Max Levin

(can anyone shed some light on this?) - Max Levin

correction: cM values represent relative positions of the genes (not RF values). RF values represent the probability of crossing over between 2 positions - Christos Kyprianou

Here is a nice, short article that arguably has links to all of the module studied this term. It particularly links #MB1004 and #MB1005. Certain diseases can be studied using a neurotoxin from spider venom that blocks receptors that are also blocked in the development these diseases. As it is not possible to extract the venom from the spiders in large enough quantities to work with, the toxin gene has been inserted into plasmids and the recombinant DNA transformed back into E. coli. The toxin is then produced and harvested in a similar way to which insulin would be harvested for diabetics. - Max Levin from Bookmarklet

I haven't posted in a while on friendfeed as I have been both busy and lazy. I am back though and, as I have already hinted, think there has been quite alot of work recently. Presentations, posters and report in most module have meant there has been more work than last semester. #BS1011 has also increased in difficulty. Whilst being quite good at maths, I've always struggled with statistics, perhaps through lack of interest, but now I can see its application to my degree stream I'm less apprehensive. I really enjoyed the #BS1006 practical two weeks ago and was intrigued to see the difference in breathing rates/volumes between rest and exercise. Hopefully the one tomorrow will be similar, off to go and read up on that. - Max Levin

how did ya find out? - Christopher morton

true that - Max Levin

Here is good article that discusses a question I have often asked, relating to #BS1009. Viruses are interesting to me because they so far seem to be the group of 'organisms' closest to being 'dead': note how Stanley won the Nobel prize in chemistry, not in phsiology! Seeing in the #BS1009 lectures how simple viruses can be poses the even more complicated questions 'What is life?' and 'Will we ever know?' - Max Levin from Bookmarklet

I think the statement, 'viruses lead a borrowed life,' is how I look at it. Essentially 'Dead' in the inactive form but as good as alive within host cells. I don't think we will ever know what life is because it is such a complex question to answer simply but it is an interesting topic/debate. - Arnold Gangaidzo

That's not a bad outlook. Personally I think life is an illusion, like time. I think we are as alive as viruses and they are as alive as rocks. Controversial, I know. - Max Levin

I recently recieved my results for the first semester exams and am currently working at a high 2:1. This is what I expected although I'd like a first class mark at the end of the year (and degree) so need to get my head down to bring up the average. I just completed this weeks #BS1011 assessment and got 100% so pleased with that (heading tin the right direction hopefully). Earlier I enjoyed the #MB1031 lecture on how to improve our report as I found I'm doin all the calculations correctly, though I need to improve my written content later today. Off now to the #BS1009 lecture on BIOTECHNOLOGY. Can't wait as I'm already interested in this area but it should, moreover, help with writing the module essay on microbe use. - Max Levin

The #BS1011 work this week was a little more challenging but luckily excel isn't actually the worst thing ever as with a little exploration and intuitive thinking most things become self explanatory. Last week’s #MB1005 practical was a step up too and I struggled with some of the concepts dealt with so need to read over the lecture notes to give myself a clearer understanding. I’m a little bit apprehensive about writing the report for #MB1031 as I’m quite slow at written pieces. At least I know what I’ll be doing this weekend. - Max Levin

Im must say your mojo was on fire in the #MB1005 practical.. - matt spreadbury

read my diary for this week and you will understand how i felt about this week's BOTH practicals ;p - Constantinos Lipsos

Good first week and good start to this week. I've done all my short-term compulsory work, I just need to start the #BS1009 module essay as I have only briefly researched it so far. I also need to make notes on lectures by combining my lecture notes and the blackboard notes, a technique that served me well last semester. Off now to read over tomorrow's #BS1009 practical. - Max Levin

Maybe turn up to the help session? - Arnold Gangaidzo

Great advice from max and Michael - come to the help session - Dr Jo Badge from iPod

Pages like this provide a useful base of information (esp. paragraph 6 and below) that can be expanded upon later. I will research the topics mentioned in more detail, particularly the use of biotechnology in vaccines for use in the #BS1009 module essay entitled 'How would you convince a friend that microorganisms are more than just disease causing agents?'. - Max Levin from Bookmarklet

Over the past month I've been working pretty hard so it was good to have a break at the end of last week, although mine was late starting as I had to give my #MB1030 presentation to Dr Willmott on thursday morning when everyone else was probably in bed. Looking forward to the new semester and I have better attitude already, so I should be more focused. I thought the #BS1009 lecture today gave a good overview microbiology and, as I'm already interested in biotechnology, I'm sure I'll enjoy the module! - Max Levin

DNA gyrase is a particular type of Topoisomerase. - Feyisayo Fadero

Thanks, np Arnold. - Max Levin

im assuming 'stoked' means happy? im not really familiar with the term : P - Maryam

Thanks guys, esp. Chris for translating! :) - Max Levin

Appaz. it can be done with 'simple algebraic expression' but i don't remember this/can't find it anywhere. - Max Levin

which set of questions is this on? I'll take a look - Thomas Webber

I think we should be given that..we always were in physics exams. - Feyisayo Fadero

Thanks guys. - Max Levin

That's what I'm doing too. I find that rewriting things helps me to remember it better. Good luck with the exam! - Pritesh Mistry

Pritesh, Neelam, Munaf - Thanks, good job, no problem, respectively :p - Max Levin

Well done, keep up the good work :-) - Shubnum Razak

cheers - Max Levin

Can't answer that,but it's not the worst mark to keep getting! Well done. - Ria Patel

I haven't got it. A friend told me my mark. I'm off ill with tonsillitis (I think) - Max Levin