Friday and Weekend, June 14 - 16, 2013
Study: Context crucial in genetic evolution mutations
With mutations, it turns out that context can be everything in determining whether or not they are beneficial to their evolutionary fate.
According to the traditional view among biologists, a central tenet of evolutionary biology has been that the evolutionary fates of new mutations depend on whether their effects are good, bad or inconsequential with respect to reproductive success. Central to this view is that "good" mutations are always good and lead to reproductive success, while "bad" mutations are always bad and will be quickly weeded out of the gene pool. However, new research led by evolutionary biologist Jay Storz of UNL has found that whether a given mutation is good or bad is often determined by other mutations associated with it. In other words, genetic evolution is context-dependent.
In a study to be published in the June 14 issue of Science, Storz and colleagues at UNL and Aarhus University in Denmark report that an individual mutation can be beneficial if it occurs in combination with certain other mutations, but the same mutation can detrimental to the organism if it occurs in other combinations. Read more about this study in Today@UNL.
Libraries dean search to begin
UNL will conduct an internal search for permanent dean of the University Libraries. The search, open to all tenured members of the UNL libraries faculty, begins immediately and is expected to finish by the end of July.
Ellen Weissinger, senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, announced the internal search in a June 13 email to library faculty. Weissinger said she made the decision after getting a letter from a significant component of the library faculty, who indicated that an internal dean would be best suited to guide progress the libraries must make in the next few years. Those faculty members also expressed confidence that one or more viable internal candidates exist. Read more about this search in Today@UNL.
NET presents free film screening, panel on June 16
The "Coffee and Conversation in the Community" film series continues with a 1 p.m., June 16 screening of "The Quilted Conscience" at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. A discussion in the Van Brunt Visitors Center follows the screening. Both the film and discussion are free and open to the public.
"The Quilted Conscience" tells the story of 16 Sudanese girls who land with their families in Grand Island, far from the trauma of their war-weary homeland. Filmmaker John Sorensen documents the journey as the new Americans participate in an arts project with a local quilters guild. Guided by Peggy Hartwell, a nationally known African American quilt-maker, the girls create memory panels that depict their lives in Sudan, and dream panels that show their aspirations and wishes. Read more about this screening in Today@UNL.
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'Sunday Scientist' explores Harry Potter-inspired chemistry
J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter book series has captured the imaginations of millions of readers of all ages, including many scientists and engineers.
The next Sunday with a Scientist program for kids and families at the University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History is inspired by the "magical" chemistry of Hogwarts. The event will be from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. June 16 at Morrill Hall. Read more about Sunday Scientist in Today@UNL.
Pound Hall used for high-rise fire training
Dean Delany watched as a lazy puff of smoke drifted slowly from under a stairwell door in Pound Hall. While firefighters hustled hose into position, Delany, a captain with Lincoln Fire and Rescue, felt the door for heat, dropped to a knee and turned the handle for a look. He quickly closed the door and reached for the radio as smoke rushed into the stairwell
The scenario is part of high-rise training attended by nearly 300 Lincoln Fire and Rescue personnel. The training, made possible through an agreement with University Housing and Lincoln Fire and Rescue, has been offered daily since June 3. The final few LFR crews finish the training Friday (June 14). Read more about training in Today@UNL.
Campus road race to benefit pediatric brain cancer
Registration is open for the inaugural Nebraska Football Uplifting Athletes Road Race. Organized by the Lincoln Track Club, the event is 8 a.m., July 21. All proceeds benefit pediatric brain cancer research. The registration deadline is midnight July 16. No race-day registrations will be accepted.
The event includes a one-mile fun run and a five-kilometer race. Registration is $20 for the fun run and $30 for the 5K. All participants will receive a T-shirt and Uplifting Athletes wrist bracelet. Times will be recorded by the Lincoln Track Club. No prizes will be awarded. Read more about this race in Today@UNL.
