Bacterial Interactions With Plants
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An 8 page overview of the effects and interactions of bacteria on plants. Emphasizes that plants are dependent on some of these interactions but are adversely impacted by others. Includes commercial and non-commercial impacts as well as a mention of efforts to commercially capitalize on the interactions of plants and bacteria by producing strains which benefit from the positive microbial interactions and are resistant to the less beneficial interactions. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: Plantbac.wps

Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics: Modern Lessons from Evolutionary Theory
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A 4 page discussion of the practical lessons available in evolution which are applicable to our everyday lives. The author contends that evolutionary theory can have direct application in identifying solutions for a number of real world problems, one of the most concerning of which is the recent phenomena of resistance to antibiotics being noted in some species of bacteria. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: PPbactEv.rtf

Bat Echolocation: The Perception of Distance and Depth Through the use of Sonar
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This 4 page paper provides an overview of the basic elements of bat echolocation as an process that is separate from the auditory and visual receptive capabilities of other mammals. This paper considers the prevalent biological structures and other components of bat physiology that determine the capacity for echolocation, also known as sonar. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: MHbateco.wps

Battling Cytisus scoparius in Oregon
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A 3 page paper discussing the human impact of a noxious weed common in Oregon. Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom) was introduced into Oregon for the purpose of controlling erosion, but it led to an even larger problem. C. scoparius now is a noxious weed in Oregon and has been quite successful in surviving efforts to eradicate it. Efforts at biological control were begun in 1997, but so far have not met with great success in slowing the spread of the weed. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: KSbotScBrmOR.rtf

Behavioral Evolution and the Formation of Culture
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An 8 page discussion of behavioral evolution and the role of behavioral science in that evolution. Notes that behavioral changes occur over time on both an individual level and a cultural level. Compares these changes with biological evolution through the process of natural selection. Warns that while the intervention of behavioral science may be of positive use in correcting truly aberrant individual behavior, it could be of tremendous adverse impact to cultural evolution as a whole. Encourages cultural self-control and warns against the approach of Westernization and deliberate cultural design and intervention. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: PPcultE2.wps

Bernd Heinrich
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A 6 page paper that investigates this renowned scientist. Bernd Heinrich has an unquenchable interest in all living things. He teaches at the University of Vermont and is also greatly involved in field research of different species. His work is discussed, particularly the work that is reported in two of his books: Mind of the Raven, and The Thermal Warriors: Strategies of Insect Survival. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: PGheinr.wps

Bioconversion; Converting Non-Protein to Protein
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This 5 page paper considers the existing research that has been undertaken in converting non-protein nitrogen into protein. The bibliography cites 10 sources.
Filename: TEbiocon.rtf

Biodiversity: What it is and Some of the Most Important Hotspots
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9 pages. The wealth of diverse biological life forms is almost beyond what the human mind can conceive. It is interesting to say the least knowing the diversity between one pinch of soil that can contain more than ten billion bacteria, up through to entire regions, or hotspots, that are rife with not only different species but also endangered species, from insects up to the largest of mammals. This paper will focus on some of these hotspots as well as further serve to explain what biodiversity is. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: JGAbiodv.rtf

Bioengineered Foods: Pros and Cons
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A 5 page consideration of the plusses and minuses of bioengineered foods. This paper considers those attributes not just from the perspective of human health but also from the perspective of environmental integtity. Bibliography lists 5 sources
Filename: PPgenEngFoodBioethics.rtf

Biological Action of Genetically Altered Bacteria
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A 7 page paper discussing general and specific biosynthesis pathways of genetically engineered bacteria. Bacteria have been used since the 1950s to produce useful - and often critical - compounds. A Merck & Co. researcher used a Lactobacillus lactis assay as a driver for B12 purification and crystallization from Streptomyces griseus, and Japanese researchers discovered that bacteria could produce monosodium glutamate. After the work of Berg, Cohen and Boyer in recombinant DNA, the already-existing industrial application of bacteria-produced compounds grew quickly. Today, genetically altered bacteria produce human insulin, a variety of antibiotics and perform environmental cleanup functions. The paper describes the biological action of a number of these processes. Bibliography lists 11 sources.
Filename: KSbactEnz.wps

Biological Determinism / Our Actions Are Determined by Biology
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A 17 page discussion of the role of genetics in determining behavior. Emphasizes that our actions and behaviors are essentially an interplay of genetics and societal factors but acknowledges that the genetic predisposition for certain behaviors is definite and difficult to overcome. Relies extensively on the ideas presented in Richard Dawkin's The Selfish Gene but backs these ideas up with actual research examples. Uses the counter examples of research indicating that homosexuality is a genetic condition and that research which shows that gender roles are shaped by the environment. Bibliography lists 16 sources.
Filename: Biodeter.wps

Biology and Language
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This 7 page report discusses human biology and human language and the ways in which language has evolved in human beings and the biological foundations of such evolution. The argument being presented is that human language is unique in virtually all characteristics and must be seen as part of the advanced development of human cognition and the social nature of the species. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: BWbiolng.rtf