Three things I want to learn:
1. In depth taxonomy of species in Formosa
2. Biology of coral sclerites
3. Taiwan’s relationship to China
9th November (Friday) - Day 1
Afternoon: Visit to nuclear museum and water disposal facility.
Tour of the nuclear museum was very insightful in terms of exposure to higher level physics content. Additional input by Mr. Tan allowed me to better understand University concepts such as the occurrence of quantum tunnelling. I am left with an interest to pursue more nuclear physics concepts. The efficacy of using quantum tunnelling directly to generate commercially viable energy. Useful fundamental in the study of more advanced quantum chromodynamics.
10th November (Saturday) - Day 2
I managed to observe coral tissue under relatively high magnification. The way the individual cells were attached and the cells’ organelles were even visible for inspection. We tuned the microscope in such a way that the coral tissue resolved and hence, could see such cells clearly. Physics concepts such as lenses and optical studies can be directly applied to biological study such as coral research and microscopic examination. A potential project can be used to investigate if the intensity of certain wavelengths of light affect the rate of growth of coral sclerites.
Many corals have single-celled algae (called zooxanthellae) that live within the coral's innermost tissue layer. Both the corals and the zooxanthellae benefit from the arrangement. The algae uses the sun's energy to convert carbon dioxide from the seawater into energy-rich sugars and fats. Some of this "junk food" is given to the coral animal and helps the coral grow and produce its skeleton faster than a coral without the zooxanthellae. The zooxanthellae also gives the coral its color. In return, the algae have a safe place to live within the coral tissue and the algae uses the coral's waste nutrients for growth. This type of arrangement -- where both organisms live together and benefit from the relationship -- is called symbiosis and when both organisms benefit, it is a mutualistic symbiosis.
11th November (Sunday) - Day 3
We conducted Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate PolyAcrylamide Gel Electrophoresis, and were able to successfully separate the different sizes of protein using the varying charges of the cathode and anode. Through the direct application of biotechnology information and skill, the different reagents were added in such a way that all the proteins were denatured and had a uniform negative charged conferred onto. This allows for a fair experiment where the only variable is the size of the proteins, which is also measured in the unit of daltons denoted by the symbol (Da), and is equal to the mass of a proton. The use of biotechnology and in appropriate situations can allow for the observation and derivation of bioinformational data. This can be directly applied to be biology related experiments such as one which requires the analysis of protein sizes to determine species similarity.
12th November (Monday) - Day 4
We learnt how to primarily distinguish between coral genuses using a simple chart. Learning from a PhD student about the taxonomy of corals was a unique experience where tricks and tips about a more complex concept were taught such that we gained a lot of information very efficiently. The characteristics of various organisms usually can be used to identify them, and hence research into new organisms’ characteristics can be utilised by others to identify more samples in the future. The documentation of the type of species of an area using this method can be used for the understanding of said area’s biodiversity.
13th November (Tuesday) - Day 5
We received the results for our SDS PAGE experiment. Our adherence to biotechnology protocol allowed for a good result which was clear for observation and measurements. An experiment conducted with care and under safety requirements will produce good results suitable for answering a larger question. The importance of lab safety and protocol instructions cannot be understated in order to obtain desired results in any capacity.
14th November (Wednesday) - Day 6
We saw the product of our coral tank construction, and how beautiful even a little bit of effort can manifest into. Surprisingly little effort went into such an amazing product. Passion and even the earnest initiation of a project can go a long way to achieve a goal.
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