ASPB News THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT BIOLOGISTS Volume 35, Number 5 September/October 2008
Inside This Issue Sally Assmann Assumes Presidency October 1 President’s Letter Sarah M. (Sally) Assmann, Penn State Another major research focus of Tuan-hua David Ho Is University, is ASPB’s new president. She Sally’s group is on roles of heterotri- President-Elect succeeds Rob McClung, Dartmouth meric G-proteins in plant plasticity Kathy Osteryoung University, who became immediate past and plant stress tolerance. She has Elected to Executive president on October 1. The Society’s demonstrated that these key signaling Committee new president-elect is Tuan-hua David proteins regulate a diversity of ion ASPB Participates in Ho, Washington University in St. Louis. transport, hormonal, and develop- FESPB Congress Sally currently is the Waller Profes- mental processes and is extending this sor of Biology at Penn State University. research from the model plant Ara- She received her BA in biology from bidopsis to the oilseed crop canola. Williams College in 1980 and her PhD Sally teaches introductory plant Sally Assmann in biology from Stanford University in physiology to freshmen and a labora- 1985. After a postdoctorate at UC–Riverside with tory course on cell biology techniques to beginning Rob Leonard, she joined the Organismic and Evolu- graduate students. Her professional activities include tionary Biology Department at Harvard University grant review panels for NSF, DOE, and USDA; in as an assistant professor in 1987 and continued there 2004, she was program manager for the USDA as an associate professor. In 1993, she moved to the Developmental Processes in Crop Species panel. She Biology Department at Penn State. has served in an editorial capacity for a number of During her PhD research with Eduardo Zeiger on journals: subject editor for Plant, Cell, & Environ- stomatal responses to light, Sally developed a fascina- ment from 1997 to 2000; editorial board member of tion with cellular signaling, an emphasis that is Plant and Cell Physiology from 1998 to 2001; and retained in her laboratory to this day. Her group takes monitoring editor for Plant Physiology from 1994 to a multilevel approach to guard cell biology and draws 1997. She has been a coeditor for The Plant Cell since on methods ranging from single-cell electrophysiolo- 1998. Other ASPB service includes membership on gy and ionic imaging; to molecular genetic, genomic, the Publications Committee from 2000 to 2005, cur- and proteomics approaches; to whole plant physiolo- rent membership on the board of directors of the gy. Recently, Sally has begun collaborating with sys- Education Foundation, and co-organizer of the tems biologists to construct predictive models of “Biology of Transpiration” meeting held in 2006. Sally’s guard cell signaling. In 2006, she was one of a team of K–12 outreach activities include teaching special scientists awarded an NSF Arabidopsis 2010 grant to programs on plant biology to elementary school elucidate the membrane interactome. The project’s classes and production of “Roots of Discovery,” a 30- aim—to define the protein–protein interaction net- minute science education video. Her most extensive work of several thousand membrane proteins and outreach effort has been development of a week- soluble signaling proteins—should provide a wealth long summer science camp on plant biology for 4th of information to the plant science community. continued on page 7 The ASPB News is delivered online as well as in print. Members will be alerted by e-mail when a new issue is posted. The ASPB News welcomes member feedback. Contact the editor at [email protected].
ASPB Executive Committee & Staff CONTENTS
President Sarah M. Assmann 814-863-9579 1 Sally Assmann Assumes Presidency President-Elect Tuan-hua David Ho 314-935-4632 Immediate Past President C. Robertson McClung 603-646-3940 5 President’s Letter Secretary Danny Schnell 413-545-4024 Treasurer Mark R. Brodl 210-999-7246 Chair, Board of Trustees Dan Bush 970-491-2442 David Ho Elected to Lead ASPB in 7 Chair, Publications Committee Sally Mackenzie 402-472-6997 2009–2010 Chair, Women in Plant Biology Committee Judy Brusslan 562-985-8133 Chair, Minority Affairs Committee MariaElena B. Zavala 818-677-3342 8 Kathy Osteryoung Elected to Executive Chair, Education Committee Jane Ellis 864-833-8416 Committee Chair, International Committee Leon V. Kochian 607-255-2454 Chair, Membership Committee Mel Oliver 573-882-9645 Addressing Ethical Standards Chair, Committee on Public Affairs Gary Stacey 573-884-4752 Elected Members Steven Huber 217-265-0909 9 AAAS/ASPB Mass Media Fellow Alan Jones 919-962-6932 ASPB Participates in FESPB Congress Katherine W. Osteryoung 517-355-4685 Sectional Representatives Midwestern John Kiss 513-529-5428 10 Online Arabidopsis Book Posts New Northeastern Lawrence Smart 315-470-6737 Content Southern Timothy D. Sherman 251-460-7529 Mid-Atlantic Robert Donaldson 202-994-6094 11 People Western Anireddy S. N. Reddy 970-491-5773
13 Women in Plant Biology Executive director Crispin Taylor, ext. 115 [email protected] 15 Bioethics Executive and governance affairs manager Donna Gordon, ext. 131 [email protected] Assoc. director of finance & administration Kim Kimnach, ext. 140 [email protected] 16 Membership Corner Accounts receivable specialist Stephanie Liu-Kuan, ext. 143 [email protected] Junior accountant Jotee Pundu, ext. 144 [email protected] Director of meetings, marketing, & membership Jean Rosenberg, ext. 110 [email protected] 17 Public Affairs Manager of marketing and web services Wendy Sahli, ext. 123 [email protected] Membership and marketing research assistant Shoshana Kronfeld, ext. 122 [email protected] 25 ASPB Education Foundation Subscriptions manager Suzanne Cholwek, ext. 141 [email protected] Director of public affairs Brian M. Hyps, ext. 114 [email protected] Education foundation assistant Katie Engen, ext. 116 [email protected] 41 Obituaries Director of publications Nancy A. Winchester, ext. 117 [email protected] Publications assistant Diane McCauley, ext. 133 [email protected] Managing editor John Long, ext. 119 [email protected] Science writer, Plant Physiology Peter Minorsky, 845-878-4570 [email protected] Production manager, Plant Physiology Jon Munn, ext. 130 [email protected] Manuscript manager, Plant Physiology Leslie (Ash) Csikos, ext. 125 [email protected] Deadline for January/February 2009 ASPB News: December 5, 2008 News and reviews editor, The Plant Cell Nancy Eckardt, 970-495-9918 [email protected] Production manager, The Plant Cell Susan Entwistle, ext. 118 [email protected] Manuscript manager, The Plant Cell Annette Kessler, ext. 120 [email protected]
ASPB News is distributed to all ASPB members and is published six ASPB News times annually, in odd-numbered months. It is edited and prepared by ASPB staff from material provided by ASPB members and other Headquarters Office interested parties. 15501 Monona Drive Copy deadline is the 5th day of the preceding even-numbered Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA month (for example, December 5 for January/February publication). Phone: 301-251-0560 Submit copy by e-mail whenever possible; submit all other copy by Fax: 301-279-2996 mail, not by fax. Contact: Nancy A. Winchester, Editor, ASPB News, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA; [email protected]; 301-296-0904.
© 2008 American Society of Plant Biologists
AAAS/ASPB 2009 Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellows Program
Are you interested in science writing? Do you want to help people understand complex scientific issues?
Apply for the AAAS/ASPB Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellows Program and learn how to increase public understanding of science and technology. Fellows in the 10-week 2009 summer program will work as reporters, researchers, and production assistants in mass media organizations nationwide. Deadline: January 15, 2009.
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Newsweek Visit http://www.aaas.org/ programs/education/ National Public Radio MassMedia/index.shtml for more details and to Popular Science download an application brochure, or call 202-326-6441 for more information. President’s Letter Turn! Turn! Turn!
Timing is every- The challenges of meeting this goal are frequently at a handicap in debating com- thing (says the exacerbated by the diversion of arable land plex issues with zealots who profess certi- circadian biolo- from agriculture and also by the degrada- tude where none is justified. Education is gist). Pete Seeger tion of our environment and climate critical to allow people to evaluate available wrote the peace through human activities. I was surprised evidence, to recognize when further evi- anthem (Turn! to see that Pliny the Elder had said, “With dence is required, and to understand that Turn! Turn!) that man, most of his misfortunes are occa- uncertainty is not an excuse for inaction. expresses this concept most poetically. The sioned by man” (4). Apparently some Where, as in the case of global warming, Byrds made it number 1 (1), and Judy things never change. the preponderance of evidence indicates Collins rendered one of the most beautiful As I write, a political campaign is play- that change is occurring and that anthro- covers (2). One year ago, in my first letter as ing out in the United States of America. pogenic activities are contributing substan- president, I spoke of transitions. As I write Current and future energy supplies are at tially, action is urgent as the risks are com- my final letter as president, my thoughts the forefront of this campaign, and Pliny pounded by procrastination. The time to have returned to that theme. Pliny the the Elder addressed one of the more sim- develop crops and agronomic practices Elder, Roman scholar and scientist (c. 23– plistic responses to sustaining energy sup- better able to respond to global warming is 79 AD), wrote, “From the end spring new plies: “Everything is soothed by oil” (5). Of now. Again, Pliny the Elder had an appro- beginnings.” ASPB now makes the transi- the windfall profits being enjoyed by the priate comment: “It is a maxim universally tion to new leadership, with Sally Assmann giant oil companies, he said, “The best agreed upon in agriculture, that nothing assuming the presidency. I want to take this plan is, as the common proverb has it, to must be done too late; and again, that opportunity to thank Rick Amasino, who profit by the folly of others” (6). I find it everything must be done at its proper sea- has provided energetic, thoughtful, and impossible to endorse this business plan, son; while there is a third precept which effective leadership in his three years in the however profitable, and I was pleased to reminds us that opportunities lost can nev- presidency. I also welcome Tuan-hua David read that an earlier Roman writer, Publil- er be regained” (10). Now is the time to Ho, our president-elect. I look forward to ius Syrus, cautioned, “Never find your invest in basic and applied plant biology. working with him as well as continuing to delight in another’s misfortune” (7). Persuading taxpayers to invest in plant work with Sally. I also want to acknowledge If the solution to energy supplies were biology requires that we educate both the the folks who participate on our many as simple as those who spout slogans taxpayers and their elected leaders to better committees. They do an excellent job, and it would have us believe, new policies would understand both the challenges presented is a real privilege to work with them. be implemented and we would move on. to and the opportunities afforded by plant As I re-created my search for the perfect Any solution is complex and, although science. One of the most critical goals is to quotation about transitions, I was remind- drilling for more oil may be part of the persuade young people and their parents ed of a second and perhaps more pertinent solution, drilling alone is insufficient. that a career in plant biology is challenging, quote: “Those who cannot remember the Moreover, we should all recall Publilius relevant, and fulfilling. ASPB devotes con- past are condemned to repeat it” (3). How- Syrus’s 301st maxim: “There are some siderable time, energy, and money to edu- ever, as I re-trod my path, I did come remedies worse than the disease” (8). Burn- cation goals through the Education Com- across a number of other quotations from ing fossil fuels and transferring CO2 into mittee and the Education Foundation. Pliny the Elder that retain surprising rele- the atmosphere contributes significantly to Looking across the globe, there are many vance, given that 2,000 years have passed another problem—global warming. examples of obstructions to education, since he wrote. In my letters this past year, I Many of those who profit from the sta- whether to the teaching of specific subjects, have focused on the current issues I call the tus quo frequently resort to claims of such as evolution, or to the teaching of spe- three Fs: food, fuel, and funding. Rick uncertainty about global warming to justi- cific populations, such as women. Publilius Amasino also emphasized education, and it fy deferring or avoiding altogether solu- Syrus was fully in tune with ASPB’s educa- turns out that Pliny the Elder had impor- tions that might be painful or might reduce tional goals when he wrote, “It is only the tant things to say about each of these. short-term profits. Pliny the Elder, as a sci- ignorant who despise education” (11). Driven by the need to provide food and entist, recognized that “The only certainty Turning to my own attempts to edu- (bio)fuel, one of our major goals as plant is that nothing is certain” (9). Indeed, sci- cate, I compared publication rates in Ara- scientists is to increase plant productivity. entists and other thoughtful individuals are continued on page 6
ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 • 5 President’s Letter Plant Biology 2008 represented a new References continued from page 5 model for ASPB, as it was coupled with the 1. Seeger, P. 1962. Turn! turn! turn! From bidopsis and Drosophila in my previous let- Pan American Congress on Plants and BioEn- The Bitter and the Sweet, Columbia ter, “A Model Citizen.” The analysis included ergy. Nick Carpita and Steve Long put togeth- Records; The Byrds, 1965. Turn! turn! data for maize taken from the Maize Genetics er a fascinating program for the BioEnergy turn! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v and Genomics Database (12). However, since meeting. The combination of policy discus- =nUworKXBzdE&NR=1; http://www. that figure was published, I have learned that sions and scientific presentations was a really youtube.com/watch?v=aNopQq5lWqQ MaizeGDB stopped curating maize publica- enjoyable mix. Many thanks to Nick and Steve 2. Collins, J., and Seeger, P. 1966. Turn, turn, tions. Therefore, that figure seriously under- for recognizing a real need and bringing the turn. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= estimates the maize literature. (See the letter meeting to fruition. Of course, many, many DejUPN4SksU thanks go to Jean Rosenberg, director of from MaizeGDB and the Maize Genetics 3. Santayana, G. 1905. The Life of Reason, or meetings, marketing, and membership, and Executive Committee posted at http:// the phases of human progress (Vol. 1). “meeting diva” Wendy Sahli, ASPB’s manager www.aspb.org/newsletter/septoct08/ London: Constable. maize.pdf.) Similarly, I have been advised that of meetings, marketing, and web services, and 4. Pliny the Elder. 1919. Natural history, the rice data also provide an underestimate. A to the rest of the ASPB and local staff who book vii, sect. 5, cited as #8727. In J. revised figure omitting the maize and rice made both meetings flow so smoothly. Bartlett (Ed.), Familiar quotations (10th data has been posted at http://www.aspb.org/ I want to take the opportunity afforded ed.). New York: Halcyon House. newsletter/julaug08/01pljul08.cfm. Publilius by this last letter to thank the ASPB staff. We Syrus recognized the need to revise: “It is a could not ask for a better group of people. 5. Pliny the Elder. 1919. Natural history, bad plan that admits of no modification” (13). Their energy, creativity, and dedication make book ii, sect. 234, cited as #8722. In J. Most issues facing plant biology today are so much possible. Working closely with Bartlett (Ed.), Familiar quotations (10th global in scope. ASPB has long recognized the Crispin Taylor, the Society’s executive direc- ed.). New York: Halcyon House. importance of internationalism in science, tor, has always been a pleasure, and his col- 6. Pliny the Elder. 1919. Natural history, but this year has marked a new stage in our laboration made this year enjoyable and, I book xviii, sect. 31, cited as #8738. In J. commitment to international science. Our hope, productive. I particularly wish to single Bartlett (Ed.), Familiar quotations (10th annual meeting, Plant Biology 2008, was held out Diane McCauley and thank her for her ed.). New York: Halcyon House. jointly with the Sociedad Mexicana de Bio- patience and understanding as I blew 7. Publilius Syrus. Sententiae, maxim 467, química Rama: Bioquímica y Biología Molec- through deadline after deadline and for her cited as #8640. In J. Bartlett (Ed.), Famil- ular de Plantas in Mérida, Mexico. Mérida, talent and professionalism in making the iar quotations (10th ed.). New York: Hal- like Honolulu, lies noticeably south of the newsletter happen. cyon House. Tropic of Cancer, making this our second In particular, I thank all of you, our mem- 8. Publilius Syrus. Sententiae, cited as #8625. annual meeting in the tropics (don’t forget bers. The Society is strong because of its In J. Bartlett (Ed.), Familiar quotations our third, next year when we return to Hon- membership. I am especially gratified that so (10th ed.). New York: Halcyon House. olulu). Travel to Mérida was an agricultural many of you volunteer to serve the Society on 9. Pliny the Elder. Natural history, book ii, pilgrimage, as Mexico is the center of diversi- committees and in other capacities. It has sect. 7, cited as #44617. In J. Bartlett (Ed.), ty for maize and peppers, and the Yucatan been a tremendous honor to serve as presi- Familiar quotations (10th ed.). New York: itself is the home of the habañero and also the dent of ASPB. Of course, Pliny the Elder had it Halcyon House. likely site of the introduction of the tomato to right, and this transition does not mark sim- Europeans. Of course, there were many more ply an end but also the beginning of a year as 10.Pliny the Elder. Natural history, book xvi- lessons and much excellent science. I would past president. I look forward to the coming ii, sect. 44, cited as #8740. In J. Bartlett like to extend many, many thanks to Danny year and to subsequent opportunities to con- (Ed.), Familiar quotations (10th ed.). New Schnell, our secretary, who, together with the tribute to ASPB. York: Halcyon House. Program Committee and with the notable Rob McClung 11.Publilius Syrus. Sententiae, maxim 571, help of our past secretary, Nick Carpita, and [email protected] cited as #8652. In J. Bartlett (Ed.), Famil- the invaluable contributions of our newly iar quotations (10th ed.). New York: Hal- Acknowledgments elected corresponding member, Federico cyon House. Sánchez, put together an excellent program. I thank Sally Assmann (Penn State University) 12.Maize Genetics and Genomics Database, The Mérida meeting was the first ASPB meet- and Mary Lou Guerinot (Dartmouth College) http://www.maizegdb.org ing held in Mexico; we have met in Canada for their comments and discussion. I also thank before (1997 in Vancouver), and we will Mary (Polacco) Schaeffer, Patrick Schnable, 13.Publilius Syrus. Sententiae, maxim 469, return to Canada with the 2010 meeting in Anne Sylvester, and Yukiko Yamazaki for cited as #8641. In J. Bartlett (Ed.), Famil- Montréal, from July 30 to August 5. It is not pointing out the flaw in the maize and rice iar quotations (10th ed.). New York: Hal- too early to mark your calendars! publication analysis. cyon House.
6 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 Tuan-hua David Ho Elected to Lead ASPB in 2009–2010
Tuan-hua David Ho becomes laboratory. In recent years, his 1987 to 1989. He was an editor of the Journal president-elect October 1 and is work has been centered on hor- of Plant Growth Regulation from 1989 to 2001 slated to become ASPB president monal regulation of gene and a member of the editorial board for next October for the 2009–2010 expression and programmed Developmental Genetics from 1984 to 1990. He term. cell death and the role of stress- has served on various government research David Ho, professor at induced proteins. His group panels, including the NSF Developmental Washington University in St. played a major role in defining Biology Program (1993–1994), USDA–NRI Louis, obtained his PhD in bio- the cis-acting promoter Genetic Mechanism Program (1981–1983), chemistry from the DOE Plant sequences necessary and suffi- Stress Biology Program (1985–1986), and Research Laboratory at Michi- cient for GA and ABA regulat- Special Grant Program (1994). He was man- gan State University in 1976. ed gene transcription. His work ager of the USDA Plant Responses to the After two years as a Jane Coffin Tuan-hua David Ho also addresses the role of pro- Environment Program in 1993. Childs postdoctoral fellow in the Depart- tein kinases and phosphatases, transcription David joined ASPB in 1973. He served on ment of Biology at the Massachusetts Insti- factors, and other components in signal the Program Committee from 1994 to 1997 tute of Technology, he took a position as transduction pathways mediating the antago- and as chair of the Corresponding Member- assistant professor in the Department of nism between GA and ABA. More recently, he ship Committee from 2001 to 2003. He is Plant Biology, University of Illinois at has become interested in biofuel-related currently a member of the International Urbana–Champaign. In 1984, he moved to problems, especially microbial enzymes capa- Committee. He was the Society’s representa- Washington University, where he is currently ble of hydrolyzing lignocellulosic materials. tive to AAAS from 1992 to 1994 in the sec- a professor in the Department of Biology. David has been elected a fellow of AAAS tions of Biological Sciences and Agriculture, During the past four years, he also served as (American Association for the Advancement Food, and Renewable Resources. From 1982 the director of the Institute of Plant and of Science; 2004), a member of TWAS (Acad- to 1993, he was on the editorial board of Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei. emy for the Developing World; 2004), and a Plant Physiology and was a monitoring editor David’s research concentrates on the hor- member of Academia Sinica (Taipei; 2002). from 1995 to 2001. monal regulation of seed germination and on He was also recognized as an ISI most-cited As a long-time member of ASPB, David plant responses to environmental stresses. His researcher in Animal and Plant Sciences in has been interested in promoting the role of early work contributed to the understanding 2003, the Burris Distinguished Lecturer at our Society in the international arena. In addi- of the physiological role of cereal aleurone South Dakota State University in 1993, and a tion to emphasizing outreach, education, aca- layers during seedling growth. Several key UNESCO Professor at Peking University in demic publication, and public affairs, he also hydrolytic enzymes involved in this process 1994. He served as director of the Plant Biol- would like to see ASPB play a major role in have been studied, purified, and cloned in his ogy Program at Washington University from bridging academic and industrial interests.
Sally Assmann so much more, ranging from lobbying Membership Committees to further improve continued from page 1 Capitol Hill for crucial support of plant biol- the diversity of our membership and leader- through 8th graders, which used the popular ogy and agriculture, to providing free copies ship; promoting increased education and Harry Potter series to engage over 150 chil- of the much-lauded ASPB-published text- outreach efforts to the international plant dren in the subject of “herbology.” book, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of sciences community; and, in the truly global Sally writes, “During my past year as Plants, to scientists and educators in lesser community of the Internet, serving on the ASPB president-elect, I have been struck by developed countries. In the coming year I advisory board for an ASPB-sponsored how extremely dedicated and generous both look forward to more opportunities to con- YouTube plant biology video contest. This ASPB members and ASPB headquarters staff tribute to ASPB’s wide-ranging endeavors. contest is just one of several innovative proj- are in committing their time, energies, and Society initiatives I’ll be engaged in include ects to receive GAP award funding from the insights to ASPB and its initiatives. Many working with the ever-vigilant Public Affairs ASPB Education Foundation (http://www. members read and publish in our stellar Committee and associated ASPB staff to pro- aspb.org/education/foundation/gap.cfm). journals, The Plant Cell and Plant Physiology, vide an accurate portrayal of science and our You, your children, and your students will all and 27% of current members have enjoyed scientific endeavors to the general public, be eligible to submit videos—see page 34 for the outstanding science and camaraderie of funding agencies, and Congress; partnering more details. one or more ASPB meetings. Yet ASPB does with our Minority Affairs, Women’s, and
ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 • 7 Kathy Osteryoung Elected to Executive Committee
Katherine W. Osteryoung joins moved to Michigan State 1000, and service on the editorial committee the ASPB Executive Committee as University, where she was of Annual Review of Plant Biology from 2006 an elected member on October 1. associate professor until to the present. She was also a member of the Kathy earned a BA degree in 2006 and is currently pro- peer-review grant panels of USDA’s National biological sciences from the Uni- fessor in the Department Research Initiative Competitive Grants Pro- versity of California, Santa Bar- of Plant Biology. gram for Plant Growth and Development bara, and in 1990 she earned a Kathy’s research inter- and of NSF’s Integrative Plant Biology pro- PhD in plant physiology from the ests include the composi- gram. In addition, she has been a mentor to University of California, Davis. tion, structural organiza- 24 undergraduate research students. Kathy was a postdoctoral tion, biochemical Kathy has served ASPB in a number of research associate from 1990 to dynamics, evolution, and capacities. From 2005 to the present, she has 1993 and an NIH postdoctoral regulation of the chloro- been a monitoring editor for Plant fellow from 1993 to 1995 in the Kathy Osteryoung plast division machinery Physiology. She was a member of the Charles Department of Biochemistry at the Universi- in plant cells. She also has investigated Reid Barnes Life Membership Award Com- ty of Arizona. From 1996 to 2000, she was cyanobacterial cell division as an evolution- mittee from 2005 to 2007, and from 2007 to assistant professor in the Department of Bio- ary model for plastid division and dynamics. 2008, she was chair of that committee. chemistry and Department of Biology at the Her professional activities include a stint University of Nevada, Reno. In 2000, she from 2004 to 2006 as evaluator, Faculty of
Addressing Ethical Standards: Mentor
Involvement in Research Misconduct The ASPB News welcomes ideas for its occasional column “Addressing Between 2004 and 2005, the ASPB News pub- cases on such behaviors as review of source Ethical Standards,” in which we lished a handful of articles addressing the data and teaching of research standards. address scientific (mis)conduct in most common types of ethical misconduct in They found that nearly three-quarters of the publishing. Our format is simple: publishing (http://www.aspb.org/newsletter/ mentors had never examined the trainees’ lab We provide the reader with a brief ethicalstandards.cfm). An interesting new study, results, and two-thirds never taught the introduction to the topic, then published in July in the journal Science and trainees standards for properly keeping lab reprint (by permission) a few para- Engineering Ethics (http://www. springerlink. notebooks. They concluded that many men- graphs from a previously published article by an authoritative source, com/content/70w5wu2142w6151g/?p=3aeb5 tors were poorly prepared to educate trainees with a link to the full article. You f3fe93c4cd6952337857f55e3c2&pi=4) and about ethics. Further, as noted in the CHE article, many scientists were in fact poor role can read all prior columns at http:// discussed in an article in the August 29 issue of models because they themselves engaged in www.aspb.org/newsletter/ the Chronicle of Higher Education (CHE; http:// possibly unethical research practices. ethicalstandards.cfm. chronicle.com/daily/2008/08/4405n.htm), C. Robertson McClung investigates the extent to which mentors are [email protected] Send your ideas to involved in promoting responsible research Nancy Winchester column editors Rob McClung in cases of research misconduct. The authors [email protected] and Nancy Winchester at reviewed the U.S. Public Health Service mis- Below we have published an extract from the [email protected]. conduct files of the Office of Research Integrity. CHE article. It is reprinted courtesy of The They explored the role of the mentor in these Chronicle of Higher Education, copyright 2008.
Scientists Who Cheated Had Mentors Who Failed to Supervise Them By Jeffrey Brainard When young scientists fake results, their supervisory responsibilities. A new study of mentors had never examined the trainees’ mentors—senior researchers who are sup- scientific trainees caught cooking their data laboratory results. And two-thirds of the posed to train them—have neglected their found that in three-quarters of the cases, their continued on page 11
8 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 From Plants to Planets AAAS/ASPB Mass Media Fellow Reports In Julie Thole is the fifth AAAS/ASPB Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellow
Only a week after defending my industry!), I finally work researching exoplanets. These are plan- PhD thesis, I said goodbye to my arrived in the Big Apple. ets around stars other than our sun—as of a husband, my dog, and our com- Once I settled into my few weeks ago, 307 exoplanets had been dis- fortable St. Louis home. Ready or apartment in Queens and covered. I learned about how these planets not, I was off to Washington, D.C., got acquainted with the are identified and about the scientists who for a crash course in journalism at city, I headed to the office find them, and I discovered that most of the headquarters of the American of Discover in downtown these exoplanets are very large and very hot. Association for the Advancement Manhattan, excited to The special issue, called “The Whole Uni- of Science (AAAS). There were 15 learn everything I could verse Catalog,” slowly came together, with a of us in the AAAS Mass Media Fel- about science writing. lot of work on my part. We decided to organ- lowship program, ranging from In my first week at ize the issue by “zip code,” starting close to fresh BS graduates in math to fresh Discover, I read through home with the Earth and our solar system PhD recipients in biology, and we Julie Thole the past two years of and going outward to explore other solar sys- had varied journalism backgrounds. Having issues to get a feeling for the style of the mag- tems, stars, and ultimately the entire cosmos. no journalism experience myself, taking the azine. My first real assignment from my edi- The stories in special issues are mostly repur- AAAS version of Journalism 101 was essen- tor was to help with the next special issue of posed features from past issues; I read tial before I was sent off to New York City, the magazine—“Think about how we would through eight years of Discover’s astronomy where I would be working at Discover maga- put together an issue about the universe.” features and made a list of my favorite arti- zine for 10 weeks. What?! I’m used to a little more . . . direction. cles, and the editor used my list to choose After a splendid evening sleeping on the While I thought about how to accomplish most of the stories for the issue. floor of Reagan Airport (thank you, airline such a gargantuan task, I also was put to continued on page 12
ASPB Participates in FESPB Congress in Tampere, Finland
ASPB traveled to Finland to showcase its pre- The ASPB exhibit also highlight- mier plant biology journals, Plant Physiology ed the Education Committee’s work and The Plant Cell, and some of its many (see related story on page 40) and other important activities at the 16th Con- various membership activities. The gress and Exhibition of the Federation of committee was represented by Mary European Societies of Plant Biology Williams, a former chair, who is on (FESPB), held in Tampere from August 17 to sabbatical in Glasgow from Harvey 22. More than 1,200 delegates gathered over Mudd College. Nancy Winchester, six days, and ASPB was there for all of it. We director of publications, represented first joined our European colleagues at the the journals along with Cathie Mar- FESPB meeting in 2006 in Lyon, France, and tin, and Jean Rosenberg, director of plans are already under way to again partici- meetings, marketing, and member- pate in this important event in 2010, when ship, represented the important tant work in fields especially relevant to the FESPB will convene in Valencia, Spain. work ASPB does in support of its members Tampere Congress. If you would like to We believe that our attendance at the and the profession worldwide. receive a copy, please contact [email protected]. meeting was especially timely this year, as the In preparation for the meeting, Cathie ASPB’s presence was welcomed by our Society has its first-ever European editor in Martin and Don Ort, editor in chief of Plant European colleagues, and the meeting afford- chief, Cathie Martin of the John Innes Centre Physiology, compiled a special collection of ed the Society a great opportunity to discuss in Norwich, England. Cathie was our special articles from The Plant Cell and Plant Physi- ways to build relationships with plant biolo- guest at the stand, and many delegates ology. Insights in Plant Biology includes five gists in Europe and around the world. We dropped by over the course of the conference recent papers from each journal that the edi- look forward to seeing everyone again in to chat with her. tors believe reflect the latest and most impor- Valencia in 2010!
ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 • 9 Online Arabidopsis Book Posts New Content; More Chapters in Production Future ASPB The Arabidopsis Book (TAB), ASPB’s free Bassham, D.C., Brandizzi, F., Otegui, M.S., Meetings online compendium (http://www.aspb.org/ and Sanderfoot, A.A. The Secretory publications/arabidopsis), has posted nine System of Arabidopsis (update). new chapters online since late May: September 30, 2008. Micali, C., Göllner, K., Humphry, M., Gehring, M., and Henikoff, S. DNA Methy- Consonni, C., and Panstruga, R. The lation and Demethylation in Arabidop- Powdery Mildew Disease of Arabidopsis: sis. May 23, 2008. A Paradigm for the Interaction Between Millar, A.H., Small, I.D., Day, D.A., and Plants and Biotrophic Fungi. October 2, Whelan, J. Mitochondrial Biogenesis 2008. and Function in Arabidopsis (update). July 9, 2008. Three more chapters are due to be posted Robert, S., Raikhel, N.V., and Hicks, G.R. online this fall: Powerful Partners: Arabidopsis and Ramon, M., Rolland, F., and Sheen, J. Sugar Chemical Genomics. July 10, 2008. Sensing and Signaling. Schaller, G.E., Kieber, J.J., and Shiu, S.-H. Lu, Y. and Last, R. Web-Based Arabidopsis Two-Component Signaling Elements Functional and Structural Genomics and Histidyl-Aspartyl Phosphorelays Resources. Plant Biology 2009 (update). July 14, 2008. Kwak, J.M., Mäser, P., and Schroeder, J. I. Honolulu, Hawaii Sakamoto, W., Miyagishima, S.-Y., and The Clickable Guard Cell, Version II: July 18–22, 2009 Jarvis, P. Chloroplast Biogenesis: Con- Interactive Model of Guard Cell Signal trol of Plastid Development, Protein Transduction Mechanisms and Pathways. Import, Division and Inheritance. July 22, 2008. Founded by Chris Somerville and Elliot Baud, S., Dubreucq, B., Miquel, M., Meyerowitz, TAB has been bringing readers Rochat, C., and Lepiniec, L. Storage the latest Arabidopsis content free on the Plant Biology 2010 Reserve Accumulation in Arabidopsis: Internet since 2002. ASPB funds the produc- Metabolic and Developmental Control tion of TAB as a public service. All chapters Montreal, Canada of Seed Filling. July 24, 2008. are hosted in partnership with BioOne July 30–August 5, 2010 Sun, Tai-ping. Gibberellin Metabolism, (www.bioone.org) in HTML and PDF for- Joint Annual Meeting of Perception, and Signaling Pathways in mat. The current editorial board is chaired the American Society of Arabidopsis. September 24, 2008. by Rob Last, Michigan State University. Plant Biologists and the Canadian Society of Plant Physiologists/Société Canadienne de Physiologie Végétale Do you use The Arabidopsis Book in your classroom? For more information go to http://www.aspb.org/ Let us know how you use TAB, what meetings/ about it you find valuable, and what you’d like to see improved.
E-mail [email protected] PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY.
10 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 People
ASPB Member Strauss Named Oregon State University Distinguished Professor
ASPB member Steve Strauss, a “Steve’s potential as a of genetic engineering and genomics to help professor of forest science in the scientist was recognized unravel the genetic control of flowering, stem College of Forestry, Oregon State early in his career at OSU form, and pest resistance in poplar species.” University (OSU), was recognized when he received a presti- Strauss has become well known at OSU with the university’s highest aca- gious NSF Young Investi- because of the biotechnology outreach pro- demic honor, the title of “Distin- gator Presidential Award gram that he has directed since 2004, which guished Professor,” on May 22, in 1989,” notes Forest Sci- brings high-profile speakers to campus to 2008. ence Department Head address the diversity of social and scientific Steve is internationally known Tom Adams. “He has cer- issues surrounding use of biotechnologies. for his impacts in research, out- tainly not disappointed He was a Leopold Leadership Fellow in reach, and teaching, and his schol- us! Today Steve is recog- 2005–2006; the program trains leading envi- arship spans the molecular to the nized worldwide in the ronmental scientists in outreach and com- ecological, and technical to policy Steve Strauss field of forest genetics as a munication skills. He has been quoted in levels. He has made major contributions to pioneer of the application of molecular dozens of major news articles, including in analysis of the social, ecological, and policy genetics to understanding the biology of for- the New York Times, USA Today, The Oregon- aspects of biotechnology. est trees. In particular, he has used the tools ian, The Economist, and Science.
Baulcombe Wins the Lasker
University of Cambridge plant scientist 2008_b_description.htm. other animals. He points out, David Baulcombe, formerly of the Sainsbury This page also includes links however, that in addition to Laboratory in Norwich, UK, has won the to a celebratory essay (http:// helping scientists address basic 2008 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Sciences www.laskerfoundation.org/ questions in biology, research in Award for his work on RNA-mediated silenc- awards/2008_b_descrip- plants may “help with the small ing of gene activity in plants. Baulcombe tion.htm) written for the problem of harvesting the sun shares his award with Gary B. Ruvkun and October issue of Nature and feeding the world.” Victor Ambros, both of whom discovered Medicine, in which Those interested in teaching similar modes of gene regulation in Baulcombe uses case histo- the basics of how RNA interfer-
Caenorhabditis elegans. ries of basic biological dis- David Baulcombe ence impacts gene expression A comprehensive description of the 2008 coveries made in plants to PHOTO COURTESY OF THE may appreciate the video short LASKER FOUNDATION. award to Baulcombe, Ruvkun, and Ambros is argue that carrying out from Nova that is available at available on the Lasker Foundation website research in plant model systems is equally http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/ at http://www.laskerfoundation.org/awards/ valuable as investigating yeast, worms, and 3210/02.html.
Addressing Ethical Standars
ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 • 11 AAAS/ASPB Mass Media Fellow continued from page 9 I also helped out with photo research, digging around on the Internet for the CALL FOR APPLICATIONS newest and coolest images of outer space. American Philosophical Society Research Programs And after all of my research on exoplanets, I All information and forms for all of the Society’s programs can be downloaded from our was assigned to write a short article, basically website, http://www.amphilsoc.org. Click on the “Fellowships and Research Grants” tab at a Top 10 list of the weirdest and most inter- the top of the homepage. esting exoplanets. For this story, I did phone interviews with some of the most famous Information About All Programs Eligibility “planet hunters,” which was undoubtedly the Applicants are expected to have a doctor- most fun I had all summer. Purpose, Scope ate or to have published work of doctoral Being a part of putting together this issue, Awards are made for non-commercial character and quality. Pre-doctoral gradu- research only. The Society makes no grants ate students are not eligible, but the Socie- from conception to (almost) completion, was for academic study or classroom presenta- ty is especially interested in supporting the by far the most rewarding experience of the tion, for travel to conferences, for non- work of young scholars who have recently summer. I can’t wait to actually hold the scholarly projects, for assistance with trans- received the doctorate. magazine in my hand and have concrete evi- lation, or for the preparation of materials Award dence of my hard work. for use by students. The Society does not pay overhead or indirect costs to any insti- From $1,000 to $6,000. In the end, I didn’t get to write as much as tution or costs of publication. I hoped. But I guess if you compare the Deadlines number of stories in a monthly magazine to Eligibility October 1, December 1; notification in Feb- ruary and April. a month’s worth of articles in a daily newspa- Applicants may be residents of the United States or American citizens resident abroad. per, it’s not surprising. Most of my time was Foreign nationals whose research can only spent helping editors with research and be carried out in the United States are eli- Lewis and Clark Fund for doing fact checking, which was still helpful in gible. Grants are made to individuals; insti- Exploration and Field Research learning about science writing. tutions are not eligible to apply. Require- Scope ments for each program vary. I feel lucky to have been so involved in the The Lewis and Clark Fund encourages special issue. Before this summer, I had no idea Tax information exploratory field studies for the collection how much work went into putting together a Grants and fellowships are taxable income, of specimens and data and to provide the magazine—the coordination is truly an art. but the Society is not required to report imaginative stimulus that accompanies direct observation. Applications are invited When I started in June, the majority of issues payments. It is recommended that grant and fellowship recipients discuss their from disciplines with a large dependence were planned until February of next year! I will reporting obligations with their tax advisors. on field studies, such as archeology, never look at a magazine the same way again. anthropology, biology, ecology, geography, All in all, the summer was a truly reward- Contact information geology, linguistics, and paleontology, but ing experience. It was also kind of like a long Questions concerning the FRANKLIN, grants will not be restricted to these fields. LEWIS AND CLARK, programs should be vacation with really expensive rent. When I directed to Linda Musumeci, Research Eligibility wasn’t working, I was exploring New York—I Administrator, at LMusumeci@ Grants will be available to doctoral students went to just about every art museum and amphilsoc.org or 215-440-3429. who wish to participate in field studies for yarn store in the city and saw some great their dissertations or for other purposes. concerts. I had always thought New York was Master’s candidates, undergraduates, and postdoctoral fellows are not eligible. a great place to visit but that I could never Brief Information About Individual Programs live there. Now I can verify that! Award I am now back home in St. Louis, easing Franklin Research Grants Grants will depend on travel costs but will myself into a postdoc position at the Dan- ordinarily be in the range of several hun- Scope dred dollars to about $5,000. forth Plant Science Center, where I am actu- This is a program of small grants to scholars ally looking forward to some bench work. I intended to support the cost of research Deadline will keep my eyes open for opportunities to leading to publication in all areas of knowl- February 15; notification in May. write about science, and I hope to eventually edge. The Franklin program is particularly Information updated July 2008. find a job communicating the importance of designed to help meet the cost of travel to libraries and archives for research purpos- science to the general public. Regardless of es; the purchase of microfilm, photocopies what the future holds, I know that my 10 or equivalent research materials; the costs weeks as a science journalist have at least associated with fieldwork; or laboratory made me a better scientist. research expenses. Julie Thole [email protected]
12 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 Women in Plant Biology
Reflections on Relevance by Mary E. Musgrave Professor and Head, Department of Plant Science, University of Connecticut; [email protected]
The first time I thought seri- course that arose surround- environment to perform basic research on ously about what makes sci- ing “plant stress” at that time gravitropism, while the latter was a group of ence relevant came during my (which other stress physiolo- scientists pushing the limits of yield in days as a graduate student gists in ASPB no doubt hydroponic culture by manipulating light, studying the physiological sig- recall). Former President carbon dioxide, and nutrients, with the long- nificance of cyanide-resistant Clinton chose to ridicule term goal of being able to sustain human respiration in plants. My major investigators studying plant food and atmosphere regeneration needs adviser in the Botany Depart- stress, charging that scientists away from Earth. ment at Duke University, then should have better things to Program managers in both groups were assistant professor Jim do with their time and the convinced that a project investigating the Siedow, had given me a grant nation’s money than fretting reasons behind reproductive failure by plants proposal to read. I thought Mary Musgrave over the emotions of vegeta- in microgravity fell solidly in the other pro- that the paragraphs at the bles. The fallout was imme- gram’s camp. However, when I proposed to beginning of his proposal to NIH, giving diate. Almost overnight, I became an “envi- team up with plant anatomist Shirley Tucker background on the linkage between cyanide- ronmental plant physiologist,” and my to tackle this problem, the work qualified as resistant respiration and disease, “didn’t fit popular graduate course, Plant Stress Physi- “Space Biology.” My lab soon had the oppor- in,” because it was the first time I had consid- ology, followed suit with the new name of tunity to study early reproductive develop- ered that studying plant mitochondria could Environmental Plant Physiology. ment in Arabidopsis during a series of exper- have medical applications. Over the interven- In the 1990s, I realized that what I had iments on the U.S. Space Shuttle. Our ing years, I saw the relevance of this basic learned about waterlogging could be put to findings that the microgravity environment research on plants to combating human dis- use in solving a persistent problem facing was functionally waterlogging the rootzone ease; Jim used his extramural funding from NASA. Plants had been grown in “micro- due to lack of drainage and starving the NIH to make many fundamental research gravity” (<10-3 g) in freely falling orbital plants for carbon dioxide due to ineffective discoveries and move through the ranks as a spacecraft since the 1960s. However, by the gas exchange lay the basis for redesigns of powerful and effective advocate for science. late 1980s, the problems with getting plants plant growth hardware and cultural prac- In my own first faculty position, at to reproduce in space had led researchers to tices, so that during the late 1990s and early Louisiana State University, I had the title of conclude that there might be some step in 2000s, reproduction became a routine suc- plant stress physiologist. In Louisiana, it was flowering and seed production that was cess for plants growing in space. The rele- easy to discover the most relevant environ- absolutely dependent on gravity. Waterlog- vance of terrestrial research to extraterrestrial mental problem—soil waterlogging—and ging research had given me the perspective systems was immediate and obvious. the most severely affected crop—winter that the problems faced by plants growing in Because of the success of this initial work wheat. The Louisiana Small Grains Research microgravity were likely caused by zero-g- with Arabidopsis on the space shuttle, NASA and Promotion Board funded work that related environmental conditions rather than soon gave my group a new opportunity. In promised to identify wheat varieties that best by any direct biological requirement for 1995, for purposes of foreign policy, it was stood up to waterlogging, and this gave me gravity. Microgravity, famous for scenes of decided that a Ukrainian was going to fly on an opportunity to study physiological traits astronauts playing with floating globs of the U.S. Space Shuttle. This edict was given that confer waterlogging tolerance. Since water, also gives us the ultimate in undrained to NASA, along with the task of selecting a waterlogging affects 12% of agricultural soils rootzones. project that would make best use of the in the United States as a whole and a much At the time, NASA had two research pro- astronaut/cosmonaut’s time in space. NASA higher percentage in Louisiana, the relevance grams that sponsored plant research: the managers had to decide whether a space of my work was becoming increasingly clear Space Biology Program and the CELSS welding demonstration or experiments in to me. (Controlled Ecological Life Support System) plant space biology would have greater rele- Nevertheless, this relevance was suddenly Program. The former was dominated by sci- vance. challenged by an unfortunate national dis- entists who wanted to use the microgravity continued on page 14
ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 • 13 WIPB a national-scale outreach project earned me tion, and its nutrient and water cycling. The continued from page 13 the position of associate dean in the College green revolution, biofuels, phytoremediation, The decision tipped in the favor of plant of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the nutriceuticals, sustainability, seeds . . . our list space biology when we showed that the University of Massachusetts–Amherst. After of key words goes on and on. experiments could intercalate with education four years in this role, I found myself missing For my group, hooked on space biology, and outreach by engaging the public in the the relevance of my background as a plant thoughts now turn away from weightless scientific process. Discarding Arabidopsis in scientist to my daily work. plants to those that will grow in habitats on favor of the more charismatic Wisconsin Fast It was while I was interviewing for the the moon or Mars. The relevance test contin- Plant (Brassica rapa L., cv. “Astroplants”), we Plant Science Department head position at ues: I am in Washington, D.C., taking a cab partnered with Paul Williams, who devel- the University of Connecticut that I had a to the National Academies building, and the oped “Teachers and Students Investigating mishap at the Dairy Bar. During one of the driver’s eyes narrow back at me in the Plants in Space,” a middle and high school dental visits that followed, I happened to rearview mirror. “Are you some kind of sci- hands-on curriculum that adapted our flight notice that the Highlights for Children I was entist?” As I explain my work, he nods in experiment to the classroom. More than reading had run an article about my slow understanding and grudging respect. I 200,000 students in the United States joined research, “Farming in Space.” Knowing that realize anew that it is a privilege to be a sci- 20,000 students working with the Ukrainian Highlights has a readership of about 4 mil- entist. Much of a scientist’s satisfaction version of the curriculum. The scope of the lion, I strangely felt that I had arrived. comes from the simple joy of discovery, but project and intensity of the media coverage Surely of all scientists, plant scientists have it is just as important that what we do mat- during the real-time participation by stu- the greatest opportunity to devote their lives ters to the rest of the world—that we are, in a dents gave us scientists celebrity status. It was to relevant pursuits. From our antecedents in word, relevant. a public relations coup for NASA. agronomy, horticulture, and forestry, we Years passed, and new opportunities came inherit the scientific stewardship of the for experiments in space. My experience with world’s food supply, its atmosphere regenera-
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14 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 Bioethics
The Bioethics Imperative XXXVI The close of TBI
“Mokita”: The truth we all know partner at a Washington have to turn when dealing with ethics in the and agree not to talk about. Papua law firm that has lobbied scientific community, the land of reviewing New Guinea the senator’s office (4). grants and manuscripts. On this broader As of this writing, a quick scale, NSF, DOE, NASA, NIH, NOAA, Sea- After some consideration, I Google search for “ethics Grant, and other federal agencies that have have decided to close “The Bioethics cases” comes up with ethics committees, ombudsmen, and offices Imperative.” After seven years of 785,000 listings. There of the inspector general serve us all. bimonthly columns, I feel that I are 2,390,000 hits for For me, being proactive now means exam- have covered the major topics that “ethics institutes” in areas ining your own position and the position of I set out to do, and more! In this ranging from business others, such as colleagues or students, around column you, the readers, and I and medicine to public you. Over the years that I have been writing have explored topics as diverse as affairs. Clearly, one can this column, I have seen or heard of many, authorship, sexual harassment, Dina Mandoli spend a lifetime study- many cases in which ethical problems have Federal Effort Certification, and ing and debating ethics. arisen that could easily have been avoided if conflict of interest. A full list of the topics It has been said that as soon as there are the parties involved had been proactive in covered and links to the columns themselves at least two people in a room, there’s politics. clarifying, questioning, and carefully consid- can be found at http://www.aspb.org/ I would add that as soon as there are two ering all the possible angles of a situation at newsletter/bioethics.cfm. ASPB formulated people in a room, there’s ethics. The genesis the onset. The watchwords are leave no stone its own code of ethics to address the Society’s of ethical ground—both high and low—is unturned and act positively, quietly, and openly expectations for scientific conduct in pub- the dynamics between those people and the at the first hint of a sticky situation. lishing and our procedures for handling alle- events that they experience. Indeed, the Personally, I have learned a lot from my gations of misconduct for authors, editors ethics issues often emerge because no two work on this column. I have interacted with and reviewers, and the publisher and staff people experience the same situation in the great people during these seven years as “a while TBI has been running (http://aspb.org/ same way; they bring to it their “now” in the columnist.” Thanks are due to many, includ- publications/ethics.cfm). form of their own five senses, their past, their ing, in no particular order, Ethics, defined as “the study of morality’s expertise, their desires, and their emotions. • my mentors who showed me ethics, effect on conduct” and “code of morality”(1), In the meeting of just two people then, there both good and bad, by their actions and is really a branch of philosophy that dates are complex landscapes on which ethical example back at least to the Greeks. The word comes issues can roam and multiply. Add a friend • ASPB Executive Committees who have via Latin ethica from the Ancient Greek or colleague and things can really get going! made an ongoing commitment to ethics ńθική [φιλοσοφία] “moral philosophy,” from Set the stage in a public forum like a class- in our Society the adjective ńθος [ēthos] “custom, habit” (2). room and … well, you see what I mean. • the ASPB membership for critically read- Wikipedia (2) has both theoretical and Lasting messages of this column are really ing TBI and contributing ideas for these applied listings (bioethics is under just twofold: Be aware of your resources, and columns “Applied”). Core issues listed are justice, val- be proactive. The primary resources in place • teachers who have used and taught with ue, right, duty, virtue, equality, freedom, for us all are local, including colleagues, TBI over the years trust, free will, consent, and moral responsi- departmental chairs, ombudsmen, and • the NSF Office of the Inspector General, bility. Key thinkers range from Confucius deans. In this mix, one might include publi- especially Jim Kroll and Socrates, to Hume and Kierkegaard, to cations like newspapers and departmental • students in my lab and in the labs of oth- whom I assume are the more modern newsletters that can often set a story in a ers who have willingly acted as guinea thinkers, Nozick and Rawls. context that is meaningful to the wider audi- pigs during these past seven years And in the news, daily ethics cases ence. Don’t scoff! There is more than one • administration, staff, and faculty at the abound. For example, both vice presidential way to squelch the rumor mill. Secondary University of Washington who have con- candidates have been scrutinized: Governor resources are those of the state including tributed to the columns with their time Sarah Palin for the firing of a top law government, legal professionals, and profes- and their expertise enforcement official in her administration sional societies such as ASPB. And then there • and, of course, Nancy Winchester and (3) and Senator Joe Biden, whose son was a are federal resources, to which we all might continued on page 16
ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 • 15 Membership Corner Bioethics continued from page 15 ASPB members share a common goal of promoting the growth, development, and outreach of Diane McCauley, the dedicated ASPB plant biology as a pure and applied science. This column features some of the dedicated and staff who have helped TBI be pub- innovative members of ASPB who believe that membership in our Society is crucial to the fu- lished over the years. They have been ture of plant biology. If you are interested in contributing to this feature, please contact most professional and courteous in all ASPB Membership at [email protected]. my dealings with them. So adieu! May you be ethical and Name: Ashley 4. Have you enhanced your career using lucky in all your professional dealings. Spence ASPB job postings or through net-
Dina Mandoli Title: Graduate working at an ASPB function? Student Research At the conference in Mexico, I was able to Assistant network with quite a few scientists whom I would never have met otherwise. Place of Work or [email protected] School: University of 5. Do you read print journals? If so, Illinois at Urbana– where do you usually read them? References Champaign Our lab has subscriptions to quite a few 1. (2008). Microsoft Word Dictionary. Research Area: The journals that we keep in a common area 2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethics unique cold tolerance of Miscanthus x where people can sit and browse. 3. Luo, M. (August 30, 2008). Investiga- giganteus and its use as a biofuel feedstock 6. What do you think is the next “big tors are looking at governor about fir- Member since: Fall 2007 thing” in plant biology? ing. New York Times, p. A1.; Kovaleski, I think the next big thing will be anoth- S. F. (October 11, 2008). Alaska 1. Why has being a member of ASPB er “green revolution,” so to speak. We Inquiry Concludes Palin Abused Pow- been important to you? are getting close to directly altering the ers. Efforts to Oust Trooper Violated Most recently, my membership in ASPB photosynthetic capacity of plants so that Ethics Law, Investigator Finds. New allowed me to attend the Pan American they can reach maximum quantum effi- York Times, p. A1. Congress on Plants and BioEnergy in ciency. For plant biologists, this is excit- 4. Schwartz, E. (August 24, 2008). My Mérida, Mexico. This was an amazing ing, but I think globally this would son, the lobbyist: Biden’s son a well- opportunity to meet scientists from mean extremely productive food crops. paid DC insider, firm lobbies Senator around the globe who are conducting 7. What person, living or deceased, do Biden although son does not. http:// research in similar areas. I think this has you most admire? abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id= been so important in changing my per- I admire my dad the most. He is a suc- 5640118&page=1 spective on my own research and deter- cessful engineer and always gives me mining how I fit into the scientific great advice and a more logical percep- community. tion of life at times. “It’s not the end of 2. Was someone instrumental in getting the world!” he would say. you to join ASPB? 8. What are you reading these days? A fellow lab member, as well as my Besides journal articles? Well, I’m the adviser, Dr. Steve Long, were both avid type of person who likes to reread (many supporters of the importance of joining times over) books that she loves, so right ASPB. now I’m rereading The Awakening. 3. What would you tell colleagues to 9. What are your hobbies? encourage them to join? I enjoy playing soccer, exercising, and I would emphasize the importance of being outdoors in general. I don’t get being part of a prestigious organization the chance much in Illinois, since it’s so where you can share your research and flat, but I love to hike. learn about that of others. Communi- 10. What is your most treasured possession? cation and community are necessary My multipoo, named Noel. He is infi- and useful. nitely adorable and amusing. 11. What do you still have left to learn? Probably more than I’m aware.
16 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 Public Affairs
NSF Research Up at Least 15% in Appropriations Committees’ Fiscal Year 2009 Recommendations Bond, Mikulski Champion Plant Genome Research Program
The Senate Appropriations Committee has Senator Bond has champi- approved a recommended increase of 16% oned the Plant Genome over the current year level for NSF Research Research Program since 1997, and Related Activities. The Research and when he initiated the pro- Related Activities account receives $5.59 bil- gram. Senator Mikulski has lion, an increase of $773 million. This amount worked closely with Senator equals the president’s budget request. Bond each year in support of Overall, the Senate Appropriations Com- the program. Their actions mittee increased recommended funding $789 helped bring plant science to a million, or 13%, to $6.85 billion for NSF, new advanced era of research. which equals the president’s budget request. For Education and Human
Language supporting the Plant Genome Resources, the Senate Appro- Senator Barbara Mikulski Senator Christopher Bond Research Program has been a legislative pri- priations Committee recom- ority for ASPB this year. Senator Kit Bond (R- mendation would provide $790 million. The 6.3%, above the agency’s requested level of Mo.) worked with Chair Barbara Mikulski recommendation is $65 million above the $790 million. This represents an increase of (D-Md.) in adding needed language to the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same as $115 million, or 16%, over the current year. Committee Report, which states, “Plant the budget request. The appropriations bills are not likely to Genome Research Program—The Committee The House Appropriations Subcommittee be enacted separately. A continuing resolu- recommends $101,220,000 for the Plant on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related tion is expected to be passed to cover federal Genome Research Program. The Committee Agencies recommended an increase of $723 expenses until after a new president takes remains a strong supporter of this important million, or 15%, for NSF Research and Relat- office, but there is still much significance to program due to its potential impact on ed Activities. Overall, NSF would receive an the recommendations in the appropriations improving economically significant crops. increase of $789 million, or 13%, over the cur- bills and reports. A combined appropriations The Committee also recognizes its vast poten- rent fiscal year. NSF Education and Human bill may be assembled after a new president tial in combating hunger in poor countries.” Resources would increase $50 million, or is sworn into office.
NRI, ARS Receive Increases in Appropriations Recommendations
The Senate Appropriations Committee sents a 5.8% increase over the current year; ASPB President Rob McClung submitted approved on July 17 its recommendations for current year funding is $191 million. testimony in support of increases for the NRI agricultural research. For the National Hatch Act funding is at $206 million in and ARS to both the House and Senate Research Initiative (NRI), which is now the Senate Committee recommendation. The Appropriations Committees. We circulated being called the Agriculture and Food House Subcommittee recommended $213 an Alert with ASPB Campus Contacts. ASPB Research Initiative (AFRI) by the Senate million. Current year funding is $196 million. member Tim Nelson and ASPB staff con- Committee, a recommendation of $200 mil- For the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), ducted constituent visits at the office of the lion was approved. This compares to $202 the Senate Committee recommended $1.13 House Appropriations Subcommittee on million recommended by the House Appro- billion for salaries and expenses. This compares Agriculture Chair, Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), priations Subcommittee on Agriculture, to current year funding of $1.12 billion. House and other offices in the Connecticut delega- which is using the NRI name. The House Committee recommendations for ARS were tion. Tim is a constituent of DeLauro. Subcommittee increase for the NRI repre- not yet released as this issue went to press.
ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 • 17 Public Affairs
Boost for Science in Appropriations for DOE
The Senate Appropriations Committee and million above the president’s request and an these funds, $145 million is for construction House Appropriations Subcommittee on increase of $844 million over the fiscal year activities as requested in the budget. The Energy and Water Development have both 2008 enacted level. remaining $1.27 billion is for research. The recommended substantial increases for the For Biological and Environmental House Appropriations Committee has not Office of Science within the Department of Research, the Senate Committee recom- yet reported out its bill, so we don’t know its Energy. mended $599 million—$30 million more recommendations. However, the House The Senate Appropriations Committee than the budget request. Within this amount, Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy recommended $4.64 billion for the Office of the Committee recommended $424 million and Water Development released some of its Science, compared to current year funding of for biological research. recommendations, reported above, and the $4.02 billion. The House Subcommittee rec- For Basic Energy Sciences, the Senate full committee generally accepts the subcom- ommended $4.86 billion for science, $140 Committee recommended $1.42 billion. Of mittee’s recommendations.
DOE, USDA Plant Feedstock Genomics Awards to ASPB Members Support Needed Basic Research in Biomass Genomics Leading to Cellulosic Fuels
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) natives we have on the energy production award $2 million over three years. The fol- Office of Science, Office of Biological and side to reduce reliance on imported oil and lowing sections provide information on each Environmental Research, and the National cut greenhouse gas emissions while continu- grant award. Research Initiative of the USDA Cooperative ing to meet the nation’s transportation ener- Development of Genomic and Genetic State Research, Education, and Extension gy needs. Developing cost-effective means of Tools for Foxtail Millet, and Use of These Service have jointly selected 10 projects for producing cellulosic biofuels on a national Tools in the Improvement of Biomass awards totaling $10 million for biobased fuel scale poses major scientific challenges—these Production for Bioenergy Crops research. These awards continue a commit- grants will help in developing the type of • University of Georgia, $1,295,000 ment begun in 2006 to conduct fundamental transformational breakthroughs needed in • Principal Investigator: ASPB member Jeff research in biomass genomics that will estab- basic science to make this happen.” Bennetzen lish a scientific foundation to facilitate and A 2005 report by DOE and USDA— • Co-Principal Investigators: Katrien Devos, accelerate the use of cellulosic plant material “Biomass as Feedstock for a Bioenergy and Andrew Doust, ASPB member Janice Zale for bioenergy and biofuels. The awards were Bioproducts Industry: The Technical Feasi- (University of Tennessee) announced by USDA Research, Education bility of a Billion-Ton Annual Supply”— This project will generate a variety of and Economics Undersecretary Gale found that there is enough renewable biomass genomic and genetic tools for foxtail millet, Buchanan and DOE Undersecretary for in the nation to displace more than one-third including single nucleotide polymorphisms, Science Raymond Orbach. of the transportation fuels (primarily gaso- bacterial artificial chromosome libraries, “USDA is committed to fostering a sus- line from imported oil). Considering that optimized foxtail millet transformation tech- tainable domestic biofuels industry at home one of every four barrels of oil used in the nology, and a high-density quantitative trait in rural America,” Buchanan said. “These world is burned in the United States, prima- focus and genetic map of foxtail millet for grants will broaden the sources of energy rily by cars and trucks, renewable biomass- significant biomass traits. These resources from many crops as well as improve the effi- derived fuels represent a huge contribution will complement the DOE Joint Genome ciency and options among renewable fuels.” to the nation’s future energy security. Institute whole genome sequencing of foxtail Orbach commented, “Cellulosic biofuels In 2008, DOE will provide $8.8 million in millet, enhancing its value as a functional offer one of the best near- to mid-term alter- funding over three years, while USDA will continued on page 20
18 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 Public Affairs
Herrera-Estrella Receives ASPB Leadership in Science Public Service Award
Luis Herrera-Estrella received the ASPB Leadership in Science Public Service Award for outstanding contributions to science and society at the ASPB annual meeting in Méri- da. He also was the featured speaker in the Perspectives of Science Leaders program. Herrera-Estrella has made important con- tributions to the field of plant molecular biology, especially in the study of gene regu- lation and the development of gene transfer methods. While still working as a PhD stu- dent, he published the first report showing the successful transfer and expression of a bacterial gene in plant cells. He also pio- neered the development of dominant selec- table markers and the use of reporter genes for plant systems, which later became two of ASPB President Rob McClung (right) presents Luis Herrera-Estrella with the the most important tools in the development 2008 ASPB Leadership in Science Public Service Award. of gene transfer systems for economically important crops. Herrera-Estrella has been awarded several also been honored with international awards UNESCO. In 2003, Herrera-Estrella was national prizes, among them the award in such as the Minuro and Ethel Tsutsui Distin- elected a foreign member of the U.S. Nation- biology from the Mexican Academy of Sci- guished Graduate Research Award of the al Academy of Sciences, and he is currently ences and the National Art and Science New York Academy of Sciences and the Javed director of the National Laboratory of award from the Mexican government. He has Husain prize for young scientists from Genomics for Biodiversity in Mexico.
ASPB Exhibits Maize Genome Research at CNSF Congressional Exhibition
For the 14th straight year, ASPB sponsored a Center, Washington University School of booth on maize genome research at the 14th Medicine. Annual Coalition for National Science Fund- The brochure, Views of the Maize Genome, ing (CNSF) exhibition and reception held on gives multiple views of the maize genome. June 25, 2008. There was a large turnout for ASPB was joined by many other institu- the event; the more than 400 attendees tions—primarily science societies and uni- included seven members of Congress. versities—that exhibited. The exhibition and Sandra W. Clifton, PhD, prepared a reception offered the opportunity for scien- poster and brochure on her NSF-sponsored tists throughout the nation to talk with con- research for the ASPB booth. Clifton is gressional staff and members of Congress research assistant professor in genetics and about their research projects sponsored by assistant director, Genome Sequencing the NSF.
ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 • 19 Public Affairs
Plant Feedstock Genomics Awards Identification of Genes That Regulate ond-generation bioenergy grasses such as continued from page 18 Phosphate Acquisition and Plant Per- switchgrass and Miscanthus. genomic model for second-generation bioen- formance During Arbuscular Mycor- ergy crops such as switchgrass. rhizal Symbiosis in Medicago truncatula Genomics of Wood Formation and Cellu- and Brachypodium distachyon losic Biomass Traits in Sunflower Identifying Genes Controlling Ferulate • Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant • University of Georgia, $1,200,000 Cross-Link Formation in Grass Cell Walls Research, $882,000 • Principal Investigator: Steven Knapp • Pennsylvania State University, $587,191 • Principal Investigator: ASPB member • Co-Principal Investigators: ASPB member • Principal Investigator: Marcia Maria de Maria Harrison Jeff Dean, ASPB member Joe Nairn, Laura Oliveira Buanafina • Co-Principal Investigator: ASPB member Marek, Mark Davis • Co-Principal Investigators: ASPB member Matthew Hudson This project will develop genomic David Braun, Doug Archibald This project will identify genes control- resources for woody biomass trait identifica- This project will investigate the regulation ling arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, as tion in hybrid sunflower, a species that is of ferulic acid cross-linking in the cell walls well as key factors regulating gene function extremely drought tolerant. This fundamen- of Brachypodium distachyon and generate a and the acquisition of key nutrients such as tal knowledge will complement the existing saturated ethylmethane sulfonate mutant phosphate. The results will provide mecha- body of work on this species with respect to population for forward genetic studies in this nistic and molecular-level understanding of oilseed production. model bioenergy crop. plant–fungal partnerships in natural ecosys- A Universal Genome Array and Tran- Computational Resources for Biofuel tems and their role in maintaining a terres- scriptome Atlas for Brachypodium Feedstock Species trial soil environment for sustainable biofuel distachyon • Michigan State University, $540,000 production. • Oregon State University, $1,200,000 • Principal Investigator: ASPB member C. • Principal Investigator: Todd Mockler Systems-Level Engineering of Plant Cell Robin Buell Wall Biosynthesis to Improve Biofuel • Co-Principal Investigator: ASPB member • Co-Principal Investigator: Kevin Childs Feedstock Quality Todd Michael This project will provide computational • University of Massachusetts, $1,200,000 This project will develop an Affymetrix tools and resources for data mining of genome • Principal Investigator: ASPB member genome tiling array, based on the DOE Joint sequence, genome annotation, and large-scale Samuel Hazen Genome Institute sequence of Brachypodium functional genomic datasets available for biofuel • Co-Principal Investigators: Todd Mockler, distachyon, and make the array available for feedstock species. Such species include candi- ASPB member Steve Kay broad community use. The investigators will dates within the Poaceae, Pinaceae, and Sali- This project will identify and characterize use the array to generate an expression atlas caceae families, for which a diversity of genome cell wall biosynthetic regulatory genomic representing major developmental stages or sequence resources currently exist, ranging binding sites using reverse and forward stress responses in Brachypodium, a model from whole genome sequences to modest genetic approaches with candidate transcrip- species for polyploid, perennial grasses with expressed sequence tag transcriptome datasets. tion factors in Brachypodium and Arabidop- complex genomes, such as wheat and switch- sis, two model plant systems. The results will grass. Translational Genomics for the Improve- ment of Switchgrass contribute to our understanding of key tis- Epigenomics of Development in Populus • Purdue University, $1,200,000 sue-specific and developmental regulators of • Oregon State University, $1,200,000 • Principal Investigator: ASPB member plant cell wall biosynthesis in monocot and • Principal Investigator: ASPB member Nick Carpita dicot bioenergy crops. Steven Strauss • Co-Principal Investigator: ASPB member Identification of Genes That Control • Co-Principal Investigators: Todd Mockler, Maureen McCann Biomass Production Using Rice Michael Freitag This project will study the cell walls of grass • Colorado State University, $1,500,000 The project will study the role of chro- species, performing bioinformatics analyses • Principal Investigator: ASPB member Jan matin modification (epigenetics) in the regu- on cell wall biosynthetic genes in maize and Leach lation of development and dormancy induc- annotation of switchgrass orthologs. The • Co-Principal Investigators: ASPB member tion in poplar and other woody species. The project will also generate mutants in selected Dan Bush, John McKay, Hei Leung investigators will characterize changes in candidate cell wall–related genes, with direct This project will provide an integrated DNA methylation patterns on specific tissues analysis of saccharification of maize and breeding and genomics platform to identify during dormancy induction and poplar switchgrass cell wall mutants. biomass traits in rice for translation to sec- development.
20 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 Public Affairs
ASPB Members Ort, Betzelberger Discuss with Voice of America the Effects of Greenhouse Gases on Crop Growth
What effects will higher carbon eating our crops,” Betzelberger said to Voice dioxide and ozone levels have of America. on crop yields and world food There is also the issue of elevated ozone, supplies? ASPB members Don which, when it was released in the rings, Ort of the USDA Agricultural appeared to lower soybean yields by 20%, Research Service and the Uni- Voice of America reported. versity of Illinois and Amy Ort commented, “We began seeing even Betzelberger, also of the Uni- five and six years ago that world grain versity of Illinois, responded reserves were at dangerously low levels. . . . to this question in a Voice of [We] wondered, If there is a bad year globally America interview on July 10. in production, how is that going to affect
Voice of America report- Don Ort Amy Betzelberger world food supplies? We’re beginning to see ed that carbon dioxide gas is that play out,” he said. released from the tubes that surround the Studies have shown that elevated carbon The full Voice of America report is avail- corn plants Ort and Betzelberger study. dioxide, attributed to global warming, helps able at http://www.waterconserve.org/shared/ Inside this ring, carbon dioxide wafts over plants grow larger. “What we didn’t know is reader/welcome.aspx?linkid=102690&keybold the crop at a level environmental scientists that it also makes the plants more delicious =food%20corn%20prices%20climate. predict to occur in the general environ- to herbivorous insects, which might be a ment in 2050. problem in the future if there are more bugs
Sayre Leads BioCassava Plus with Funding from Gates Foundation
ASPB member Richard Sayre and his col- The international team of scientists hopes leagues have determined how to fortify the to translate the greenhouse research into a cassava plant, a staple root crop in many product that can be field tested in at least two developing countries, with enough vitamins, African nations by 2010. Funded by $12.1 minerals, and protein to provide poor and million in grants from the Bill & Melinda malnourished people with a day’s worth of Gates Foundation, the group of researchers is nutrition in a single meal. led by Sayre, director of the ERAC Institute The researchers have further engineered for Renewable Fuels at the Donald Danforth the cassava plant so it can resist the crop’s Plant Science Center in St. Louis. most damaging viral threats and are refining Sayre presented an update on the BioCas- methods to reduce cyanogens, substances sava Plus project June 30 at Plant Biology that yield poisonous cyanide if they are not 2008 in Mérida, Mexico. properly removed from the food before con- “This is the most ambitious plant genetic Richard Sayre (holding cassava plant) sumption. The reduction of cyanogens also engineering project ever attempted,” Sayre can shorten the time it takes to process the said. “Some biofortification strategies have their diet. But global food prices have recent- plant into food, which typically requires the objective of providing only a third of the ly gone sky high, meaning that many of the three to six days to complete. Studies also are daily adult nutrition requirements, since poorest people are now eating just one meal under way to extend the plant’s shelf life so it consumers typically get the rest of their a day, primarily their staple food. can be stored or shipped. nutritional requirements from other foods in continued on page 22
ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 • 21 Public Affairs
Sayre duce a cassava root that accumulates more resistance is critical to success in the field,” he continued from page 21 iron and zinc from the soil. To fortify the said. “The thinking behind starting with “So what we’re working on has become plants with a form of vitamin E and beta these four traits is driven by science and by even more important in the past year than it carotene (also called “provitamin A” because the impact they can have.” was when we started, not just in regions it converts to vitamin A in the body), the sci- The BioCassava Plus project was launched where people are malnourished, but also entists introduced genes into the plant that with a $7.5 million grant from the Gates across developing countries, where food has increase terpenoid and carotenoid produc- Foundation and recently received an addi- gotten so expensive that people can’t afford tion, the precursors for provitamin A and tional $4.6 million in supplemental funding the diverse diet that they’re used to.” vitamin E. They achieved a 30-fold increase from the foundation to accelerate the appli- Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is the pri- in provitamin A, which is critical for human cation of this research in Africa by African mary source of calories for an estimated 800 vision, bone and skin health, metabolism, scientists. The supplemental funding will million people worldwide, including 250 and immune function. support the training of African scientists so million people in sub-Saharan Africa, the Adding protein to the cassava plant has they can produce the transgenic plants in current focus of the Gates-funded project. posed a challenge, Sayre said. The scientists African institutions for use on African farms. But the plentiful crop has several drawbacks. discovered that most of the nitrogen required “It will not only be an improved staple It is composed almost entirely of carbohy- to make the amino acids used for protein crop eaten as a main source of nutrition, but drates, so it does not provide complete nutri- synthesis in roots is derived from the we’re also looking at the transformation of tion. The roots can be banked in the ground cyanogens that also cause cyanide toxicity. So cassava from a staple crop to an income- for up to three years, providing food security, their strategy for increasing protein levels in generating crop,” Sayre said. “That lifts people but the plant must undergo time-consuming roots focuses on accelerating the conversion out of poverty and allows families to send processing immediately after harvest to of cyanide-containing compounds into pro- kids to school and build infrastructure in remove compounds that generate cyanide. tein rather than completely eliminating their villages, so this is an important way to Unprocessed roots also deteriorate within 48 cyanogen production, which would hinder cross cultural barriers. There are many differ- hours after harvest, limiting the food’s shelf the efforts to increase protein production, ent cultures and languages in Africa, but life. And a plant disease caused by the gemi- Sayre explained. To further address the higher crop yield, productivity, longer shelf nivirus reduces yields by 30% to 50% in cyanide problem, the scientists have also life, and making money are things that many areas in sub-Saharan Africa, a major developed a way to accelerate the processing everyone understands.” blow to farm productivity. methods required to remove cyanide—a The BioCassava Plus research team Sayre and colleagues from multiple insti- days-long combination of peeling, soaking, includes Claude Fauquet, Nigel Taylor, Dan tutions set out to tackle virtually all of cassava’s and drying the roots before they are eaten. Shachtman, Ed Cahoon, and Paul Anderson problems to make the plant more nutritious To strengthen the cassava plant’s resist- of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Cen- and to increase the crop’s revenue-producing ance to viruses, the scientists introduced a ter; Willi Gruissem and Peng Zhang of the potential for farmers. Sayre reported that the protein and small RNA molecules that inter- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in research team has been able to address each fere with the virus’s ability to reproduce. Zurich; John Beeching of the University of of the plant’s deficiencies in individual trans- Prolonging cassava’s shelf life has involved Bath in England; John Fellman of Washing- genic plants. The next step will be to com- the development of a hybrid species that cross- ton State University; Martin Fregene and bine some or all of the bioengineered traits es two related plants native to Texas and Brazil. Hernan Ceballos of the International Center into a single, farmer-preferred cultivar, with The strategy, still in development, will com- for Tropical Agriculture in Colombia; Ivan the goal of eventually developing cassava bine the properties of these plants and addi- Ingelbrecht, Alfred Dixon, and Bussie varieties that carry all of the improvements tional genes that function as antioxidants, Maziya-Dixon of IITA–Nigeria (an African developed by the researchers. slowing the rotting process that has been traced research organization); Caroline Herron of “We’ve begun field trials in Puerto Rico to to the production of free radicals that damage IITA–Kenya; Simon Gichuki of the Kenya make sure the plants perform as well outside and kill cells in newly harvested cassava roots. Agricultural Research Institute; Ada Mbana- as they do in greenhouses, and we hope to The first cassava product the team plans so of the National Root Crops Research start field trials in the target countries of to develop for investigations in the field will Institute in Nigeria; Dimuth Siritunga of the Nigeria and Kenya by 2009,” Sayre said. likely include the virus resistance, elevated University of Puerto Rico; Mark Manary of The labs in the project have used a variety protein, elevated beta carotene (provitamin Washington University; and independent of techniques to improve on the model cas- A), and elevated minerals (iron and zinc), consultant Jeff Stein. Mary Ann Abiado and sava plant used for the research. They used Sayre said. “These traits have been working Kristen Mosier of Ohio State University pro- genes that facilitate mineral transport to pro- the best in the greenhouse, and the virus vide administrative oversight.
22 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 Public Affairs
ASPB Member Peng and Colleagues Find a Key to Rice Nutrition in Chromatin
Researcher Zhaohua Peng In chromatin, a piece of DNA and function in rice. They identified a total and colleagues at Mississippi wraps around a group of of 344 unique proteins associated with State University and the basic proteins called histones chromatin and found a large number of his- Ohio State University have to form a structure similar to tone variants in rice. determined that chromatin the coil of a telephone cord. The researchers also determined that plays an essential role in the When proteins interact with chromatin modification genes control the control of endosperm sizes the chromatin, it adjusts the endosperm sizes and grain quality in rice. and grain quality. The results tightness of the DNA and his- These findings suggest that manipulating obtained in this study are tone interaction. Genes posi- chromatin modification genes may be an applicable not only to rice, tioned in loosely packaged effective approach for improving crop yield but to other cereal crops as chromatin regions are usually and quality. Future studies may also clarify well in improving grain yield Zhaohua Peng active, and genes within the how genes are expressed and how these and nutritional quality. tightly package chromatin genes control plant functions. The endosperm portion of grain is an regions are often silenced. CSREES funded this research project important component in determining the The scientists used proteomics, which through the National Research Initiative nutrient content for most cereal crops, as it examines proteins in a large scale, to gain Plant Genome program. Ed Kaleikau is provides nutrition, such as starch, oils, and new insight into the chromatin structure national program leader. protein, to growing plants. This makes endosperm an important source of nutrition in the human diet as well. Rice is the primary food for more than 3 billion people around the world. Peng’s research, funded by USDA’s Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), may allow scientists to improve the nutritional value of rice, affecting the health of more than 70 million of the world’s poorest people in developing countries. Chromatin structures store genetic infor- mation and control gene expression in cells.
CORRECTION Nina Fedoroff’s name was misspelled in the article “The Pan American Congress on Plants and BioEnergy—Biofuels Now and for the Future” in the July/August 2008 issue of the ASPB News, p. 8. We regret the error.
ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 • 23 Do You Know Your Leaf Inside and Out?
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Plant Biology 2008 ASPB Education Booth: Muchas Ideas en Mérida
The ASPB Education Booth in Mérida fea- projects have the potential to make positive entrance to the exhibit hall and in various tured an array of exciting programs spon- impacts in local, regional, and global under- session rooms. sored by both the ASPB Education Founda- standing of plant biology. Booth visitors Specific GAP programs were on display in tion and the ASPB Education Committee. viewed a DVD highlighting interesting fea- the booth. For example, GAP veteran Peggy Thanks to the hard work of booth organizer tures of GAP projects. This DVD montage, Lemaux’s (University of California, Berkeley) Chad Jordan (North Carolina State), the prepared by GAP winner Roger Hangarter GENEie Juice Bar, an affordable method for booth proved yet again to be a popular part (Indiana University), also aired at the continued on page 26 of the annual meeting exhibit hall space and served as a forum for exchanging ideas and information on new educational initiatives. The booth highlighted interactive displays from the two winners of the highly competi- tive 2008 ASPB Education Booth Competi- tion. Debra Burhans (Canisius College) pre- sented her work, entitled “The Dynamic Gene: An Interactive Resource,” which was carried out in collaboration with the Dolan DNA Learning Center at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Visitors at the display had the opportunity to partially annotate a small portion of the rice genome on site and received information about incorporating annotation activities into the classroom using the Dynamic Gene. Burkhard Schulz and Michael van Oosten Jane Ellis demonstrates the use of a video microscope for (Purdue University) showcased their compe- hands-on exploration of plant materials. The Carson ePIX Digital tition-winning efforts to incorporate “Video Microscope shown here is available online for about $60. Podcasts as a Teaching Tool in Plant Physiol- ogy Laboratory Courses.” The multimedia presentation included a wealth of informa- tion on how student-developed instructional podcasts can be incorporated as effective teaching tools in lab courses with students from diverse educational backgrounds and lab experiences. It also included a dynamic example from their extensive podcast library demonstrating procedures for plant pigment extraction. Booth visitors had an opportunity to review the variety of projects sponsored since 2004 by the ASPB Education Foundation’s Grant Awards Program (GAP). GAP cat- alyzes plant science education and outreach projects created by ASPB members. Winning Erin Dolan explains the 12 Principles of Plant Biology to a visitor.
ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 • 25 Education Forum
ASPB Education Booth Committee member Larry Griffing (Texas resources for teaching how plants are a part continued from page 25 A&M) provided information on initiatives of everyday life included “How Many Plants doing DNA extractions, demonstrated great and ways for plant biologists to become Are in a Fast Food Hamburger?” and the ideas for easy and effective lab work. Infor- involved the Planting Science program, newly developed “Genes in Your Jeans” and mation about three GAP-sponsored Plant which is supported in part by the ASPB Edu- “Plants in Your Pants: Indigo” worksheets, Science Radio programs, sample program cation Foundation. among others. CDs, and details for how to access broadcasts Committee members Chad Jordan, Erin Visitors also learned how simple it is to were available. The booth even invited inter- Dolan (Virginia Tech), and John Cushman study plant matter in things like money, fab- ested parties to submit accurate and enter- (University of Nevada) joined Education ric, and the local flora by using a microscope taining plant biology videos to new GAP Committee Chair Jane Ellis (Presbyterian connected to a laptop. This interactive dis- winner Dan Cosgrove’s (Penn State) Compe- College) to explain the displays and myriad play drove home that plant science is every- tition for New Plant Biology Videos on classroom-ready ideas. Particularly popular where and is easy to access. Finally, booth YouTube. was the 12 Principles of Plant Biology flyer visitors were invited to assemble and take The Education Committee had a very and accompanying bookmarks, each featur- away 5× microscope necklaces, which were active presence at the booth and displayed ing one of the 12 Principles. The 12 Princi- useful for looking up close at some of the numerous educational tools and resources ples materials were codeveloped with the fascinating plants of Mexico. for meeting attendees. ASPB Education ASPB Education Foundation. Other
Larry Griffing talks with booth visitor Jane Shen-Miller about Planting Science Chad Jordan demonstrates simple microscopy teach- initiatives and helps assemble 5× microscope necklaces. ing ideas to Steve Bernacki (left) and Rich Tuttle (right), both from North Carolina State.
26 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 Education Forum
Plant Biology 2008 Education Workshop
A diverse crowd of about 30 scientists, edu- cators, and evaluators attended the Educa- tion Committee–sponsored workshop at the annual meeting. The Education Workshop theme for 2008 was “Education Evaluation,” including what it is, why to do it, and how to get started. Workshop participants from Mexico to Germany to Texas shared details about their education programs involving students and teachers from kindergarten through graduate school. For example, Cristina Reynaga-Peña and her colleagues in the genetic engineering department at Cinvestav in Mexico described their program for engaging elementary-age Nancy Moreno (left) and Erin Dolan. students in on-campus science camps to build their enthusiasm and interest in science Again, after discussing several examples from new lessons, units, programs) without the and expand their awareness of education and Moreno’s and Dolan’s programs, participants luxury of control groups. For the most part, career opportunities in science. Indeed, the generated measurable objectives that aligned classrooms are not appropriate venues for first take-home message for how to design an with their goals and also considered strate- experimental studies that involve groups of evaluation plan is to start with the education gies for collecting the data. students serving as the control group. Stu- program’s goals. Participants spent time Moreno and Dolan explained the different dents rarely, if ever, are assigned randomly to learning about example goals from the pro- aspects of evaluation, including formative classrooms, and many schools will not allow grams of Nancy Moreno at Baylor College of evaluation, which is conducted to inform fur- their students to participate in program eval- Medicine and Erin Dolan at Virginia Tech, ther development and revision of a program, uations or research unless they benefit and then they worked in small groups to and summative evaluation, which is conducted directly from the program being studied. In articulate goals for their own programs. to document the program’s impact. Even addition, experimental studies are time con- Goals are then used to define measurable though these types of evaluation are often dis- suming and costly and may not be necessary or otherwise documentable objectives. For cussed separately, the same data collection to answer informative questions about an example, Moreno described one of her methods and even the same data can be used education program’s benefits, challenges, or group’s programs, which was designed to for both. For example, if a program aims to impacts. Participants were encouraged to develop local teacher leaders who then go on change students’ knowledge about plant biol- consult their institutional review boards, to enhance science teaching and learning ogy, including plant structure and function, a schools of education, local school districts, across their schools. At first glance, the goal multiple-choice assessment can be in a pretest– and others involved in studying science of “creating leaders” seems difficult to meas- posttest design to document knowledge teaching and learning to take advantage of ure. Yet Moreno and her colleagues consid- changes from before to after program partici- existing expertise about education evaluation ered the behaviors exhibited by teacher lead- pation. If students show gains in knowledge and research. ers (e.g., teaching other teachers, serving on about plant structure but not about plant When the session ended, participants were committees, volunteering “above and reproduction, these results can be used to better prepared to manage the challenges of beyond”) and the ways others recognize document the impact of the program on stu- education evaluation in science teaching and leaders (e.g., by electing them to leadership dents’ learning and to change the program to learning. For more information about the positions, giving them awards). They then improve teaching of plant reproduction. session, including copies of the handouts, designed their evaluation data collection and As the workshop progressed, participants contact Erin Dolan, Education Committee analysis to capture changes that could result discussed the challenge of documenting the member and workshop copresenter, at from teachers’ participation in the program. impact of educational interventions (e.g., [email protected].
ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 • 27 Education Forum
Plant Biology 2008 Posters Packed with Plant Science Education Possibilities
The ASPB poster session on Education and Outreach at Plant Biology 2008 in Mérida showcased 13 different posters exploring var- ious ways to reach out, engage, and train the next generation of young scientists in plant biology. Children and teachers in rural Mexico have very little access to scientific materials, limiting students’ ability to become actively engaged in performing hands-on experi- ments in the classroom. However, with a grant from the Consejo de Ciencia y Tec- nología del Estado de Guanajuato (CON- CYTEG), Cristina Reynaga-Peña from the Cinvestav, Irapuato, and María Leonor Valderrama from the Department of Public Health at the Universidad de Guadalajara have been improving student access to plant science by bringing an innovative array of Burkhard Schulz presents the innovative use of video podcasts with his “Pigment Podcast” materials directly to students in rural areas. at the ASPB Education Booth. For the past six years, this dynamic team has presented a series of one-week work- shops to students in grades 3 to 6 and junior high. In these workshops, students, including some who are blind, conduct a series of fun and highly stimulating experiments, includ- ing microscopic examination and/or model- ing of plant cells and anatomical structures, transpiration and oxygen production, seed germination, separation of plant pigments by paper chromatography, and DNA extrac- tions. Their goal is to change, little by little, the state of plant science education in Mexi- co by allowing students to become active participants in the lab. They are also in the process of deploying video versions of their workshops on DVDs to more than 1,500 schools in rural areas of the state of Guana- juato to compensate for deficiencies in the education system and to reach a greater number of students. Ann Kleinschmidt, associate professor of biology at Allegheny College in Meadville, María Leonor Valderrama (left) and Cristina Reynaga-Peña present their poster on explor- Penn., presented a poster on the use of the ing stimulating ways to generate children’s interest in science through plant biology work- continued on page 30 shops in Guanajuato, Mexico.
28 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 Education Forum
Plant Biology 2008 Education and Outreach Minisymposium
On Saturday afternoon, June 28, a very suc- reach, Baylor College of Med- cessful Education and Outreach Minisympo- icine, presented “Web-Based sium was held in the Salón Mérida of the Siglo Biology Teaching Resources.” XXI Convention Center. The first speaker, Moreno demonstrated BioEd Adán Colón-Carmona, from the Department Online, Baylor College of of Biology at the University of Massachusetts– Medicine’s award-winning Boston, discussed “An Inquiry-Based Plant website, which offers up-to- Genomics Course and Workshop: Phenotype date biology content, news, to Gene and Back Again.” He described a and professional development two-step, year-long project that engaged high resources appropriate for school teachers and undergraduate plant educators of all levels, includ- biology students in research using Arabidop- ing undergraduate instruc- Adán Colón-Carmona Burkhard Schulz sis to increase interest and excitement in tors. Among the many fea- biotechnology and genomics. tures of this outstanding This project, “Arabidopsis 2010,” included website are peer-reviewed an intensive one-week summer workshop for annotated PowerPoint slides, area biology teachers with a follow-up program videos to focus students’ during the year and a semester’s self-directed attention, streaming video research experience for undergraduates in a content, how-to laboratory plant science course. At the end of the course, presentations, inquiry-based students and teachers presented their lessons, and science education research in a symposium. Colón-Carmona outreach resources. She also summarized the activities, experiences, and described a problem-based an evaluation of this exciting project. undergraduate course on “Video PodCasts as a Teaching Tool in genetics and genomics that Nancy Moreno Christopher A. Cullis Plant Physiology Laboratory Courses” was will be launched in fall 2008. presented by the second speaker, Burkhard These can be found at Schulz, from the Horticulture and Landscape www.bioedonline.org and at the new com- the course involved live web video links Architecture Department, Purdue University. panion site, K8 Science (www.k8science.org). between students and faculty in Cleveland, Schulz, Michael van Oosten, Diana Nucera, Christopher A. Cullis, Department of Pretoria, and Windhoek. Cullis noted that and Steven Holladay developed a set of video Biology, Case Western Reserve University, the students received this course enthusiasti- podcast archives composed and produced by presented “Lost Crops of Africa—Involving cally and evaluated it positively. students to demonstrate a variety of plant Undergraduates in Their Rediscovery and Jane Ellis, presider of the minisympo- physiology laboratory procedures and tech- Development.” Cullis developed a laboratory sium, noted that the speakers presented a niques. Schulz discussed the process and course to engage undergraduates in real-world unique variety of outstanding educational obstacles involved in the production of the biology with useful, applied plant genomics outreach programs and that attendees podcasts, along with student and faculty and biotechnology. This course was designed received them well. evaluations. Session attendees enjoyed view- to develop DNA markers for underutilized ing a sample podcast, and after the presenta- crops in Africa while also providing students tion, Schulz gave away CDs containing a with an international experience. Cullis stat- number of these podcasts for use in plant ed that bambara nut, banana, cassava, cow- physiology labs. pea, and marama bean were originally cho- Our third speaker, Nancy Moreno, profes- sen, but marama bean (Tylosema esculentum) sor of allied health sciences and senior asso- has been selected as the focus crop for the ciate director, Center for Educational Out- next few years. One important component of
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Posters continued from page 28 plant peroxidase gene superfamily from Ara- bidopsis thaliana as the focus of a semester- long research project for a molecular biology class taken during the sophomore or junior year. Working from mRNA and expressed sequence tag (EST) data from Brassica rapa (FastPlants), undergraduate students clone and sequence full-length cDNAs and analyze steady-state mRNA content in different tis- sues of Brassica rapa using real-time poly- merase chain reaction. The course culmi- nates in the students writing a primary literature–style paper from their research efforts and analyzing sequences using data- bases such as GenBank and PeroxiBase, a class III peroxidase-specific database. Several posters were featured as part of Ann Kleinschmidt presents her poster on the use of the plant peroxidase gene the annual ASPB Education Booth Competi- superfamily as part of a semester-long research project in a molecular biology tion this year, including the video podcasts class at Allegheny College. display by Burkhard Schulz and his colleagues from Purdue University. This group developed a set of student-produced video podcasts that quickly oriented students of a plant physiology laboratory course to new methodologies for a specific laboratory exercise. More information about using video as an educational tool can be found at http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ hort/academics/HortMedia/hortmedia.html. Debra Burhams, director of the bioinfor- matics program at Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y., presented “The Dynamic Gene,” an educational resource for plant bioinformatics targeting high schoolers, undergraduates, and teachers. This NSF-funded resource provides animated tutorials with step-by-step instruc- tions on how to analyze gene models using Apollo, research software originally developed to annotate the Drosophila genome. More information about these program materials Debra Burhams demonstrates the capabilities of the “The Dynamic Gene” educa- can be found at the Dynamic Gene website tional resource to two interested researchers. (http://dynamicgene. cshl.edu).
30 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 Education Forum 2008 GAP Winners Plant Science Fills Classrooms, Exhibit Halls, the Web, and the Airwaves
ASPB’s Education Foundation supports programs to promote the under- standing of key plant science concepts to students and the general public in a wide variety of settings. The ASPB Grant Awards Program (GAP) is one such opportunity. Through GAP, the Foundation awards grants to ASPB mem- bers who have developed high-quality plant biology education and wide- ly appealing outreach activities. Of the 15 applicants for GAP 2008, seven were awarded funds. The Foundation Board was pleased that such a com- petitive pool of applicants yielded a 47 percent funding rate.
This year’s winning projects will provide educate, communicate with, and engage the motivating learning everywhere, from inside public. the classroom and exhibit hall to across the “In Chile,” he continued, “opportunities airwaves and Internet. Each grant winner for public outreach and communication on brings a distinct and important expertise to science issues are few, scientific literacy is low, Rodrigo Gutiérrez the Society’s education offerings. and public debates are scarce, yet polarizing GAP in Classrooms and Exhibit Centers opinions about biotech- nology are already Rodrigo Gutiérrez present in the media. Pontificia Universidad Católica, Chile Our proposal seeks to The Foundation is especially pleased to bridge the gap between announce the first international GAP winner, science and society in Rodrigo Gutiérrez of Pontificia Universidad Chile and specifically Católica in Chile. to raise awareness of The objective of his project is to establish the role of plants in the permanent, interactive exhibit “Vegetal- our everyday life.” ista: From Genesis to Genes” at the Science The multidiscipli- and Technology Museum in Santiago, Chile. nary team has designed The exhibit will teach about plant biology sensorial experiences and the importance of plants for ecosystems relating to different and humans. topics and concepts in Hydroponic tree with visible water Gutiérrez explained, “Agriculture is one of plant biology, from molecules and the circulation system. the main and fastest growing economic sec- ecosystem to biotechnological applications. tors in Chile. The Chilean government has For school group visits, our proposal identified biotechnology as a means to inno- includes planned academic activities. Teacher look at diversity and ecology will be the vate in the agricultural sector. Innovation training is included as part of the visit. focus of “Phenotype, Biodiversity, and requires building intellectual capital via for- The museum exhibit will have five sec- Ecosystems.” Photosynthesis and autotrophy mal and informal science education pro- tions. “Plants Depend on Light, Water, and will be highlighted in “Molecular Biology of grams, as well as addressing important eco- Soil” will feature a large hydroponic tree and Plants.” In “Plant Biology,” visitors will dis- nomic, ethical, and social issues related to visible water circulation system. “Plant cover genotype and phenotype elasticity and technological advances (e.g., the controversy Anatomy and Physiology” will display a vari- adaptation through genetically modified over genetically modified organisms). Muse- ety of images to convey cell biology, develop- plants in various environments. ums are one mechanism scientists can use to ment, and anatomical processes. A closer continued on page 32
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Gap Winners and benefits. New exercises will be added to continued from page 31 the hands-on activities, word game, back- There will be a free website related to each ground information, suggestions for volunteer section of the physical exhibit, as well as an leaders, discussion suggestions, and ques- interactive game. The game will lead users tions to ask 4-H’ers that lead them to find through an inquiry-based learning process more information. that includes observation, analysis, synthesis, The “DNA for Dinner?” SET curriculum and research skills. The game lets visitors will be pilot-tested with county-based 4-H view a virtual plant’s growth as it faces audiences to measure content using pre- and adverse conditions. Gamers must virtually postassessment tools. After the curriculum is experiment with internal (genetic modifica- finalized, the Berkeley group will conduct a tion) and/or external variables to enable their student outcome assessment to measure plant to survive. The outcome of a visitor’s impact. For parent volunteers to be comfort- intervention will be associated with a plant able with the topic areas, volunteer training image, and points will be awarded based on sessions will be made available through pro- the virtual plant’s survival. fessional development opportunities offered by the SET initiative. This training will Peggy Lemaux increase the content knowledge and confi- University of California, Berkeley dence of the 4-H volunteers who will be Peggy Lemaux Lemaux’s winning project “DNA for Dinner? responsible for bringing the SET projects and Genes, Genomes, Genetics: Building a 4-H million young people over the next five years, activities to 4-H youths. STEM Curriculum” expands on educational 100,000 of them in California.” In addition to Lemaux’s existing teacher resources Lemaux has already developed with By combining the SET initiatives with her network and the 4-H SET avenue for dissem- prior funding from the ASPB Education 2008 GAP project, Lemaux will be updating ination, David Gilchrist and Barbara Soots at Foundation and other sources. Lemaux will and expanding a curriculum called “Biotech- the Partnership for Plant Genomics Education use the 2008 GAP funds to create comple- nology and Foods” that she and others devel- (PPGE) at the University of California, Davis, mentary curricula and related materials for oped for 4-H in 1994. will become involved. four earlier projects: “Foods: Past, Present, and Her team will modify This veteran program Future”; “Genes, Genomics, and Diversity”; existing activities and has a culturally diverse companion baseball-style cards; and a GENE- create a new one about network of teachers and ie Juice Bar. Each project builds on the theme genomics to develop the students in the greater that DNA and genes are a natural part of our new “DNA for Dinner?” Sacramento Valley region. lives. With their colorful and tactile messages, program. Activities Their successful teacher these earlier projects have successfully con- developed for the cur- training sessions have veyed important plant science concepts at a riculum will be comple- reached 1,900 teachers very wide variety of outreach events. mentary to the displays on both a national and Lemaux reported, “Recently, increasing and juice bar. The cur- regional scale; these numbers of teachers and educators have bor- riculum and coordinated teachers will use Lemaux’s rowed the displays for classroom use. While activities will use the rubric developed for educational resources in future workshops. they are useful for these situations, develop- 4-H SET. Such compliance and coordination The PPGE network of teacher collaborators ing activities to accompany the displays will will ensure wide-scale dissemination through will provide teacher feedback and test maximize their educational impact. In addi- the national 4-H SET curriculum repository. Lemaux’s displays and teaching modules. tion to an existing network of users, a new The new biotechnology curriculum will Lemaux’s team will also make the cur- outlet for our educational resources became expand and update the topics addressed in riculum available through the University of available through a 4-H Science Education the original curriculum (http://ucbiotech.org/ California Biotechnology Workgroup website and Technology (SET) program. This effort edu/edu_aids/whifbiotech.pdf), which include (http://ucbiotech.org, Resources section), currently reaches nearly 6 million youths in genetic diversity, genetic codes and genomes, where the displays and juice bar are currently urban, suburban, and rural communities. A DNA and chromosomes, building blocks of available for loan, and through the PPGE new SET initiative plans to involve another 1 an organism, genetic engineering, and risks website (http://ppge.ucdavis.edu).
32 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 Education Forum
Jeffrey Coker, Elon University Jane Ellis, Presbyterian College Mary Williams, Harvey Mudd College Coker, Ellis, and Williams have been develop- ing “Twelve Activities to Accompany the 12 Principles of Plant Biology.” ASPB defined the 12 Principles as a springboard for plant science education at the K–12 levels. These principles serve as guidelines for curriculum developers and teachers to ensure that students gain a Jeffrey Coker Jane Ellis Mary Williams thorough understanding of plant biology. Coker stated, “We have received numer- country every year. They will present their ous requests from teachers and organizations activities at teacher workshops in various for well-constructed (‘foolproof’), hands-on, school systems and will prepare PDF files of active-learning opportunities with plants the activities to be archived on the ASPB that coordinate with these principles.” To website for easy access. The team also will continue responding to these requests, Coker, incorporate the 12 activities into exhibit Ellis, and Williams will use their GAP 2008 booths or sessions at the conferences of the award to further develop the components of National Association of Biology Teachers and this project, which was started with funding the National Science Teachers Association from GAP 2007. (NSTA), as well as at public science events The trio will complete the final stages of like the Family Science Days of the American assessment for the first six of these plant sci- Association for the Advancement of Sciences. ence activities. Then they will use GAP 2008 When the 12 activities are fully developed, funding to develop and distribute the last six the trio will present them to the Council of activities. Field testing will take place through State Science Supervisors at the NSTA con- the Elon Academy at Elon University and the ference with the goal of disseminating the CHAMPS program at Presbyterian College. project through this influential network of The Elon Academy is a one-month program science education outreach. CHAMPS teacher and student. for talented students (grades 8–12) from continued on page 34 underprivileged backgrounds. CHAMPS (Communities Helping, Assisting, Motivat- ing, Promising Students) is a summer pro- gram for sixth graders at Presbyterian Col- lege. Along with their own assessment process, the team will incorporate feedback about the project from experts in the fields of education and plant biology. The team will disseminate the project to several thousand new people around the
Principle 3 Principle 9 Principle 10 Seeds of Change: Mean & Green: Plant Plumbing Evolution Defense Elon Academy students.
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Gap Winners goal is to motivate students to develop sci- continued from page 33 ence writing skills by using student-submit- ted summaries of recent discoveries or other GAP Online and Across the Airwaves resources. This exposure will encourage stu- dents to consider careers in plant science. Jennifer Moon The website offers information in four University of Texas at Austin categories. In “Plant News,” plant science In 2006, Jen Moon launched greenseedling.com news summaries are posted with links to to fulfill the need for a comprehensive plant both mainstream media coverage and pub- news site geared toward people with an inter- lished research abstracts, if available. In addi- est in plants. tion to news stories, “Plant News” provides Moon explained, “As public awareness of links to other plant science blogs and RSS biofuels, genetically modified foods, and feeds displaying plant news stories from medicinal plants gained momentum, we ScienceNow and Science Daily—Botany. wanted to provide a friendly resource for “Science Podcasts and Media” provides links Jennifer Moon finding and understanding the latest plant and brief descriptions of available science news. Since then, greenseedling.com has pro- podcasts. Also included are brief descriptions vided weekly plant news stories, resources, of new books that may be of interest to the and links to science media on the web.” public and links to general science magazine Greenseedling.com has two goals. First, it websites and plant science journals. “Teach- seeks to provide current information about ing Resources” provides activities, informa- recent developments in plant science, includ- tion about museum exhibits, links to educa- ing basic research and advances in medicine, tional websites, and references to information agriculture, and alternative fuels. The second about teaching plant biology. “Fun Stuff” is a light-hearted take on plant biology and gen- eral science. It contains links to stunning photos, quizzes, tips, and more. Beyond standard public relations efforts (e.g., ads, school contacts), Moon will increase the visibility of and access to greenseedling.com through a web ring, a col- lection of plant science websites linked together to develop an interrelated online community. Web rings are different from a list of links, as each site in the ring agrees to be linked to the other sites in the ring.
Daniel Cosgrove Penn State University “A Competition for New Plant Biology Videos on YouTube” is just what it sounds like: Dan Cosgrove will use his 2008 GAP funds to sponsor an open competition for the best new plant biology videos published on YouTube (www.youtube.com). Cosgrove reported, “As anyone with teenagers will attest, YouTube has tremen- dous outreach and vitality and attracts a Greenseedling.com
34 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 Education Forum wide and international audience, notably a illustrate and elucidate plant-based phenom- young audience. Its impact as a teaching aide ena; biographies and interviews of plant sci- is also growing as more informational videos entists or others important to the field; ani- appear on this site. A simple video clip that I mations, storybook-style videos, and other put on YouTube as an experiment six months creative formats; “try it yourself” videos illus- ago has gotten thousands of views and posi- trating experiments and demonstrations of tive feedback, with no advertising whatsoev- plant biology concepts that can be repeated er. I use several YouTube videos in teaching at home or in a simple school laboratory plant physiology at Penn State, and this without advanced equipment; and wildcard seems to be a growing practice by other edu- entries that don’t fit the above categories. cators. Currently, there are some useful Categories such as professional versus ama- videos on YouTube related to plant biology, teur, short (less than a few minutes) versus but there are also a lot of less-accomplished long (10 minutes maximum), and other cri- offerings. With some catalytic action from teria may also be stipulated. Frivolous entries this project, this ratio could improve, and the will be eliminated immediately. popularity of YouTube could be leveraged to A small panel will judge the videos by Dan Cosgrove inform a huge audience about plant biology.” category. The panel is anticipated to include Through this competition, Cosgrove aims to one or more plant biology professionals • encourage budding filmakers and other (ASPB and Botanical Society members), K–12 creative individuals to produce informative educators, and students. and entertaining videos on topics of inter- The panel will assess est to the ASPB Education Foundation each submission for • increase the availability and range of informational correct- short videos for use by educators ness (an absolute • increase exposure of the public, particu- requirement) and video larly younger members of society, to plant qualities that contribute biology to effectiveness. • establish a simple webpage with links to Videographers can recommended videos. earn cash prizes for first and second place or hon- In September 2008, Cosgrove will launch orable mention certifi- a simple website to provide information cates. Recognition will about the contest and to accept applications also be given for aspects from contestants. The site will also give some such as most innovative, guidance about effective videomaking, the most entertaining, best rules of the contest, and pointers on how to sound track, and other get video content reviewed for informational attractive features. Videos correctness. The website will provide links to with the highest number contest winners and other meritorious of YouTube viewers and videos. This contest link will be available in the highest ranking by various locations, including www.aspb.org/ YouTube viewers could education. Until Cosgrove’s site launches, also receive recognition interested parties can e-mail him at dcos- on the Plant Videos web- [email protected]. Write “plant videos” in the site. A steering commit- subject line. tee will finalize the details Potential video categories under consider- of the rewards and incen- ation include lecture type presentations of tives system. plant biology topics; time lapse, high speed, video microscopy and related techniques to continued on page 36
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Gap Winners program will allow us to reach new audi- continued from page 35 ences, especially younger ones. It also bypass- es radio stations that aren’t playing the show Beth Judy yet, giving individuals anywhere direct access Montana Public Radio to the show and its information. Zip code In fall 2006, the ASPB Education Foundation data gathered from registering podcast recip- granted Montana Public Radio (MTPR) and ients will help us make the case to stations radio producer Beth Judy funds to produce that there is demand for the show in their and distribute “The Plant Detective,” a 90- area. We expect that podcasts and RSS feeds second radio show about medicinal plants. will greatly increase and diversify the number The show delivers accurate and interesting of people who can access the show and its science-based information about phytomedi- content.” cinals, spicing up accessibility and appeal MTPR-led focus groups in 2008 revealed with a humorous fictional gumshoe/narrator, that listeners under the age of 45 rated pod- Flora Delaterre. Focusing on one plant per casts and other electronic on-demand options show, “The Plant Detective” teaches listeners for receiving content as highly desirable. This about the inner workings of plants, phy- method was the focus groups’ first choice for Beth Judy tomedicinal interactions with the human ways to increase audience size. “We want it body, and the value of plants to humans. The now, and we want it on our schedule” was show does not promote any one system of the most frequent comment from this under- medicine, and overall it maintains a science- 45 age group. Listeners over 45 also gave a based focus on the plants and what credible high ranking to podcasts and other online research reveals about them. methods of content distribution for develop- Thanks to the ASPB Educa- ing a larger and more diverse audience. tion Foundation’s earlier funding, The high acceptance rate of “The Plant “The Plant Detective” broadcast Detective” among radio stations during the grew in one year from one to 107 show’s first year of national distribution stations nationwide and in Cana- shows that the topic of medicinal plants is of da and the Philippines, far interest and importance to people across the exceeding the original goal of 60 country and even around the world. The stations (see the carriage list on information in the show and its conservation the opposite page). The produc- message are timely as people are responding ers estimate that more than 26 to changing realities and thinking hard about million listeners now have weekly choices in how they live. Similarly, podcast- access to “The Plant Detective.” ing “The Plant Detective” is a proactive Judy will use the funds from GAP response to developing technologies and new 2008 to expand the show’s reach freedoms of choice. Judy added, “We look by creating podcasts and RSS forward to amazing a whole new range of lis- feeds for it. teners with our important and true stories Judy explained, “This addi- about plants.” tional way of distributing the continued on page 38
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U.S. Public Radio Stations
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ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 • 37 Education Forum
Gap Winners cost to ASPB of about $200 per episode, the continued from page 36 plant programs produced by AMOS repre- sent a terrific bargain for such a broad-reach- Roger Hangarter ing educational opportunity. Hangarter will Indiana University use the funding from his 2008 GAP award to The radio program “A Moment of Science” support another year of excellent plant sci- (AMOS) is produced at Indiana University ence programming on AMOS to further the via WFIU and is syndicated worldwide. education missions of ASPB. AMOS covers all areas of science, including Hangarter explained, “The plant pro- several plant-specific programs per year. For grams on AMOS meet many of the specific the past two years, the ASPB Executive Com- goals of the ASPB Education Foundation. mittee has sponsored AMOS using Good The program promotes a broad understand- Works funds, and AMOS has produced at ing of the importance of plant science and least 15 plant-specific programs per year. At a provides accurate information on the latest Roger Hangarter discoveries in all areas of plant science. The programs also are appropriate for K–12 schoolchildren, can encourage young scien- tists to pursue careers in the field of plant biology, and can assist teacher development.” ASPB is recognized as the production supporter in all of the AMOS plant program episodes. This representation is embedded in the program and airs with it in 85 cities in 29 states and five countries (see the carriage list on the opposite page). In addition, the pro- gram is available as podcast downloads from National Public Radio. ASPB is listed in WFIU’s Directions in Sound program guide, and a link to the ASPB website appears on the “A Moment of Science” webpage (http:// amos.indiana.edu/). The episodes are also accessible from the ASPB website at www.aspb.org/education /NEWK12.CFM.
38 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 is heard on the following stations:
Production support comes from American Society of Plant Biologists a production of www.aspb.org
ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 • 39 Education Forum
International Outreach: ASPB Educational Materials Exhibited in Finland at FESPB 2008
As part of its ongoing efforts to promote plant science education and outreach, the ASPB Education Committee participated in the XVI Congress for the Federation of Euro- pean Societies of Plant Biology (FESPB) held in Tampere, Finland, August 17–22, 2008. FESPB is the largest and most widely repre- sentative society of plant scientists in Europe. The Congress was organized by the Scandi- navian Plant Physiology Society (SPPS; www.spps.dk), an international society that works to promote all aspects of experimental plant biology, from molecular cell biology and biochemistry to ecophysiology. During the Congress, Education Com- mittee member Mary Williams shared an exhibit booth with ASPB publications and meetings staff. Mary showcased materials Mary Williams demonstrates making Discovery Cup Gardens with an international array of and activities developed by the ASPB Educa- booth visitors during the FESPB conference in Tampere. tion Committee and the ASPB Education Foundation. She distributed to conference rials and activities and were enthusiastic to attendees a selection of inquiry-based, class- learn of the availability of these resources.” room-ready worksheets and 12 Principles of During the conference, Mary met with Plant Biology bookmarks. (These materials others who were enthusiastic about explor- are available at www.aspb.org/education/ ing additional venues for interaction between NEWK12.CFM.) ASPB and scientists outside of the United The ASPB team also involved booth visi- States. Mary’s efforts laid the groundwork for tors in making Gardens of Lilliput: Discovery a repeat of the ASPB exhibit at FESPB 2010 Cup Garden necklaces. This simple activity in Valencia, Spain, perhaps to include a gets folks of all ages excited about plants. It hands-on demonstration workshop and/or also helps everyone learn how to propagate an education and outreach minisymposium. plants and study the impact of environmen- Volunteer efforts like Mary’s at the tal changes on plant growth. Full instructions FESPB Congress have resulted in effective Discovery Cup Garden about six weeks for this activity can be found at developer outreach on ASPB’s behalf around the after planting small snippets of Azolla, Paul Williams’s website, www.fastplants.org/ globe. Other ASPB members have had simi- Selaginella, sundew, Funaria and Philonotis img/sandbox/uploads/82.file.pdf. lar successes, such as translating selected moss, and heartwort. Mary reported, “Many of the conference ASPB education materials into Spanish and attendees were not familiar with these mate- Chinese.
40 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 Obituaries
Arthur W. Galston
Arthur Galston, president of the American Society of Plant Physiologists from 1962 to 1963, died at age 88 of congestive heart fail- ure at his home in Hamden, Conn., on June 15, 2008. He was Eaton Professor Emeritus of Botany in Yale University’s Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biol- ogy and professor emeritus in the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
Art spent much of his career studying the PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIZABETH GALSTON. processes of higher plant development, par- ticularly the role of light. A major contribu- sor of botany, Loren Petry, who redirected his tion was his suggestion and identification of intended career away from medicine into the Art playing jazz saxophone. evidence for the role of a flavoprotein—not lifetime study of plants. carotene, as previously believed—as the pho- Art was a leading voice for the social A gifted saxophone player, Art worked his toreceptor for phototropism, which was sub- impact of science and a lifelong proponent way through college performing in swing sequently confirmed by other researchers of bioethics. In his PhD research on 2,3,5-tri- bands in the Borscht Belt in upstate New more than 30 years later. He also worked in iodobenzoic acid (TIBA) as an antagonist of York and earned his BS from Cornell in many other areas of plant growth and devel- the effect of auxin, he discovered that high 1940. He earned his MS and PhD from the opment, including auxin physiology, phy- levels of TIBA would induce leaf abscission. University of Illinois in 1943. He then moved tochrome, and polyamines. Interestingly, he This discovery subsequently led to the use of to the California Institute of Technology as was the first to present data that phy- auxin herbicides as defoliants and the devel- an associate professor, where he worked tochrome was in the nucleus, again more opment of Agent Orange, a defoliant used by closely with Nobel Prize winner George than 30 years before confirmation by molec- the U.S. military in Vietnam. He campaigned Beadle on defense-related research, until he ular techniques. vigorously against the use of Agent Orange, joined the Navy as an enlisted man. Sta- During his career, Galston worked with visiting Vietnam repeatedly to assess its impact. tioned at Okinawa, he served as a natural more than 60 postdoctoral and visiting facul- In 1971, he was the first U.S. scientist invited resources officer. ty colleagues from more than 20 countries, as to visit China following the Communist revo- After leaving the Navy, Art spent one year well as innumerable students. In his teaching lution, and he met with Premier Chou En-lai. at Yale and then returned to Caltech. He and writing, he was a great storyteller, The New York Times featured his trip to China rejoined the Yale faculty in 1955 as a profes- enthralling generations of students and col- on the front page and devoted an editorial to sor of botany. At Yale, he chaired the Botany leagues with tales of botanical discovery and his criticisms of Agent Orange. His outspoken Department and later the Biology Depart- lucid explanations of how plants worked. He criticism of the uses of Agent Orange led to ment after the two merged, and he served as was also noted for his friendship to many its being banned by President Nixon in 1970. director of the university’s Division of Bio- junior colleagues. [Editor’s note: Professor Galston himself logical Sciences. He retired from Yale in 1990 Art served as president of the Botanical recalled his decision to actively oppose official at the then-mandatory retirement age of 70 Society of America and received numerous U.S. policy regarding the use of Agent Orange but continued to teach courses there until last academic honors, including Guggenheim, in the March 2002 issue of Plant Physiology year. He developed an introductory bioethics Fulbright, and Senior National Science Foun- (http://www.plantphysiol.org/cgi/content/full/ course for undergraduates that became one dation fellowships and honorary degrees 128/3/786).] of the college’s most popular courses. He from Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Born in Brooklyn in 1920 to Russian Jew- remained active in Yale’s Institute for Social Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y. In 1994, ish immigrant parents, Art enrolled at Cornell and Policy Studies, where he helped lead the he received Yale’s William Clyde De Vane University’s New York State College of Agri- Interdisciplinary Bioethics Project. Medal for lifelong teaching and scholarship. culture only because he could go there free, a Art published more than 320 articles in In 2004, he received the Alumni Achievement great advantage because his father was job- peer-reviewed science journals and wrote Award from the College of Liberal Arts & less because of the Depression. At Cornell, he several widely used textbooks on plant physi- Sciences at the University of Illinois. fell under the spell of a pipe-smoking profes- ology (Principles of Plant Physiology with continued on page 42
ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 • 41 Obituaries
Arthur Galston tion, he wrote more than 50 articles on public and holder of the Zilkha Chair at the Brook- continued from page 41 affairs, two anthologies on bioethics, and ings Institution; his daughter, Beth, a well- James Bonner, Control Mechanisms in Plant Daily Life in People’s China, based on his trav- known artist in Carlisle, Mass.; and his Development with Peter Davies, and the third els in China in the early 1970s. grandson, Ezra, of New York. edition of The Life of the Green Plant with He is survived by his wife of 66 years, William Galston Peter Davies and Ruth Satter), as well as books Dale, whom he met while at Cornell; his son, Beth Galston explaining plant function to lay readers (Green William, of Bethesda, Md., former deputy Peter Davies, Cornell University Wisdom and Life Processes of Plants). In addi- domestic policy adviser to President Clinton
Remembering Arthur W. Galston one side of the pulvinus and expand on the April 21, 1920–June 15, 2008 other. They showed that expansion and con- traction of the motor cells reflect changes in During his career, Arthur Galston’s research turgor caused by rapid fluxes of both potassi- focused on how light, hormones, and um and chloride ions. Further, they demon- polyamines regulate the growth and develop- strated an effect of phytochrome on these ment of plants. From the time he returned to ionic movements. Open leaflets preirradiated Yale as a professor of botany in 1955, his lab with red light lost K+ from contracting attracted an international group of graduate motor cells and closed in the dark, whereas students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting open leaflets preirradiated with far-red faculty from Europe, Israel, the Middle East, gained K+ and remained open. Africa, Central America, Asia, and Australia. Art enjoyed a scientific collaboration with This account touches only a few highlights Ravindar Kaur-Sawhney for more than 40 among the great number and variety of his years. In the late 1970s, they found that cul- research projects. The interaction of phy- turing oat leaf protoplasts in the presence of tochrome, flavonoids, and peroxidase activity arginine slowed senescence. Further, these was an early focus. Art’s graduate student protoplasts accumulated a high titer of Masaki Furuya, working with Art and Bruce putrescine, opening a major new research Arthur Galston. PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL Stowe, isolated two new flavonoids from peas. area on polyamines, abundant in plant cells. MARSLAND. One, a conjugate of quercetin, inhibits activi- Art’s lab accounted for their synthesis and ty of peroxidase, an enzyme capable of oxi- With Mark Jaffe, Art initiated an extensive titer during growth, osmotic and other stress, dizing IAA; the other, a kaempferol conjugate, series of physiological experiments on coiling development of flowers and fruit, and senes- is a peroxidase cofactor. These two flavonoids of tendrils of peas. This led to the first report cence. Graduate students Hector Flores and differ by an additional hydroxylation on of a contractile ATPase with the characteris- Nevin Young showed that stress-induced quercetin, which they showed to be under tics of actomyosin associated with rapid synthesis of putrescine results from increased control of phytochrome. movements in a higher plant. They also activity of the arginine, rather than Brief red light increased the content of the detected unusually high levels of conjugates ornithine, decarboxylase pathway. peroxidase inhibitor and growth of terminal of quercetin in uncoiled tendrils, which fell As discussed above, in etiolated pea buds of peas but increased the cofactor and during coiling. They suggested that the seedlings red light increases growth in the decreased growth of the youngest internode decline of this flavonoid might activate apical bud but decreases it in the internode below. Over the years, the question of whether ATPase and energize coiling. below. This effect correlates with synthesis of light-modulated patterns of growth involve Art collaborated with Ruth Satter and arginine decarboxylase and consequent flavonoids, perhaps by affecting peroxidase others investigating the interaction between increase in polyamines. The final research activity and auxin concentration, motivated phytochrome and circadian rhythms in the paper from Art’s lab showed that flowers of much work in Art’s group, to which Bill characteristic sleep movements of leaves of Arabidopsis have higher titers of both sper- Hillman, Harry Smith, W. Bottomley, D. certain legumes. They observed that as the midine and putrescine than other parts of Russell, and others contributed. leaves open or close, motor cells contract on the plant. Furthermore, inhibiting polyamine
42 • ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 Obituaries biosynthesis inhibited flowering. Supplying tion during phototropism and the nature of photoreceptor. No flavin mutants were spermidine in the medium overrode pho- the photoreceptor. Winslow Briggs extended available, this condition apparently being toperiodic control, promoting flowering and corroborated F. W. Went’s earlier work lethal. Art turned to more accessible prob- under short-day conditions where there showing that during phototropic curvature, lems, and although he recognized that auxin would otherwise be little flowering. Art auxin is not destroyed and curvature is blocked destruction was not involved in phototropic hoped his work on polyamines made obvi- by barriers to lateral movement of auxin. curvature, he continued to maintain that ous their importance in plants. Almost simultaneously, George Curry pro- the photoreceptor might be a flavoprotein. Early in his career, while a senior research duced a definitive action spectrum for pho- It was 50 years before new technologies and fellow at Caltech, Art observed that in the totropism of oat coleoptiles showing signifi- Arabidopsis mutants with reduced phototrop- presence of riboflavin, auxin was destroyed by cant fine structure in the blue characteristic of ic responses provided the answer in the Briggs light, and he provocatively suggested that a carotenoid pigments, but a broad band in the laboratory. The photoreceptor is a flavopro- flavoprotein might be the long-sought blue- near ultraviolet, suggestive of a flavoprotein. tein—named phototropin—whose fluores- light receptor in phototropism. He also point- Clearly, the photoreceptor question cence excitation spectrum bears an impressive ed out that the action spectra for phototro- could not be settled without further evi- resemblance to Curry’s action spectrum for pism—that had been thought indicative of a dence. Art searched for mutants. The few phototropism. In the end, Art Galston was carotenoid photopigment—bore a resem- corn and barley mutants deficient in pleased that his suggestion that a flavoprotein blance to his action spectrum for the photo- carotenoids proved nearly as phototropical- could be the photoreceptor proved correct. oxidation of auxin by an extract from peas ly sensitive as normally pigmented plants, Mary Helen M. Goldsmith containing both flavoprotein and peroxidase. even with as little as 0.1% of the normal Professor Emerita Department of Molecular, Cellular, and During the 1950s, these results reawakened amount of carotenoids, strengthening his Developmental Biology interest in both the means of auxin redistribu- skepticism about carotenoids being the Yale University
ASPB News, Vol. 35, No. 5 • 43 ASPB Headquarters Telephone Extensions and E-Mail Directory
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