Whole-Mount Histochemical Protocols in Zebrafish for a Hands-On Developmental Biology Practical Course in Ecuador.

Research-based education at the undergraduate level is ideal for fostering the training of future scientists. In an undergraduate Developmental Biology course, this learning strategy requires the availability of model species and enough research reagents, not only for technique training but also for the development of student original projects. This might be challenging in most countries, where resources are limited.

Decision support algorithm for the selection of analytical methods in organic compounds detection for future extraterrestrial exploratory missions.

The search for biotic compounds beyond planet Earth is among the highest priorities in space discovery. We sought to detect organic molecules in various earth soil samples collected from environments with extreme climatic conditions comparable to extraterrestrial environments using HPLC, spectrophotometry (UV, IR), GC/MS and vertical gel electrophoresis analyses systems. The applied methods in the study were compared using a self-developed software tool that was designed to evaluate the viability of instrument selection for organics detection in any given exploratory mission.

Unexpected results in Chernozem soil respiration while measuring the effect of a bio-fertilizer on soil microbial activity.

The number of studies investigating the effect of bio-fertilizers is increasing because of their importance in sustainable agriculture and environmental quality. In our experiments, we measured the effect of different fertilizers on soil respiration. In the present study, we were looking for the cause of unexpected changes in CO2 values while examining Chernozem soil samples.