Biology Publications

Staphylococcus aureus - Basic Features and Treatment

Vithooshan Vijayakumaran et al. — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:04:02 PDT

This paper succinctly describes salient characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus, and briefly outlines how methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus is currently treated. One field of research which may improve the standard of care in methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus patients is discussed.

Heart Disease, Longevity, and Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein

Vithooshan Vijayakumaran et al. — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:16:36 PST

Genetics is a rapidly expanding field of biology. It is only within the last 25 years that whole genomes have been sequenced. At first the genomes that were sequenced were small such as that of H. Influenza and C. Elegans. More recently, however, larger more expensive projects have tackled more complex genomes; one of these was the human genome project. Since its completion in 2003, continued analysis and breakthroughs in sequencing technology have allowed for genetic counselling and genetic screens for diseases that have been linked to genetic disorders. Genetic screens allow people to determine whether they or their offspring are likely to develop certain diseases but besides providing only bad news, genetic screening can also determine whether someone possesses a beneficial trait. For example, individuals with mutations in genes such as the one encoding the cholesteryl ester transfer protein have been found to have gained advantages such as a reduced risk of arterial and cognitive disease and an increased lifespan. This paper outlines the physiology of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, and elucidates its potential role in human health.

The role of β-catenin in the hematopoietic stem cell niche

Ryan DA Thomas et al. — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:42:28 PST

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells which are maintained within a specific niche. A stem cell niche is a microenvironment of cells that maintain stem cell functionality, and one example is the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche. This niche provides support for HSCs, which give rise to hematopoietic cells such as erythrocytes and leukocytes. β-catenin is one of several proteins involved in the functioning and maintenance of the HSC niche. This protein is an intrinsic factor of HSCs and a component of the Wnt signalling pathway, which is integral to differentiation and proliferation. Experiments investigating overactive β-catenin have shown expansion of the HSC niche, while other experiments blocking β-catenin activity have shown attenuated HSC niche capacity. The results suggest that β-catenin plays a crucial role in HSC proliferation and differentiation within the niche. In agreement with these results, improper regulation of β-catenin has been implicated in the development of leukemia.

Biology at McMaster University: 1890 to 1990

Stanley T. Bayley — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 06:58:04 PST

This account traces the development of the Department of Biology, McMaster University, from the opening of the University for classes in 1890 with courses given by a succession of individual lecturers, to the beginning of the 1990s when a series of retirements led to a major transformation of what was by then a sizable Department in its own building. Needless to say this is only an outline of the Department’s history, as it would be impossible to describe more than a fraction of the contributions of all those who have passed through it or the influence it has had on innumerable students.