Science Article: Science

To start with, when you begin equipping a molecular biology lab, you need the usual test tubes, beakers, desiccators, pipettes with fillers, and flasks, together with all the necessary clamps, stoppers, frames and supports.

The basic furniture will need to consist of sufficient worktop space, computer station/s, chemical and biological storage cabinets, possibly a filtered, controlled environment (heating & cooling, and humidity control). In some cases access control, a gray room and clean room conditions may even be necessary.

Since this branch of science deals with organic materials from living cell tissues, it stands to reason that temperatures are critical. Most laboratories use refrigerators and freezers, and sometimes surface mounted refrigeration units. Some procedures may require temperatures to be reduced to as low as -86A deg. C.

Centrifuges and microcentrifuges may need to stand on refrigerated and unrefrigerated tabletops for different purposes.

The heating devices may include a microwave, Bunsen burners, and/or hot plates.

There are a number of calibrated and measurement devices, apart from the glassware, that will be needed in a laboratory, such as certain plastic ware, micro balances and scales, pH meters, moisture meters and thermometers.

Microscopes or electron microscopes appropriate to the research being done, together with camera port and link to computer. These are a part of every laboratory.

There is a large number of apparatus and equipment generally considered essential for a molecular biology laboratory. Tissue processing for DNA identification is often an important part of molecular biology and many processes require the equipment for this, depending on the extent of DNA study and genomics. Here is some of the general apparatus likely to be needed:

* CO2 incubator for cell cultures.
* Vacuum pumps.
* Liquid nitrogen tank.
* Water bath.
* Magnetic stirrer.
* Spectrophotometer.
* Chromatograph.
* Vortex rotators and platform shakers.
* Autoclaves and sterilizers.
* Electrophoresis chamber and gel casting and documentation chamber.
* UV Transilluminator.
* Gradient and standard thermocycler to amplify segments of DNA.

Then we come to the question of safety and protection of the environment and of the people who work in the laboratory; and most of the following will normally be necessary:
Clothing such as:

* Aprons and lab coats.
* Coveralls.
* Footwear, such as shoe covers.
* Head covers, bouffant caps and face covers, masks.

Gloves:

* Heavy weight latex gloves.
* Thin, disposable latex gloves.
* Nitrile gloves.
* Cotton gloves.
* Vinyl gloves.

For eye protection there is a great variety of safety glasses, clear and tinted for lazer and UV work, as well as masks and face shields with and without respirators for protection against splashing, fumes and gasses and flying objects. It is important in a laboratory to install an eyewash station for emergencies.

Last but not least is all the equipment needed for cleaning and sterilizing the glassware, apparatus and even the clothing and furniture used in the laboratory. The cleaning of these items is not always straight forward, and some special procedures need to be followed. You need to have specially designed scrubbers and brushes as well as suitable cleaning fluids and preparations, among other things.

Sunday, 3 April 2011

Those Who Are Tech-Savvy Can Earn A Computer Science Degree

Do you love all the new technology that is now available? Would you like to be a part of the development of new programs or games? Do you speak the language of computers? If yes and this is what you would like to do as a career, it is now possible to obtain an online degree in one of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) professions.

For those of us that are veterans of the workforce, the job opportunities that computers have opened up and made possible amazes us. The ability to run a company from any location through the use of computers and the Internet is what many of us dreamed about years ago. Now all of that is considered the norm along with having the option of a career where you can stay at home, earn a great paycheck, and be there for your children.

Of course, should there be a technical problem with our computer system, everything comes to a screeching stop and we start having a nervous breakdown. This in itself is a great reason to earn a degree in computer science where job security is not a problem compared to other professions where pink slips are being given out regularly due to our present economy.

One of your choices is becoming a computer hardware engineer who does the research, design, and supervises the manufacture and installation of the new hardware. This profession includes all areas of the computer such as the system, computer chips, keyboards, routers and printers. The employment rate in this area is considered very stable due to the continuing advances in the technology.

As with any profession, the higher the degree, the better the income and promotions; however, you can choose from an entry level position that requires only a certificate or an Associate's degree and then continue your education towards a Bachelor's or Master's degree. All of these are now available online from top schools that have great reputations and can provide students with resources for financial aid and upon graduation, help with job searches.

Another area that is in demand is that of a systems integration specialist who installs new computers and their programs for various companies. These people are responsible for testing, modifying and/or creating either software or hardware that is specific to the needs of that company. In addition, they do quality assurance by debugging and training the employees to use the new system.

Often, companies employ system integration specialists full time so that they are available for any and all situations that might occur. On the other hand, it is possible to start your own consulting company and cultivate numerous clients that keep you on retainer, or hire you for specific projects.

In other words, the sky is the limit! Obtaining your computer science degree from one of the many programs available will open up new possibilities for the future. Thinking about opting for the online degree? Explore your options through Education Connection by seeing what schools have the right programs for you. Whether or not you want to work from home or be employed by a company, this choice of careers will always provide you with new concepts and ideas to explore.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kayla_Russell

Saturday, 2 April 2011

Magnetism In Grapes - A Science Fair Project for Kids

Aim:

To prove that water has diamagnetic properties with the help of grapes.

Materials Required:

1.Two Grapes- considerably large in size.

2.Straw made of plastic.

3.A metallic container with lid.

4.A drawing pin.

5.A knife or a razor blade or a prick.

6.Magnet made from neodymium

Procedure:

1.Take the drawing pin and insert it from underneath the lid such that the pin is projecting out, vertically.

2.Make a small hole (of size 0.5cm * 1 cm) in the straw at the centre using either a soldering iron or a prick or knife.

3.Shove one grape on each end of the straw and balance the straw on the pin by inserting the pin in the hole.

4.Take the magnet and bring one of its poles close to the grape. Maintain some distance between the grape and the magnet.

5.The grape will experience some force due to the magnet's repelling effect and it slowly begins to move away.

6.Take the magnet away from the grapes and let it come to rest.

7.Now bring the other pole of the magnet near the grape. We will see that the grape is again repelled by the magnet. It is seen that both the poles repel the grape.

Scientific explanation:

Magnetic materials (which have some magnetic properties) are of three types: Ferromagnetic, Paramagnetic and Diamagnetic.

1. Ferromagnetic: These are those materials which are attracted strongly by the magnet. These are the ones which can form permanent magnets. They are attracted by both poles of the magnet. Example- Iron.

2. Paramagnetic: These are inferior to ferromagnetic materials and are attracted by both poles of magnet feebly. Example- Aluminum.

3. Diamagnetic: The materials with diamagnetic properties are repelled by both poles of the magnet. The force of repulsion is very weak (a hundred thousand times weaker than what ferromagnetic material experiences). Water, the main constituent of grapes is a diamagnetic substance and so the grapes experience a feeble repulsion when magnets are brought close to the grapes.

Tuesday, 29 March 2011

School Science Lab Equipment - What's Best In The Classroom?

What Should Be Allowed In School Science Labs?

Very often, one of the more exciting subjects for students to learn about in school is science. After all, while it can be pretty difficult to do any kind of exciting hands-on activity in a history, or literature, or math classroom, it is possible to demonstrate a number of different fascinating principles right there in the science classroom, provided that the school has the equipment handy. That way, instead of just learning about science in theory, the kids can experience the subject firsthand in a much more memorable and interesting way.

Of course, this kind of situation is necessarily limited by the equipment which is available in the classroom for the students and teachers to use, which begs an important question: what, exactly, should teachers have in their school science classrooms and/or labs? It is an important point to consider, because one the one hand having a lot of equipment around can be a fantastic resource for students who might otherwise not be extremely interested in science to get a chance to see unusual phenomena in action.

On the other hand having a lot of that kind of equipment can get expensive pretty fast, to say nothing of the fact that if we are not careful about deciding which equipment goes in the classroom, students might be dealing with more than they can handle, which can create a dangerous situation.

When we think of what sort of equipment there should be in an ideal science classroom, there is a lot to consider, because there are many different sciences. One of the first to consider is biology. In a biology classroom, it may be helpful to students to have sample of living things. This is a great opportunity to grow plants in the classroom, because students will enjoy watching them grow, and they are inexpensive. Also, unless the plants are poisonous, danger to the students is no concern.

Beyond that there is the question bringing creatures into the class. These can be trickier, but it is important not have anything that requires too much space or attention. Any animal that can live in an aquarium or terrarium, and can be safely left over a long weekend with some food and water, is probably fine.

Then there is the question of equipment in chemistry or physics classrooms. In these there is the potential for fire, or fumes, or a number of other dangerous situations that could arise if the students, or the teachers, are not careful. The best policy is one that maintains an optimal balance of safety, cost, and of course educational value. Although it is certainly tempting to wish for everything under the sun in your science lab, teachers must bear in mind which specific pieces of equipment will actually get used the most often and to greatest effect.

A well-equipped science classroom is a great resource, and as long as teachers and school administrators take the time to make informed decisions about the sort of equipment to buy, they should make every effort to get the best and most practical lab equipment possible.

3/15/2011