Science Spin 48 September 2011 | Page 7

UPFRONT www.sciencespin.com Change aS Polar ice retreats, a passageway has been opened for animals and plankton to cross over from the Pacific to the atlantic. one form of phytoplankton, neodenticula seminae, has made a return to the Atlantic after an absence of 800,000 years, and observers have spotted Pacific Grey Whales off the coasts of Israel and Spain. Three hundred years ago these whales were driven to extinction in the atlantic by hunting, but it appears that they have made a comeback, and some made their way down into the mediterranean. Under an information gathering project, Clamer, involving scientists from a number of countries, including Ireland, the transfer of species is likely to have a significant impact on ocean life. One of the numerous sea squirt species, Clavelina moluccensis, photographed by Paulag Gustav. Growing old Burn out In hUmanS dividing cells grow old, but animals that reproduce asexually can delay the ageing process. at the University of Gothenburg, marine researcher helen nilsson Sköld, has shown that organisms that reproduce by cloning protect their Dna by activating a special enzyme, telomerase. The enzyme is so effective in turning off the ageing process that some species of deep sea corals remain alive for tens of thousands of years. To discover more, helen decided to study the ageing process in sea squirts (Ascidiacea) and starfish, where both forms of reproduction occur. In those that reproduced by cloning she found that the process is not just a matter of keeping everything alive. While the telomerase enzyme provides the Dna with protection, worn out parts of the animal are broken down, the junk discarded, and the rest recycled. Some species of starfish reproduce sexually, while others divide into clones, and helena found that the asexual species enjoyed better health. however, long life comes at a cost. as helen observed, there is little genetic variation in clones, so when things go wrong, or when the environment changes, they cannot adapt, so in the end they lose out. If The behaviour of bustards is anything to go by, males who strut their stuff, burn out faster than their less ostentatious rivals. In the journal, Ecology Letters, D Brian Preston from the University of Burgundy in france, reported on reproductive burn out in houbara Bustards, birds of prey that live in Persian Gulf and Gobi deserts. While young, the strutting males are highly fertile, but even though they continue with elaborate displays, the show becomes a sham. According to Dr Preston’s findings, the old posers pass their reproductive prime sooner than the more subdued males. one of the conclusions is that early reproductive success comes at the cost of early physiological decline. Galway’s EuropEan 2011 rEsEarchErs niGht For onE niGht only EVEryonE can BE a sciEntist! neW add-on degree courses for pharmacy technicians, dental nurses, and veterinary nurses are on offer at athlone Institute of Technology. head of nursing and health Science, Dr Pearse murphy, said the courses will enhance skills and equip graduates for a wider range of jobs. With a move towards a more patient-centred approach new skills are needed to support that development, and there is also a need to be more competent in business-related tasks and management. The BSc in Clinical Pharmacy Practice will provide additional skills in the areas of clinical pharmacy, medicines management, purchasing, governance, ethics and aseptic practices. Work placement is part of the course, to give students direct experience in the work place. among the aims of the BSc in Veterinary Practice management are to provide skills in clinical nutrition, drug development and management of small to medium sized practices. more information about these courses is at www.ait The admissions office can be contacted at: [email protected] or phone: [phone] New courses LEISURELAND & GALwAy AtLANtAqUARIA, Salthill, Galway. FRIDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER 11am to 11pm Come and discover the mysteries and miracles of science and research involving the Sea 2 Sky all around us, as part of the European Researchers’ Night. opEn to EVEryonE - FrEE EVEnt! Phone: [phone] Email: [email protected] web: www.Sea2Sky.ie Follow us on... LIVE LINK Promoted by Galway SCIENCE SPIN Issue 48 Page 5