ChronicSci
I’m Sue (a.k.a Chronic). This blog follows my current obsessions with science as I navigate through my undergrad career & research.
Bacteriology. Organic Chemistry. Biotechnology. Fusion of Art & Science. Women in science. Break throughs in technology. And some nerd humor.1. STOP BEING OFFENDED
The behavior of others isn’t a reason to be immobilized. That which offends you only weakens you. If you’re looking for occasions to be offended, you’ll find them at every turn. This is your ego at work convincing you that the world shouldn’t be the way it is. But you can become an appreciator of life and match up with the universal Spirit of Creation. You can’t reach the power of intention by being offended. By all means, act to eradicate the horrors of the world, which emanate from massive ego identification, but stay in peace. As A Course in Miracles reminds us: Peace is of God, you who are part of God are not at home except in his peace. Being is of God, you who are part of God are not at home except in his peace. Being offended creates the same destructive energy that offended you in the first place and leads to attack, counterattack, and war.
2. LET GO OF YOUR NEED TO WIN
Ego loves to divide us up into winners and losers. The pursuit of winning is a surefire means to avoid conscious contact with intention. Why? Because ultimately, winning is impossible all of the time. Someone out there will be faster, luckier, younger, stronger, and smarter-and back you’ll go to feeling worthless and insignificant.
You’re not your winnings or your victories. You may enjoy competing, and have fun in a world where winning is everything, but you don’t have to be there in your thoughts. There are no losers in a world where we all share the same energy source. All you can say on a given day is that you performed at a certain level in comparison to the levels of others on that day. But today is another day, with other competitors and new circumstances to consider. You’re still the infinite presence in a body that’s another day (or decade) older. Let go of needing to win by not agreeing that the opposite of winning is losing. That’s ego’s fear. If your body isn’t performing in a winning fashion on this day, it simply doesn’t matter when you aren’t identifying exclusively with your ego. Be the observer, noticing and enjoying it all without needing to win a trophy. Be at peace, and match up with the energy of intention. And ironically, although you’ll hardly notice it, more of those victories will show up in your life as you pursue them less.
3. LET GO OF YOUR NEED TO BE RIGHT
Ego is the source of a lot of conflict and dissension because it pushes you in the direction of making other people wrong. When you’re hostile, you’ve disconnected from the power of intention. The creative Spirit is kind, loving, and receptive; and free of anger, resentment, or bitterness. Letting go of your need to be right in your discussions and relationships is like saying to ego, I’m not a slave to you. I want to embrace kindness, and I reject your need to be right. In fact, I’m going to offer this person a chance to feel better by saying that she’s right, and thank her for pointing me in the direction of truth.
When you let go of the need to be right, you’re able to strengthen your connection to the power of intention. But keep in mind that ego is a determined combatant. I’ve seen people end otherwise beautiful relationships by sticking to their need to be right. I urge you to let go of this ego-driven need to be right by stopping yourself in the middle of an argument and asking yourself, Do I want to be right or be happy? When you choose the happy, loving, spiritual mood, your connection to intention is strengthened. These moments ultimately expand your new connection to the power of intention. The universal Source will begin to collaborate with you in creating the life you were intended to live.
4. LET GO OF YOUR NEED TO BE SUPERIOR
True nobility isn’t about being better than someone else. It’s about being better than you used to be. Stay focused on your growth, with a constant awareness that no one on this planet is any better than anyone else. We all emanate from the same creative life force. We all have a mission to realize our intended essence; all that we need to fulfill our destiny is available to us. None of this is possible when you see yourself as superior to others. It’s an old saw, but nonetheless true: we are all equal in the eyes of God. Let go of your need to feel superior by seeing the unfolding of God in everyone. Don’t assess others on the basis of their appearance, achievements, possessions, and other indices of ego. When you project feelings of superiority that’s what you get back, leading to resentments and ultimately hostile feelings. These feelings become the vehicle that takes you farther away from intention. A Course in Miracles addresses this need to be special and superior: Special ness always makes comparisons. It is established by a lack seen in another, and maintained by searching for, and keeping clear in sight, all lacks it can perceive.
5. LET GO OF YOUR NEED TO HAVE MORE
The mantra of ego is more. It’s never satisfied. No matter how much you achieve or acquire, your ego will insist that it isn’t enough. You’ll find yourself in a perpetual state of striving, and eliminate the possibility of ever arriving. Yet in reality you’ve already arrived, and how you choose to use this present moment of your life is your choice. Ironically, when you stop needing more, more of what you desire seems to arrive in your life. Since you’re detached from the need for it, you find it easier to pass it along to others, because you realize how little you need in order to be satisfied and at peace.
The universal Source is content with itself, constantly expanding and creating new life, never trying to hold on to its creations for its own selfish means. It creates and lets go. As you let go of ego’s need to have more, you unify with that Source. You create, attract to yourself, and let it go, never demanding that more come your way. As an appreciator of all that shows up, you learn the powerful lesson St.Francis of Assisi taught:”…it is in giving that we receive.” By allowing abundance to flow to and through you, you match up with your Source and guarantee that this energy will continue to flow.
6. LET GO OF IDENTIFYING YOURSELF ON THE BASIS OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS
This may be a difficult concept if you think you are your achievements. God writes all the music, God sings all the songs, God builds all the buildings, God is the source of all your achievements. I can hear your ego loudly protesting. Nevertheless, stay tuned to this idea. All emanates from Source! You and that Source are one! You’re not this body and its accomplishments. You are the observer. Notice it all; and be grateful for the abilities you’ve accumulated. But give all the credit to the power of intention, which brought you into existence and which you’re a materialized part of. The less you need to take credit for your achievements and the more connected you stay to the seven faces of intention, the more you’re free to achieve, and the more will show up for you. It’s when you attach yourself to those achievements and believe that you alone are doing all of those things that you leave the peace and the gratitude of your Source.
7. LET GO OF YOUR REPUTATION
Your reputation is not located in you. It resides in the minds of others. Therefore, you have no control over it at all. If you speak to 30 people, you will have 30 reputations. Connecting to intention means listening to your heart and conducting yourself based on what your inner voice tells you is your purpose here. If you’re overly concerned with how you’re going to be perceived by everyone, then you’ve disconnected yourself from intention and allowed the opinions of others to guide you. This is your ego at work. It’s an illusion that stands between you and the power of intention. There’s nothing you can’t do, unless you disconnect from the power source and become convinced that your purpose is to prove to others how masterful and superior you are and spend your energy attempting to win a giant reputation among other egos. Do what you do because your inner voice always connected to and grateful to your Source-so directs you. Stay on purpose, detach from outcome, and take responsibility for what does reside in you: your character. Leave your reputation for others to debate; it has nothing to do with you. Or as a book title says: What You Think of Me Is None of My Business!
Spiral of Theodorus
First constructed by Theodorus of Cyrene, the spiral (also called the square root spiral, Einstein spiral or Pythagorean spiral) is composed of contiguous right triangles. It is begun with an isosceles right triangle with each leg having a length of 1 - then another right triangle is formed next to it with one leg being the hypotenuse of the prior triangle and the other leg having a length of 1.Thus, each successive nth triangle has side lengths √n and 1, with a hypotenuse of √(n + 1).
All I can think about now is Ammonites!
What scientists say in research papers vs. What they actually mean (via io9)
It’s all about the particles in the tattoo ink’s pigment says Dr. Anne Laumann, MBChB, a professor of dermatology at Northwestern University.
Tattoo application uses a mechanized needle to puncture the skin and inject ink into the dermis or second layer of skin just below the epidermis. Since the process involves damaging the skin, the body responds with white blood cells which attempt to absorb the foreign particles and dispose of them in the blood stream.
“The reason pigment stays there is because the pigment particles are too big to be eaten by the white cells, so they just sit there,” Laumann says.
Tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years. According to a 2010 Pew Research Report, approximately 40 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 have at least one tattoo.
The problem with tattoos is exactly what makes them so appealing—their permanency. “If you have the name of your boyfriend on there and then you marry somebody else, that’s a problem,” Laumann says.
Tattoos also tend to become problematic with age. Ink can become blurred if injected too deeply into the skin, causing the pigment to migrate beyond the intended area. Fading and distortion due to changes in body shape are also common problems with tattoos. Permanent makeup—or tattoos that resemble eyeliner or other makeup—is a prime example of how these problems can lead to dissatisfaction years after the ink is applied because skin sags and changes shape with age.
“The problem with that is as you get older the shape of the fold of the skin changes,” Laumann says. “So not only does it bleed a bit because the pigment moves gradually over time and so those will tend to become sort of smoky edges, but also the whole line might become a little distorted over the years.”
When a tattoo is no longer desirable, whether it’s faded or causing a bad case of buyer’s regret, you can burn it or cut it out—but the safest and most effective method is a laser treatment.
The science behind permanency of tattoos
Bat Embryo
Alcian blue staining shows the cartilage
To ease shortage of organs, grow them in a lab?
“A computer displays an image of the “scaffolding” for a human ear being created by a nearby printer in a laboratory at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. on Wednesday, May 8, 2013.
The university is experimenting with various ways to create replacement organs for human implantation, from altering animal parts to building them from scratch with a patient’s own cells.”
Laparoscopic observation of spontaneous human ovulation. A remarkably prominent vascular pattern was observed on the mature follicle (F, white arrows). A small follicular area called the stigma (S) was seen protruding like a reddish bleb from the follicular surface, with viscous yellow fluid (black arrows) evaginating outward into the peritoneal cavity.
The viscous fluid probably carried with it the cumulus–oocyte complex, surrounded by several thousand small granulosa cells known as corona radiata.
(Source: php.med.unsw.edu.au, via apocketmerlin)
1) Dress the Part. Whatever the norm for that work environment is, take it up a notch. Avoid wearing something you are second guessing, it will distract you during the interview and bite out a chunk of your self confidence. The goal is to walk out your front door feeling like a million buck. If you can, bring a back-up option 2, just incase something happens along the way (you spill your coffee, it starts raining, your zipper breaks, etc.
- Wear something comfortable and simple. The simpler it is, the less you have to maintain it. Same rule applies to make up.
- Make sure your clothes are ironed, don’t have any stains, tears, etc.
- Groom. Groom. Groom. Really polish up your look.
- Take it easy on the cologne/perfume. Remember some people are sensitive to scents.
2) Bring the flowing:
- extra copies of your resume
- something to write with
- something to write on
- business cards (if you have them)
- your reference list, publications, originals of your diplomas/certificates, etc.
3) Show up on time! Arrive no more than 10 minutes early! If you have to wait past your appointment time, look busy! Review your files, catch up on some reading, etc.
4) If you’re running late, call ahead! Let the interviewer know what your ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) is. Reschedule ASAP if there is no other option.
5) Smile and Introduce yourself. Shake hands. Say something along the lines of “Its nice to meet you”.
6) Body Language. Maintain good posture. Try to imitate your interviewer’s body language/vibe if you can. If they’re leaning over the table, across from you. Then you should lean a little too. If they seem really excited, mirror the excitement.
Whatever you do, do not slouch or play with your face/hair.
6) Speak slowly and clearly, and be honest. There is no need to rush your interview. Maintain a calm tone.
If you don’t know something, it is okay to say “I can’t recall at this very moment…” or “I’m not familiar with…” just DON’T LIE. Most interviewer will see through you.
If you don’t understand the question or need clarification its okay to say, “Can you repeat/rephrase that?” “Can you go into a bit more detail?”
7) Think of the interview as a conversation.
You’re there to interview, not answer a questionnaire.
Engage the interviewer, encourage them to talk. People love to talk about themselves and their accomplishments…so let them! Don’t hog the conversation.
And even if you disagree with what the interviewer is saying, do not start an argument or debate. Find an appropriate way & time to express your disagreement, preferably not during the interview.
Last but not least, don’t interrupt someone when they’re talking unless it is absolutely necessary.
8) When the interviewer asks “Do you have any questions?” You better have some questions. Do your research on the company, the job position, the product you’re developing, etc. and have some questions ready. This is your moment to show how seriously invested you are in the company.
Ask open ended questions!
9) Paraphrase and summarize to show you’re paying attention and understand what is being said to you.
10) On the way out don’t forget to thank the interviewer for their time & giving you an opportunity.
- Thou shan’t use all Caps, unless you want to YELL AT SOMEONE!!!
- Thou shan’t spam thy contact list with whatever comic/joke/quote you find funny (unless they’ve told you beforehand its okay).
It is unprofessional and will land you on the “blocked” list. - You shall not send controversial/important/complex/confidential messages through email.
Call instead, or set up a face-to-face meeting. - You shall not “Cry wolf” and label a message “Urgent” if it is not. This will lead to your messages being ignored in the future.
- Use CC & BC wisely.
CC means Carbon Copy. Recipients on the CC list are visible to all.
BCC stands for Blind Carbon Copy. Recipients listed in the BCC field receive a copy of the message, but are not shown on any other recipient’s copy. - Thou shall bullet point lists!
Thou shall number instruction! - Remember the SUBJECT LINE, keep it holy. It lets the reader know what the message is about, if it is urgent or not, requires a response, etc.
Example: Sofia’s Birthday Party. RSVP Requested by Friday. - Thou shall not send long negative messages. Keep it short. Keep it sweet. Even if you have to deliver bad news, be polite and try your best to say it in a positive way.
- Tell thy recipient when attaching documents what the document is about/for. Write a short description of the document in the email.
- You shant typ3 lyk di$.
We’re not here to decipher your modern day Hieroglyphs.
-ChronicSci
I’ve been getting this question left and right.
Sometimes it is genuine curiosity,
and sometimes the individual asking this question treats me like I don’t understand how precious life/time is and I’m wasting away if I don’t decide something at this very minute and run after it until I
1) achieve it or
2) run out of air and die chasing my decision.
The second form is BULLYING.
Its okay to ask people what they’re doing with their life.
But It is not okay to put that kind of pressure on an individual through such a loaded question.
The one asking may have good intentions,
but the question itself can make an already vulnerable person feel like they are being judged. Individuals being asked this question may feel cornered and even rushed to come up with an answer.
If you’re really curious about what this individual wants to do with THEIR life (and unless they ask, its not your place to tell them their decision is good/bad)
try the following instead:
“Hey, would now be an okay time to talk about what your plans are after graduating/moving/marriage/your-abortion/having-a-baby/etc.? I really care about you and wanted to see if I can help in anyway.”
To the individual being asked this question….as much as I’d like to say tell em to mind their own business, because in the end it IS your life and you’ll deal the consequences of the decisions you make, it is not a mature answer and can cause friction in your relationship with that person.
There is NO SHAME in saying the following:
“I don’t know.”
“I’m figuring it out.”
“I’m taking a gap year.”
“I need more time.”
“I’ll play it by ear.”
“I’ll let you know when I know.”
“I’m not ready for _____ yet.”
“It seems like you have some suggestions to make with that question?”
“There is something else I also want to explore.”
“I don’t know what I want, but I know what I don’t want.”
“I’m not in the mood to talk about this right now.”
“I’ve made my decision and I’d rather keep it to myself.”
“I don’t know, and could use some help figuring it out.”
If you’ve chosen to do something that makes you happy, you are not obligated to defend that decision.
You don’t have to explain it to individuals you don’t feel comfortable talking/exposing your life to.
You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to, period.
You can say, “I dont want to talk to you about this (right now).” —end of story.
Its okay to take time.
Its okay to ask for help.
Its okay to turn down help.
Its okay to disagree with another person’s idea of what you should be doing with your life.
Its okay to change your mind.
Its okay to change you mind AGAIN.
Its okay to say “No”.
Its okay.
“A pseudo cell we created from a mixture of traditional lab supplies and computing accessories. Many thanks to Bernard André for the excellent photography work.” Via.
Hemoglobin: Binding O2 — Cooperation Makes It Easier
I’m pretty sure I’m the only one in my biochemistry class that is so excited about how incredible the binding of oxygen to hemoglobin is that I’m losing sleep over it. Anyway, the gorgeous and colourful animination above, from the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB), illustrates the conformational change upon oxygen binding to hemoglobin.
What is hemoglobin? Hemoglobin is a remarkable metalloprotein (a protein that contains a metal ion), found in red blood cells, that plays an important role in oxygen transport. Hemoglobin is a heterotetramer consisting of 2 α subunits (light pink and the other one can’t be seen) and 2 β subunits (light purple and light blue), arranged in 2 αβ subunits (2 sets of dimers). Each subunit contains one heme group (red) — a protoporphyrin ring with Fe2+ in the ring centre — resulting in four heme groups in total.2
How does hemoglobin bind O2? Interestingly, hemoglobin binds O2 (teal) cooperatively: when one heme group binds to O2, it increases the other heme groups’ affinity (ability to bind) for O2. This is a type of allosteric interaction — the change in shape of a protein that results from binding of a molecule at the allosteric site (a site other than the active site).2
Why does this happen? When O2 is not bound (deoxy), Fe2+ lies a little outside of the protoporphyrin ring. When O2 is bound (oxy), Fe2+ ”pops” into the ring, pulling with it a histidine (yellow), His, residue. Also attached to His is an α-helix (orange), which also shifts. All of this movement disrupts and forms new interactions between the α1β1-α2β2 interface.3 It is this conformational change that increases the other hemes’ ability to bind to O2. Noticeably, as more O2 binds to hemoglobin, the α1β1 dimer will rotate 15° relative to the α2β2 dimer, which can be observed in the animation.2
- Animations and movies illustrating conformational changes upon oxygen binding to hemoglobin (Janet Iwasa)
- YouTube video about hemoglobin-oxygen dynamics (ThePenguinProf)
- Ribbon structure of hemoglobin (The Full Wiki)
Sources used:
1. Hemoglobin animation: RCSB PDB
2. Krisinger, M. BIOC 202 Lecture on Protein Function. Presented at the University of British Columbia. May 27, 2013.
3. RCSB PDB. Hemoglobin. http://www.pdb.org/pdb/101/motm.do?momID=41 (accessed May 27, 2013)
(via infinity-imagined)
“Women in California can already be paid for donating their eggs for fertility treatments. But a proposed new law would allow women to be paid for donating eggs for research as well.”
Sign me up!
Men get paid for their sperm,
so why not women?
Seriously.
The excretory system of Schmidtea mediterranea, a small freshwater flatworm. S. mediterranea have a remarkable ability to regenerate. Cutting one in half will generate two fully functional flatworms; cutting it into quarters will generate four; and so on. In fact, scientists have shown that even a single cell from one flatworm is capable of regenerating an entire organism.
Image by Hanh Vu, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri.
