The effects of the SUN project on teacher knowledge and self-efficacy regarding biological energy transfer are significant and long-lasting: results of a randomized controlled trial.

Biological energy flow has been notoriously difficult to teach. Our approach to this topic relies on abiotic and biotic examples of the energy released by moving electrons in thermodynamically spontaneous reactions. A series of analogical model-building experiences was supported with common language and representations including manipulatives.

Real-time PCR-based prediction of gonad phenotype in medaka.

An important endpoint in aquatic bioassays for potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is the gonadal phenotype of exposed fish, with special interest in intersex and sex-reversed individuals. Traditionally, the assessment of gonad phenotype is done via histology, which involves specialized and time-consuming techniques. The method detailed here increases the efficiency of the analysis by first determining the relative expression of four genes involved in gonad development/maintenance in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes), and then by using principal component analysis, assigning a phenotype to each gonad based upon the gene expression data.

Biomarker induction in tropical fish species on the Northwest Shelf of Australia by produced formation water.

Normal operation of oil well platforms results in the discharge of produced formation water (PFW). The expression of CYP1A, CYP2M1- and 2K1-like proteins was examined for use as possible biomarkers of PFW exposure. A pilot study on the Northwest Shelf of Australia had indicated that PFW contamination possibly contributes to induction of CYP1A-like proteins in Gold-Spotted Trevally (Carangoides fulvoguttatus).

Environmental induction of CYP1A-, CYP2M1- and CYP2K1-like proteins in tropical fish species by produced formation water on the northwest shelf of Australia.

Normal operation of oil well platforms results in the discharge of "produced formation water" (PFW). The expression of CYP1A, CYP2M1- and 2K1-like proteins was examined for use as possible biomarkers of PFW exposure. A pilot study at the Harriet A production platform, on the Northwest Shelf of Australia, had indicated that PFW contamination possibly contributes to induction of CYP1A- and 2K1/2M1-like proteins in Gold-Spotted Trevally (Carangoides fulvoguttatus).

Toxicity of an engineered nanoparticle (fullerene, C60) in two aquatic species, Daphnia and fathead minnow.

Water-soluble fullerene (nC60) has been shown to induce lipid peroxidation (LPO) in brain of juvenile largemouth bass (LMB, Micropterus salmoides) [Oberdörster, E., 2004. Manufactured nanomaterials (fullerenes, c60) induce oxidative stress in brain of juvenile largemouth bass.