Transformers' Journal

Week 1: May 1-2

Our first week consisted mainly of formal introductions and various brainstorming sessions regarding the direction of the 2014 project. The options were narrowed down to a biofilm based water filtration system and a rapid, multi-diagnostic test. Experts in the field of bioremediation, molecular biology, and medicine were consulted in order to gain more insight on the prospects of both project ideas. Ultimately, the rapid multi-diagnostic was voted over the water filtration system and we began preliminary planning.

Week 2: May 5-9

We attended workshop sessions to introduce members of our team to general techniques used in molecular biology in preparation for the lab work we will engage in over the year.

Works Cited:

Eichenberger, P. (2012). Genomics and cellular biology of endospore formation. In P. Graumann (Ed.), Bacillus : cellular and molecular biology (pp. 319 - 350). Norfolk, UK: Caister Academic Press

Graumann, P. (2012). Preface. In P. Graumann (Ed.), Bacillus : cellular and molecular biology (pp. 319 - 350). Norfolk, UK: Caister Academic Press

Maier, B. (2012). Competence and transformation. In P. Graumann (Ed.), Bacillus : cellular and molecular biology (pp. 319 - 350). Norfolk, UK: Caister Academic Press

Sinha, S., & Redfield, R.J. (2012). Natural DNA uptake by Escherichia coli. PLoS One, 7(4), e35620.

Sun, D., Wang, B., Chen, M., & Zhan, L. (2013). Block and boost DNA transfer: opposite roles of OmpA in natural and artificial transformation of Escherichia coli. PLoS One, 8(3):e59019.

Zhang, X-Z., & Zhang Y-H. (2011). Simple, fast and high-efficiency transformation system for directed evolution of cellulase in Bacillus subtilis. Microbial Biotechnology, 4(1):98-105