENGE FOR PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGISTS?"
Botany 600
 
Monday, March 20, 2006, 4:00 p.m., M 145 Biological Sciences Building
Kerry Laing, Department of Pathobiology, University of Washington
"RECOGNIZING THE ENEMY: RECEPTORS OF THE INNATE AND ADAPTIVE IMMUNE SYSTEMS OF VERTEBRATES"
Candidate for the Comparative Immunology Position, hosted by Brad Magor
 
Wednesday, March 22, 2006, 11:00 a.m., M 137 Biological Sciences Building
Tariq Siddique, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
"BIOTRANSFORMATION OF SELENIUM IN DRAINAGE WATER AND SEDIMENTS"
Microbiology 606/607

Wednesday, March 22, 2006, 12:00 p.m., M 141 Biological Sciences Building
Jennifer Kerr, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
"BIOINDICATORS OF POLLUTION EXPOSURE OF GOLDFISH EXPOSED TO TREATED SEWAGE EFFLUENT"
Biology 642

Thursday, March 23, 2006, 4:00 p.m., TBW 1 Tory Breezeway
Kevin Floate, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre
"THE 'WHAT' AND 'WHY' OF WOLBACHIA IN BIOCONTROL"
Entomology 602
 
Friday, March 24, 2006, 3:30 p.m., M 149 Biological Sciences Building
Moira Glerum, Medical Genetics, University of Alberta
"COPPER BINDING PROTEINS IN CYTOCHROME OXIDASE ASSEMBLY"
Genetics 605
 
Monday, March 27, 2006, 12:00 p.m., M 149 Biological Sciences Building
Joseph Patton, Department of Biological Sciences
"MAGNIFECTION - A NOVEL METHOD OF PRODUCING RECOMBINANT PROTEINS IN PLANTS"
Botany 600
 
Monday, March 27, 2006, 3:00 p.m., M 145 Biological Sciences Building
Jessica Hawthorn, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
"INTERPRETING RATES OF EVOLUTION IN THE FOSSIL RECORD"
Biology 506/507
 
Monday, March 27, 2006, 4:00 p.m., M 145 Biological Sciences Building
Daniel Barreda, Department of Medicine (Hematology and Oncology), University of Pennsylvania
"PHAGOCYTOSIS: TRACING THE ORIGINS FOR REGULATORY MECHANISMS OF INNATE AND ACQUIRED IMMUNITY"
Candidate for the Comparative Immunology Position, hosted by Reuben Kaufman
 
Wednesday, March 29, 2006, 12:00 p.m., M 141 Biological Sciences Building
Kessen Aroonassala Patten, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
"DEVELOPMENT PROFILE OF GLUTAMATE RECEPTORS IN ZEBRAFISH CNS"
Biology 642
 
Friday, March 31, 2006, 3:30 p.m., M 149 Biological Sciences Building
Peter Unrau, Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University
"NONHOMOLOGOUS RECOMBINATION AND CATALYTIC RNAs"
Microbiology 606/607
 
Of interest:
 
Friday, March 17, 2006, 7:00 p.m., Royal Alberta Museum Auditorium
Kevin Hannah, Canadian Wildlife Service
"WARBLERS"
Edmonton Nature Club
 

News from the Chair

News from the Associate Chair Research

Department Deadlines for Grants and Proposals 
Click here for details and RSO/agency deadlines
 
March 17 - Canada - International Polar Year www.ipy-api.gc.ca/prop/index_e.html
March 27 - Alberta Heritage for Medical Research Internal Allocations - (for April 3
March 27 - EFF - University of Alberta Conference Fund (for April 3 competition) http://kaplan.rso.ualberta.ca/CMS/forms/ConferenceFund.doc
March 27 - NSERC Idea to Innovation (I2I) 
         www.nserc.gc.ca/professors_e.asp?nav=profnav&lbi=b4
April 3 - NSERC Strategic Project Grants http://www.nserc.gc.ca/professors_e.asp?nav=profnav&lbi=b1
April 18 - Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation - Development Initiatives http://www.cd.gov.ab.ca/asrpwf/programs/funding/dip/index.asp
April 18 - Alberta Cancer Board - Bridge and Pilot www.cancerboard.ab.ca/word_docs/research/bridge_pilot_dec_2005.doc
April 24 - Alberta Heritage for Medical Research Foundation - Internal Allocations http://kaplan.rso.ualberta.ca/CMS/forms/AHFMRVisit.doc
No Deadline NSERC Research Partnership Agreements with Canadian
Departments and Agencies
No Deadline Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Open Deadline Canadian Health Services Research Foundation - Career Re-
orientation Award
Open Deadline ICORE Visiting Professor Grants  
 
Current Research Notices Click here  
 
New University of Alberta Signature Page
University of Alberta policy requires that before applications/proposals are submitted to funding agencies, the application be signed/approved by the department, faculty and Research Services Office. (If you are a graduate student applying for research funding, your supervisor must also sign your application.) While this is not the requirement of many agencies, the University still requires this and University policy prevails in these instances. For applications and/or proposals that do not have room for the required U of A signatures, please use the current University of Alberta Supplementary Signature page at
http://www.rso.ualberta.ca//pdfs/Signature.pdf. Please note: this is a revised, updated form.

News from the Associate Chair Graduate Studies

Comparative Invertebrate Embryology
Session A: June 12 - July 15, 2006, M-F 8-5; S 8-12
Biology 536 (9 credits)  Dr. Billie J. Swalla and Dr. Sally Leys
This course will provide extensive hands-on laboratory experience with the fertilization and development of most invertebrate phyla including: Cnidaria, Ctenophora, Platyhelminthes, Nemertea, Brachiopoda, Phoronida, Bryozoa, Mollusca, Polychaeta, Chaetognatha, Echinodermata, Hemichordata and Urochordata. The lectures will focus on cellular and molecular analysis of evolutionary changes in development as well as reproduction and gametogenesis. The course will emphasize morphological processes and discuss similarities and differences in embryos. Several field trips will acquaint students with the rich invertebrate fauna of the San Juan Islands. The class is at the graduate student level, but exceptionally qualified undergraduate students will be considered.
 
Enrollment is limited to 12 students. For additional information, contact: bjswalla@u.washington.edu or sleys@ualberta.ca
 
J.H. Stewart Memorial Fellowship Trust
Minimum scholarship of $5,000 is awarded annually to a student registered in a doctoral program at a Canadian university, and that has a first-class academic record. The student must have completed their comprehensive examinations, or equivalent, and have had their Doctoral thesis proposal accepted by April 30th. Student must not hold scholarships that exceed in total $25,000 inclusive of the J. H. Stewart Reid Memorial Fellowship Trust. Deadline: April 30, 2006. For more information, visit the website: http://stewartreid.caut.ca/English/default.htm
 
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) - Health Research Communications Awards
Value: The maximum amount for a single award is $26,000 for up to 2 years: Stipend: $21,000 per year. For awards held outside Canada, $5,000 is added to the annual stipend. Stipends are valued in Canadian dollars and are taxable. This award is non-renewable.
Eligibility: These awards are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. The program is open to those who have completed one or more degrees related to human health or completed any degree supplemented by significant additional coursework in human health and who have applied or those who have been accepted into a full time journalism or communications degree program. In addition, candidates must have a proven aptitude for health research communications and may not hold any other major scholarship or award. Applications for awards to be held outside of Canada are welcome.
Deadline: April 1, 2006. CIHR's mandate is to create new knowledge and to translate that knowledge into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system. The purpose of this Request for Applications is to increase the number of Canadian writers engaged in communicating the findings and implications of health research. It is expected that this targeted investment will lead to more effective communication of health research in Canada. For more information, visit: http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/30091.html 
  
National Park Science Scholars
The Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program is pleased to announce its 2006 competition. The program is a collaboration among Canon U.S.A. Inc., the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the US National Park Service. Thanks to a generous commitment by Canon U.S.A., Inc., the program will be awarding eight $8,000 scholarships to Ph.D. students throughout the Americas to conduct research critical to conserving the national parks of the region. Research projects in the biological, physical, social, and cultural sciences are eligible, as well as projects in a new category -- technology innovation in support of conservation science. Applications must be received by May 3, 2006. For information about The Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program and a copy of the Application Guide, please visit the website at: www.nature.nps.gov/canonscholarships/
 

News from the Associate Chair Undergraduate Studies

Sessional Instructor Still Needed
The Department of Biological Sciences invites applications for a sessional instructorship for the 2006 Summer Term.  Currently, the course being offered is listed below.  The funding and salary schedule can be found on the Special Registration’s website:  http://www.registrar.ualberta.ca/ro.cfm?ID=891. 
 
 Summer Term (July 10-August 16, 2006) 
BIOL 208 – Principles of Ecology 
Additional information on BIOL 208 can be found in the 2006-2007 calendar, on the Department’s web site, or by visiting the Student Services Office (3rd Floor, Centre Wing).

Postdocs or very senior Ph.D. students are encouraged to apply. These appointments normally require a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, and successful teaching experience (including laboratory teaching). If you are interested in being considered for this position, please provide a c.v. and a covering letter outlining your teaching experience.  Include the names of two references who are willing to give information on your teaching experience and abilities.  People who have recently provided this information or who have recently taught as sessionals for this department need only send an e-mail indicating their interest in the upcoming positions.

Please address this information to:
Brenda Metherell
Calendar & Undergraduate Program Coordinator
Department of Biological Sciences
CW-312, Biological Sciences Bldg.
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9

or e-mail:  Brenda.Metherell@ualberta.ca

Positions will be filled as suitable candidates are identified. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.
 
 The University of Alberta hires on the basis of merit. We are committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, including persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and Aboriginal persons.

Training and Workshops

Developing Resilience
On Monday, March 20, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at TELUS 236, join in an interactive workshop to learn: how to become aware of your own capacity for resilience; to face challenges with courage and conviction; new approaches that faciltiateresilience in our lives; how thoughts feelings, and aehaviour, as well as the people you connect with can influence yoru resilience; valuable insights about yourself; and some resilience techniques to add to your repertoire. Register at www.learningshop.ualberta.ca
 
Lunch & Learn
Lunch & Learn sessions are free of charge and take place from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Heritage Lounge, Athabasca Hall, unless noted otherwise. To register, go to: http://sldregistration.ualberta.ca/viewCalendar.jsp and click on your calendar choice.
Thursday, March 23: Procrastination, Forget Later, Let's Talk About It Now
Wednesday, March 29: Responsible Optimism - Combine Hope, Resiliency and Optimism in Your Life
 
University Teaching Services

Blended Learning: Pitfalls and Possibilities
Thursday, March 16, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., CAB 243

Blended learning is the term given to a course where part of the teaching occurs in a classroom and part occurs online. Presented by Margaret Haughey, FGSR. To register go to: www.ualberta.ca/~uts
 Talking to the Media as if Teaching Matters
Friday, March 17, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., CAB 219
In this age of instant communication and mass media, it is essential to have some media relations basics at your fingertips, from how to prepare for an interview and get your message across to what to be on the look out for during an interview. Tips on how to incorporate the important connection between your teaching and research are discussed. Sandra Halme, Media Relations Specialist, Public Affairs will introduce you to some of these basics and answer questions.
 
Invitation to Orientation to the University
Wednesday, March 22, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
All new and recently-hired Academic and Support Staff are invited to attend an organizational orientation on Wednesday, March 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Registration is required: go to http://www.learningshop.ualberta.ca. More information can be found by visiting http://www.hrs.ualberta.ca/orientation

Department Classifieds

Accommodations Needed
Our newest faculty member, Mario Feldman, is expecting his two grad students from Switzerland to arrive by April 10 and is looking for short-term accommodation for them. They are quite willing to share with other students. Please contact mfeldman@ualberta.ca or phone 2-6015.
 
House for Rent
Upgraded 2,000 sq ft character house located in Mill Creek, almost all hardwood, and well-maintained. There are 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, fireplace, detached double garage (heated) with rooftop deck. $1,400/ month neg. Please contact randi.mewhort@ualberta.ca

Teaching News

BioSci Teaching Chat Group
The teaching chat group meets at noon on the second Wednesday of the month to discuss perennial teaching challenges and their potential solutions. The group meets in Z708 and anyone who teaches is welcome to attend. Bring your lunch; tasty supplements will be provided.   
UTS
Check what's happening at University Teaching Services: www.ualberta.ca/~uts

On/Off Campus News and Notices

Inside/OUT 2005/2006 Speakers' Series
All meetings take place from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. in 7-152 Education North, unless noted otherwise. The Speakers' Series is sponsored by APIRG, Office of the Dean of Students, UofA Bookstore, and the Department of Educational Policy Studies.
March    16 - Dr. jan jagodinski, Professor, Department of Secondary Education, University of Alberta, presents "Can Lacan Offer Anything to Queer Studies? Beyond Sexuation". For information on Inside/OUT, please contact Kris Wells at kwells@ualberta.ca  or Marjorie Wonham at mwonham@ualberta.ca 
 
Jablonski Endowment Fundraising Recital
Sunday, March 19, 7:30 p.m., Convocation Hall, Arts Building
Magdalena Adamek, piano, features works by Chopin, Liszt, Mozart, Bartók and Beethoven. Admission is $10 for students and $20 for all others.
 
Mind, Body, Spirit Bash
HPaWS, Campus Rec, Faculty of Phys.Ed. & Recreation, and University Health Services invite you to Take Time. Make a Connection! with the Mind, Body, Spirit Bash. First up is an Olde Tyme Skating Party on Sunday, March 19 at the Clare Drake Arena from 2:45 - 4:45 p.m. Other events include walk climbing, scrap booking, and bring a buddy to fitness classes. Check out the full schedule of events and find registration information at www.virtualwellness.ualberta.ca
 
The Color of Fear
Join the Office of Human Rights, the Graduate Students' Association and the UofA Students' Union as they present "The Color of Fear", a Lee Mun Wah film about Racism. Author and award-winning human rights advocate, Satya Das, will lead a discussion following the film. This all takes place on Tuesday, March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, at Lister Centre in the Aurora Room from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. If you haven't yet heard Satya Das speak, prepare to be inspired.
  
Plant Study Group - "Yes, We Have No Bananas, or A Look At Trees"
Patsy Cotterill will profile about a dozen trees from around the world with respect to their phylogeny, ecological and human importance, and refer to some ideas from Colin Tudge's book, "The Secret Life of Trees". The meeting starts at 7:30 On Monday, March 27 at J. Percy Page Centre, Groat Road and 118 Avenue, Room 8 on the 3rd Floor. Free admission, coffee and refreshments available.
  
Conference on Climate Change and Water Management
The Alberta Chapter of the Canadian Water Resources Association and the Government of Alberta, through Alberta Environment, are partnering in the delivery of a conference on Climate Change and Water Management. The conference, entitled "Climate Change and Water: Science, Impacts, and Adaptations in Alberta" takes place from April 2 to 5 at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton. For more information and registration, go to: www.climatechangealberta2006.com/
 
Canadian Society of Zoologists Annual Meeting
The Canadian Society of Zoologists will be hosting it’s 45th annual meeting here on Campus from May 2-6, 2006. The plenary theme of the Conference is: “Biology of the Canadian Arctic II: Integrating across scales from site specific to regional and global processes” and is organized by David Hik. In addition, there will be the Inaugural Symposium of a new Comparative Morphology and Development section in the society organized by Rich Palmer and Sally Leys.  Details on the meeting and registration and abstract submission information can be found at www.biology.ualberta.ca/csz2006/index.htm.
 
Integrating Evolution, Development, and Genomics Symposium
Multiple, non-concurrent symposia that cover a wide range of evolutionary developmental biology topics, including paleontology, comparative morphology, and genomics take place at the University of California, Berkeley, from May 31 - June 2.  In addition to talks from the invited speakers, an additional 15-20 speakers will be selected from submitted abstracts. The meeting will provide an opportunity for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to interact with evo-devo researchers from around the world and has been designed to be small (~200) in order to offer many opportunities for meaningful interactions between faculty and student attendees. For more information, go to www.evodevo.org (Sally Leys is one of the invited speakers.)

This Week's Funny

Factoids
Grizzly Bears can bite through a steel bolt as thick as 12mm. (...or right through the arm of the silly goose who offered it)
After spending hours working at a computer display, look at a blank piece of white paper. It will probably appear pink.
Almonds are the oldest, most widely cultivated and extensively used nuts in the world. (well, except for those we cultivate here ;-)
Al Capone's business card said he was a furniture dealer.
Abe Lincoln's mother died during an epidemic of "milk sickness" caused by drinking milk from cows that had eaten poisonous milkroot.
An African elephant's ear can weigh up to 110 lbs.
An eyelash lasts about 5 months.
An octopus has 3 hearts - 2 branchial and one systemic. (Three hearts, eight legs, they really like to overdo it, don't they?