Sciences Library News

May 07 2020

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Posted on May 7, 2020May 11, 2020 by Laurie Neuerburg

The pandemic has found some of us out taking more walks than usual. In some places human noise has subsided and it’s possible to hear more nonhuman sound than usual. Perhaps you’re hearing more bird sounds and wonder what they are.

Donald Kroodsma, an authority on bird vocal behavior, believes that “seeing bird sounds” is key to comprehending them. He’s referring to sound spectrograms, which chart pitch against time, sort of like a musical score. Cornell Lab of Ornithology provides a fun tutorial on birdsong spectrograms in its new interactive learning game, Birdsong Hero.

Earbirding offers more detail on how to visualize sounds and how to describe them in words, based on the Peterson Field Guide to Birds Sounds of Eastern North America (e-book requires HawkID login). The Field Guide even has a visual index that can be used to look up bird sounds, once you’re firmly grounded in this method of bird sound description.

But if you’d just like to dive into bird sounds that you’re likely to hear in Iowa at this time of year, you can start below with links from bird species to audio recordings and spectrograms available from the massive multimedia collection of the Macaulay Library.

White Throated Sparrow

A simple tune we won’t hear much longer. Mnemonic: “Sweet, Canada, Canada, Canada.”

House Finch

A prominent sound in the heart of town.

House Wren

A complex, bubbly song from a bird found around shrubs and low branch trees.

Black-capped Chickadee

This bird is named for one of its songs, but is also easily recognized by this two note whistle.

Carolina Wren

The distinctive song of this year-round resident is usually a series of whistled couplets or triplets repeated 3 to 5 times. The Carolina Wren also has another unique sound described as a liquid trill.

Tufted Titmouse

Song consists of a series of single syllabled whistles or a whistled couplet, repeated one to several times. Mnemonic: “peer peer peer” or “peter peter peter.”

Chipping Sparrow

This song has been described as a dry, unmusical trill.

Audubon Guide to North American Birds also offers a nice selection of audio samples for each species.

Check back next week for another short list of common bird sounds.

Thank you to Kai Weatherman for writing this ear-opening post as well as sharing his beautiful bird photography with us!

Apr 29 2020

Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP) Virtual Library

Posted on April 29, 2020 by Laurie Neuerburg

In honor of April representing Sexual Assault Activism Month, the University of Iowa Libraries and the Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP) came together to offer you a virtual library. There you can find a reading list of ebooks pertaining to sexual assault on college campuses in addition to a list of publications targeted toward a professional audience. Many more books on sexual assault are available in InfoHawk+. Try searching on terms such as rape; intimate partner violence; sexual harassment of women; or, sexual abuse victims. Talk with a librarian by chat, email, phone, or through a virtual consultation if you would like help finding more materials.

RVAP provides free, confidential and trauma-informed services to anyone directly or indirectly impacted by sexual violence in Cedar, Des Moines, Henry, Iowa, Johnson, Lee, Washington, and Van Buren counties. Anyone includes but is not limited to individuals of any age, gender, identity, culture, etc. Sexual violence is any sexual act committed against someone without that person’s freely given consent. This includes but is not limited to rape, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, sexual exploitation, etc.

Though Sexual Assault Activism Month is coming to a close, RVAP‘s services and the RVAP virtual library will continue to be here for you.

Apr 25 2020

National DNA Day

Posted on April 25, 2020May 4, 2020 by Laurie Neuerburg

English: A- and B- DNA X-ray diffraction patterns. Source: I.C. Baianu et al. “Physical Chemistry of Foods”, vol.2, van Nostrand Reinhold: New York, 1994.

Saturday, April 25 is National DNA Day, which commemorates the 1953 publication in the journal Nature of scientific papers by James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, Rosalind Franklin, and colleagues that described the molecular structure of DNA. National DNA Day, which was first celebrated in 2003 by the National Human Genome Research Institute, also marked the virtual completion of the Human Genome Project in April of that year.

Understanding the molecular structure of DNA and how it functions in living cells has been central to pursuits in the biological and biomedical sciences ever since, paving the way for the development of such innovations as genome sequencing. Such methods subsequently developed in molecular biology play a vital role in all four core areas of research and study in the UI Department of Biology. The Iowa Institute of Human Genetics and the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics are but two additional examples of how this expertise is advanced at the University of Iowa.

In recent years the use of commercial personal DNA testing for purposes of genealogy has become very popular. UI Department of Biology Associate Professor Bryant McAllister has leveraged the popularity of these tests to create a learning opportunity for both his students as well as the general public by establishing the Personal Genome Learning Center, which conducts public outreach through the DNA Interest Group – Iowa City to make the science behind these DNA tests, as well as the results of the tests themselves, more comprehensible.

The current coronavirus pandemic crisis underscores the significance of this landmark achievement. Without understanding the structure of DNA, which encodes genetic information key to the formation of all living organisms, it would not be possible to perform the genome sequencing necessary to unambiguously characterize the SARS-Co-V-2 virus nor allow the precision testing for its presence in infected individuals. (It should be noted that although viruses are not considered alive, they do replicate with either DNA or, in the case of the coronavirus, RNA.) COVID 19 presents a monumental challenge for societies around the globe. Imagine facing this challenge in the dark without the proper understanding and tools that have taken decades to develop since the structure of DNA was first established.

Learn More About DNA and Genomics

Dawn of the Modern Age of Genetics, part 1 of the new two-part Ken Burns documentary

“The Gene: An Intimate History” (available for free streaming until May 5)

The DNA Double Helix Discovery (HHMI BioInteractive Video)

DNA Sequencing Technologies Key to the Human Genome Project

Secret of Photo 51 (PBS documentary on the contributions of Rosalind Franklin to the structure of DNA)

Apr 23 2020

University of Iowa Sciences Library freshens up with new coat of paint!

Posted on April 23, 2020April 23, 2020 by Laurie Neuerburg

After years of planning, the renovation of the University of Iowa Sciences Library has begun. Closure of the building due to the coronavirus pandemic did not prevent the Sciences Library’s first step of the renovation, a fresh coat of paint! The next steps in the renovation are new carpeting and furniture. We cannot wait to welcome Hawkeyes back to the Sciences Library and see you here again when it is safe! Until then, the Sciences Library staff is here to help you virtually. Watch the video “How to Remotely Access the University of Iowa Sciences Library” on YouTube, email us (lib-sciences@uiowa.edu) any time, or live chat with us Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM.

Sciences Library Trivia Night. Winner will receive a prize!

Apr 21 2020

Sciences Library Trivia Night on Fridays!

Posted on April 21, 2020April 22, 2020 by Laurie Neuerburg

Hawkeyes, join the Sciences Library for Trivia Night on Fridays, April 24th to July 10th at 5 PM! The trivia will be led by student emcees Madison and Mason. The questions will be from various subjects such as science, arts & literature, history, pop culture, and sports. We will use Zoom and Kahoot, so join Zoom on your computer to see the trivia questions and use the browser on your smartphone to input your answers. We will do two rounds of questions and give away two vacuum insulated, stainless steel water bottles per evening! The winning Hawkeye student in each round will receive a water bottle in the mail! Register at https://uiowa.libwizard.com/f/trivia to receive the Zoom link. The Zoom link will be the same from week to week, so you only need to register one time. This is a free event.

Only University of Iowa students are eligible to win the prize. Winner must provide mailing address to receive the prize. All University of Iowa students faculty and staff are invited to play!

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Laurie Neuerburg in advance at 319-467-0216 or laurie-neuerburg@uiowa.edu.

Apr 13 2020

Eagles Eye Hawkeyes at Iowa River Landing

Posted on April 13, 2020April 15, 2020 by Laurie Neuerburg

Many Iowans are aware of the Bald Eagles that nest in Decorah. But believe it or not there is an active eagle’s nest only a stone’s throw away from the University of Iowa main campus. And it is so accessible to viewing that most in the area will never have a better opportunity to view one up close. The nest site is in a tall cottonwood tree behind the Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Simply take the paved path that runs behind the Conference Center, locate the “Prairie Breeze Bench” sculpture, and look toward the Iowa River. You can’t miss it.

For the time being you will likely see the white head of an adult eagle protruding above the rim of the nest, sitting quietly, keeping the young eaglets warm, and possibly watching you watching them. If you’re lucky, you might catch one of the adult pair return from a successful hunt. Then it’s feeding time for the eaglets. It will be a few weeks before the eaglets are large enough to be visible from the path. But once they reach the juvenile stage, get ready for a spectacular display of wing stretching prior to fledging.

During this time of social distancing, we encourage you to take the opportunity step out for some fresh air and take advantage of a rare opportunity to connect with Iowa wildlife, while keeping a 6 foot minimum distance between you and others on the path.

When viewing the eagles, please take care to avoid distressing them, particularly at this sensitive stage, by maintaining a healthy distance. Iowa DNR recommends a minimum distance of 400 yards. But if you stay on the path, all should be well, since the eagles are already accustomed to passersby on that path.

For more information on Bald Eagles, Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds website is a fine place to start. University of Iowa students, faculty, and staff have subscription access to Birds of the World, which provides in-depth, research level information.

N.B.: Bring a pair of binoculars for best viewing.

Thank you to Kai Weatherman for writing this post!

Apr 10 2020

Sciences Library Trivia Night

Posted on April 10, 2020April 13, 2020 by Laurie Neuerburg

Hawkeyes, join the Sciences Library for Trivia Night on Friday, April 17 at 5 PM! The trivia will be led by student emcees Madison and Mason. The categories will be science, arts & literature, history, pop culture, and sports. We will use Zoom and Kahoot, so join Zoom on your computer to see the trivia questions and use the browser on your smartphone to input your answers. The winning Hawkeye student will receive a vacuum insulated, stainless steel water bottle in the mail! Register at https://uiowa.libwizard.com/f/trivia to receive the Zoom link. This is a free event.

Only University of Iowa students are eligible to win the prize. Winner must provide mailing address to receive the prize. All University of Iowa students faculty and staff are invited to play!

Apr 09 2020

National Poetry Month: Science Edition

Posted on April 9, 2020April 10, 2020 by Laurie Neuerburg

National Poetry Month: Science Edition

It’s National Poetry Month, so if you would like to explore poetry about science and take a break from the uncertainty of life living through COVID-19, then you have come to the right place. All of the poetry listed below relates to science, including biology, chemistry, earth & environmental sciences, mathematics, and physics and astronomy. If you know of science poems that we could add to our list, you are welcome to email your suggestions to lib-sciences@uiowa.edu.

Amy Catanzano’s “World Lines: A Quantum Supercomputer Poem” https://physics.aps.org/articles/v11/103
Roald Hoffmann’s “Fluorite” http://roaldhoffmann.com/sites/all/files/fluorite.pdf
Daniel Halpern’s “Pandemania” https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/56108/pandemania
Miroslav Holub’s “Brief Reflection on Accuracy” https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/51041/brief-reflection-on-accuracy
Sarah Howe’s “Relativity,” for Stephen Hawking https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2015/10/08/on-relativity/
A. Van Jordan’s “The Flash Reverses Time” https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/52983/the-flash-reverses-time
James Clerk Maxwell’s “To the Chief Musician upon Nabla: A Tyndallic Ode” https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45778/to-the-chief-musician-upon-nabla-a-tyndallic-ode
Langdon Smith’s “Poems of Evolution” https://hdl.handle.net/2027/njp.32101072858507?urlappend=%3Bseq=5
Juliana Spahr’s “If You Were a Bluebird” https://granta.com/if-you-were-a-bluebird/
Maria Terrone’s “Madame Curie” https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?volume=170&issue=2&page=13
Sallie Wolf’s “The Robin Makes a Laughing Sound” https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/91101/the-robin-makes-a-laughing-sound

The following poems and poetry collections require HawkID authentication:

John Allman’s Curve away from stillness: science poems https://search.lib.uiowa.edu/permalink/f/9i2ftm/01IOWA_ALMA21304944470002771 (Hawkeyes can request a PDF of a book chapter)
Philip Appleman’s Darwin’s ark: poems https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uc1.b4449534 (You must log in through the University of Iowa Libraries HathiTrust Emergency Access)
Linda Bierds’ First hand: poems https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015060839589 (You must log in through the University of Iowa Libraries HathiTrust Emergency Access)
Ron Louie’s “Handwashing 0347” https://login.proxy.lib.uiowa.edu/login?url=https://jamanetwork-com.proxy.lib.uiowa.edu/journals/jama/fullarticle/2685991?resultClick=1 (Requires HawkID login)
Rick Mullin’s Sonnets from the Voyage of the Beagle https://search.lib.uiowa.edu/permalink/f/9i2ftm/01IOWA_ALMA21474189660002771 (Hawkeyes can request a PDF of a book chapter)
Ruth Padel’s Darwin: a life in poems https://search.lib.uiowa.edu/permalink/f/9i2ftm/01IOWA_ALMA21323792310002771 (Hawkeyes can request a PDF of a book chapter)
Peter Pereira’s Saying the world https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015060006569 (You must log in through the University of Iowa Libraries HathiTrust Emergency Access)
Jack Ridl’s Broken symmetry https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015063360237 (You must log in through the University of Iowa Libraries HathiTrust Emergency Access)

If you need help accessing these books or finding other items in the UI Libraries collection, email us (lib-sciences@uiowa.edu) any time, or live chat (www.lib.uiowa.edu/sciences/contact/) with us Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM.

Mar 04 2020

Yeast of the Dead (Part 1 of Rising Together: Yeast & Humankind)

Posted on March 4, 2020March 6, 2020 by Laurie Neuerburg

Ancient Egyptian rulers are famously known for their elaborate preparations for the afterlife. But it appears that one of their contemporaries may have exceeded their most ardent expectations to return to life, thanks to the efforts of a team that includes Richard Bowman, a University of Iowa doctoral candidate in biology.

The remarkable Saccharomyces cerevisiae rose again in July 2019, not where pharaohs were interred at Thebes, Egypt, but in Pasadena, California under the hands of Bowman’s co-conspirator and Xbox creator Seamus Blackley. Using Bowman’s scientific expertise, Blackley was able to extract a sample from an ancient loaf of bread that belongs in the ancient Egypt collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. With the extracted yeast and the same grains used by ancient Egyptians Blackley was able to re-create a loaf of ancient Egyptian bread.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae might be mistaken for the name of some fallen pharaoh, but it is actually a species of very common, but tremendously important yeast. The genus name Saccharomyces identifies it as a fungus that feeds on sugars, and cerevisiae hints at its relationship to beer. Without the services of S. cerevisiae you would not be able to celebrate a special occasion with a glass of wine nor enjoy the aroma of a freshly baked loaf of bread.

So what makes this story so special if S. cerevisiae is so common? This yeast did not need the protection of a massive pyramid nor a copy of “The Book of the Dead” to help guide it back to the land of the living. Assuming confirmation by genome sequencing, this yeast will have survived over 4,000 years buried in an Egyptian temple foundation deposit, due to its ability to arrest its metabolism and enter a quiescent (one might be tempted to say near deathlike) state called dormancy, which it does through sporulation when starved of nutrients.

Blackley and Bowman will continue collecting yeast samples from additional museums with artifacts that represent the Old, Middle, and New Kingdom periods of Egyptian history, a period that spans over a thousand years. After analyzing the yeast genomes from those samples, they hope to characterize the genetic changes that S. cerevisiae has undergone during that time, and publish their findings in a scientific journal. We eagerly await their report.

Check back for the next installment of this three-part series Rising Together: Yeast and Humankind. Thank you to Kai Weatherman for whipping up this stirring series!

Feb 28 2020

Katherine Johnson’s Legacy & Oral Histories

Posted on February 28, 2020March 4, 2020 by Laurie Neuerburg

As recognized through the book and movie Hidden Figures, Katherine Johnson was one of the first African American women to work at NASA as a human computer. Born in 1918, she attended a two-room school in West Virginia. She excelled at school and skipped ahead several grades. She earned her bachelor’s degree in French and mathematics at West Virginia State College (now called West Virginia State University) at the age of 18. She worked as a school teacher until moving on to work at Langley Research Center. In 1961, she performed the calculations for the first U.S. human flight into space, checked the computer’s calculations for the first human orbit around the Earth, and continued her impeccable calculations through humankind’s first visit to the moon. She worked for NASA until 1986 and received many awards, including the NASA Lunar Orbiter Award, NASA Special Achievement Awards, and Mathematician of the Year. In 2015, Johnson was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She died February 24, 2020 at 101 years old, leaving a legacy that lives on as an inspiration to future scientists.

Image of Katherine Johnson receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom — Image credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

Watch Katherine Johnson’s video oral histories:

The History Maker’s Oral History Interviews with Katherine Johnson (UI students, staff, and faculty only)
The National Visionary Leadership Project’s Oral History Archive: Katherine Johnson (Freely available online)

You can also check out Hidden Figures on DVD, watch the streaming video, read the book, and watch NASA’s supplementary videos From Hidden to Modern Figures.