|
|
1. Bone Deformities Linked to Inbreeding in Wolves of Isle Royale |
by Jennifer Donovan, director of public relations
The wolves on Isle Royale are suffering from genetically deformed bones. Scientists from Michigan Tech blame the extreme inbreeding of the small, isolated wolf population at the island national park in northern Lake Superior.
Researchers have collected the first scientific evidence that inbreeding has caused genetic deterioration of the bones of the wolves of Isle Royale. Rolf Peterson and John Vucetich of Michigan Tech and their colleagues, Jannikke Raikkonen of the Swedish Museum of Natural History and Michael P. Nelson at Michigan State University, report on the congenital bone deformities in the latest issue of the journal Biological Conservation.
The scientists found that 58 percent of the wolves on Isle Royale exhibit a congenital malformation in the lumbosacral region, or lower back, and 33 percent display a specific deformity--lumbosacral transitional vertebrae--which can cause full or partial paralysis of the rear legs and tail, as well as back pain. It is a condition also seen in domestic dogs. Other malformations were found in the wolves as well.
For the last 12 years, every one of the dead wolves the researchers have found has displayed bone deformities. In contrast, these deformities occur in only 1 percent of studied wolf populations that are not inbred.
"Until recently, we didn't know if the inbreeding was causing problems for the wolves," says Vucetich.
"There is now good reason to think that Isle Royale wolves have been suffering from genetic deterioration due to inbreeding," the researchers say in their journal article.
Peterson and Vucetich head a study of wolves and moose on Isle Royale that has been ongoing for more than 50 years. The four packs there comprise 24 wolves, all descended from one female and one or two males who crossed an ice bridge from Canada during an unusually cold winter in the 1940s. Since then, they have been isolated on the islands that make up Isle Royale National Park.
Winter Study 2009
Each winter since 1959, researchers have been tracking and observing the wolves and the moose that are virtually their only prey. During this year's winter study, Vucetich and Peterson found two dead wolves with misshapen vertebrae, one killed by other wolves and the other, which also had severe arthritis, frozen under the ice of a lake.
This was a particularly cold, hard year on the wolves and moose of Isle Royale. The researchers counted 24 wolves, close to the long-term average population size, but two of the four wolf packs did not have any pups that survived, Vucetich reported. East Pack's numbers declined to a sole surviving female who has taken a new mate from one of the other packs.
The researchers estimated the moose population at 530 this winter, a decrease from last year and not even half the average long-term population size.
Not only are fewer moose surviving, making food harder for the wolves to find, but the wolves are having to hunt older, more arthritic moose, Vucetich and Peterson found. Three years ago, the average age of a moose killed by a wolf on Isle Royale during the winter was 12 years old. Two years ago, it was 13, and now it is 14.
Atypically, the wolves didn't kill any moose calves this winter, although calf numbers were low, "so the wolves probably didn't save any for the winter," said Vucetich. In fact, a pair of moose calf twins both survived, a rare occurrence.
Genetic Rescue?
"What we learned raises the question of whether the wolves of Isle Royale should be genetically rescued," Vucetich said.
Up to now, wildlife management agencies in the US and Scandinavia have cited the Isle Royale wolves as proof that small wolf populations can avoid genetic deterioration and remain viable.
"Our study removes one more example that some use to downplay the consequences of genetic deterioration," the Swedish scientist Raikkonen says.
Whether to intervene is a question that should be revisited, the researchers suggest. They are inviting the public to weigh in on the matter, through a blog on their Isle Royale Wolf-Moose Study website, www.isleroyalewolf.org .
The decision is complicated, Vucetich observes. "It involves balancing values associated with wilderness, scientific knowledge, healthy ecosystems and animal welfare," he points out. "If only one value mattered, the decision would be easier, but here the values are competing."
Adds Peterson, "This is not a decision just for scientists to make any more." |
|
|
2. Pennington Named Jefferson Science Fellow |
Wayne Pennington, chair of the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, has been named a Jefferson Science Fellow by the US Department of State.
According to the State Department, the Jefferson Science Fellowship "was established to create opportunities for substantial engagement of tenured scientists and engineers from US academic institutions in the work of the Department. Fellows serve one-year assignments working full-time in the State Department or the US Agency for International Development."
"I would like to congratulate Wayne for being nationally recognized as a Jefferson Science Fellow," said Interim Provost Max Seel. "The fellowship program is based on the premise that science and technology make fundamental contributions to the security, economic, health and cultural foundations of modern societies and are integral to the development and implementation of foreign policy. It will provide Wayne not only for a one-year engagement in the work of the State Department, but for continuous involvement as consultant after returning to his academic career at Tech."
"This award is an exceptional honor for Wayne and presents him with a unique opportunity to aid in the formulation and implementation of our nation's foreign policy," added Dean of the College of Engineering Tim Schulz. “Jefferson Science Fellows are selected from the nation's best faculty, and Wayne's achievement is significant and notable for Michigan Tech."
A geophysicist, Pennington's research is centered on the response of Earth materials to changes in physical conditions, such as stress, saturation and temperature. The applications `of this interest are found in induced seismicity, deep earthquakes and oil and gas exploration and development.
Pennington has worked in both academia and in industry and has conducted fieldwork at sites around the world. In the 1970s, he studied tectonic earthquakes in Latin America and Pakistan. In the 1980s, at the University of Texas at Austin, he studied the relationship of earthquakes to oil and gas production. Following that, he worked at the research laboratory for Marathon Oil Company, studying techniques to improve the identification of, and production from, oil and gas reservoirs. Since 1994, he has been at Michigan Tech, teaching and conducting research into geophysical observations of oil and gas production.
He has served as the first vice president for the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, published over 30 papers and coauthored (with his students) one book. His degrees are from Princeton University, Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Pennington will begin his term with the State Department in August, pending diplomatic security clearance approval. |
|
|
3. Reminder: Alert Your Students to Campus Employment Opportunities |
The Rozsa Center, Dining Services, Campus Bookstore and University Images will host their first Student Employment Expo (SEE) on Wednesday, April 8, from noon to 5 p.m., and Thursday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Rozsa lobby.
The main employment areas represented will be the Rozsa Center, Memorial Union, Campus Bookstore, University Images and Dining Services, which includes Catering, Memorial Union Food Mall, Residence Hall Dining, and Concessions.
There are a wide variety of student jobs available for the next academic year, including retail sales, dining services, ticket sales and theater setup. This is a great opportunity for "one stop" information and job applications for on-campus employment. There will be free refreshments. |
|
|
4. Reminder: Shelter Home Event Scheduled for Sunday |
The Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home is hosting its first-ever Women's Music Event and Silent Auction from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 5, in the atrium of the U. J. Noblet Forestry Building.
Several local artists will perform: Kari Brown, Rhythm 203, SherAaron Hurt, Nicole White and others.
The silent auction features donations from Keweenaw Gem and Gift, Mary Ann Beckwith, Keweenaw Co-op, Sayen's Auto Quick Lube, AutoPro Glass and Tire, Ed Gray Gallery, Christine Young, Marilyn's Stained Glass and more.
Donations of $5 are suggested. All proceeds will go to the shelter home. For more information, contact Ann Brady (Humanities) at 487-2066 or mabrady@mtu.edu . |
|
|
5. Reminder: International Night Slated for Saturday |
Michigan Tech's International Club presents the 2009 International Night on Saturday, April 4.
There is a dinner at 6 p.m. in the Memorial Union Commons. It features cuisine from several countries.
Afterwards, beginning at 8 p.m., there is a show called "Around the World in 90 Minutes" at the Rozsa Center. International students and organizations will perform.
Tickets are available at the Memorial Union Commons, the Fisher lobby and the Rozsa. Tickets are $8 for the performance only, $12 for students for the performance and dinner, and $15 for adults for the performance and dinner. |
|
|
6. Reminder: Sunday Begins Pride Week |
"Milk," a film about California's first openly gay elected official, will be shown at 2 and 5 p.m., Sunday, April 5, in Fisher 135. Admission is free. The film covers the last years of Harvey Milk's career and life. For more information, visit the website. www.MilkMovie.co.uk .
Events in Pride Week, which concludes Friday, April 10, will be announced daily. |
|
|
7. Get Fit for Spring |
Believe it or not, spring has sprung, and it's time to get yourself in shape for that bathing suit or gardening shorts.
The University Women's Connection invites all women in the Michigan Tech community to participate in "Getting Fit at Home" from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, in the Memorial Union Ballroom.
Deb Faust, a certified group fitness and Pilates trainer, will discuss the health benefits of fitness and demonstrate yoga, pilates and weight training, including how to use hand weights.
A healthy and delicious Latin American lunch by Tech Executive Chef Eric Karvonen follows the workout.
Winners of the UWC annual scholarships will be announced and introduced at the event.
RSVP by Wednesday, April 22, to Roxanne Schultz, rschultz_1@charter.net . Cost including lunch is $14 for UWC members and $16 for guests. Dress comfortably if you plan to participate.
The University Women's Connection provides opportunities for women from throughout the campus community to meet in fun and friendship, to develop interests and to use their talents in service to the community. See www.admin.mtu.edu/uwc/ . |
|
|
8. ECE Faculty Candidate Seminar Set for Monday |
Edward Sazonov, associate professor in electrical and computer engineering at Clarkson University, will present a faculty candidate seminar, "Ambient Intelligence--Real World Applications for Smart Machines," at 3 p.m., Monday, April 6, in Rekhi G05.
Sazonov, who earned his PhD from West Virginia University, is a candidate for an ECE position that is part of the 2009 Strategic Faculty Hiring Initiative in Computational Discovery and Innovation.
For more information, contact Lisa Rouleau (ECE) at 487-2627 or at ljroulea@mtu.edu .
|
|
|
9. SFI Seminar to Conclude Spring Series Wednesday |
Jonah Levine, research faculty member at the University of Colorado at Boulder, will give the final seminar of the Sustainable Future Institute's Spring Speaker Series, "Integration of Electric Generation Resources for the Next Generation Utility: Bringing High Penetrations of Wind Energy onto the Electric Grid," Wednesday, April 8, at 3 p.m. in Fisher 138.
Levine will discuss
* modeled wind energy generation in multiple locations, highlighting overall production and rates of change
* general information and simple models of traditional electric generation
* flexible system resources that will allow for high penetrations of wind energy generation, including spatial diversity, demand response and energy storage
* Michigan specific integration via energy storage options |
|
|
10. RSI Seminar Monday |
Assistant Professor Lynn Mazzoleni (Chemistry) will present "Atmospheric Organic Matter Composition Analysis by Ultra-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry" Monday, April 6, at 4 p.m. in M & M U113 as part of the Remote Sensing Seminar Series.
For an abstract, visit www.phy.mtu.edu/~cantrell/RSIseminar.html . |
|
|
11. Grain Processing Seminar Series April Schedule Announced |
The Grain Processing Seminar Series, sponsored by the Department of Chemical Engineering, will feature the following speakers this month:
Tuesday, April 7
Engineer/Scientist Timothy Eisele (Chemical Engineering), "Approaches to Reducing CO2 Emissions," 10 a.m. in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge
Thursday, April 9
Caryn Heldt, of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, "Affinity Adsorption of Viruses Using Small Peptide Ligands," 10 a.m. in Memorial Union Ballroom A
Thursday, April 16
Hong Yan He, of Ohio State University, "Nanoengineered Devices for Controlled Drug Delivery and Cell-Based Therapy," 10 a.m. in Chem Sci 201 |
|
|
12. Teaching at Tech--Big Questions |
An essential part of being a professional is acquiring, deeply internalizing and having at the ready a robust set of ethical values.
Deeply internalized ethical values are those that sustain persons when they are confronted with the complex and ambiguous challenges that working professionals encounter throughout their lives.
It is simple and easy to tell students, "Don't cheat and always do what's right," and then have them read the creed of whatever professional organization pertains to their interests and have them think the job is done. It's an entirely different thing to actually face a real, messy ethical challenge when all the choices come at some cost for all involved personally and professionally.
I can't help but think that our educational efforts fall short in this regard.
I am amazed at the range of ethical constructs that students bring with them to class. In one single class, I have a number of students who believe that it is flat wrong to perform medical research intended to help human beings if that research involves harming or stressing laboratory animals in any way. Doesn't seem to matter if those animals are cuddly little mice, slimy sea slugs or even fruit flies.
In the very same class, there are a few students who feel that it is perfectly appropriate for a person to buy a kidney, liver or heart from another adult who is willing to sell that body part for money. "Why not," one student recently said. "That's a person's right in a free market!"
Truth is, every student comes into our class with a picture of how the world works, what's OK and what's off limits. Cheat on your taxes? OK. Cheat on your spouse? Not OK, at least, not for a while.
The more you pry open the lid and look under the ethical hood, the more you come to realize that tomorrow's leaders desperately need to devote some portion of their intellectual efforts to reckoning with questions of value as well as of fact. Tomorrow's leaders will encounter questions that make today's ethical debates seem rather quaint and archaic.
The new strategic plan retains the motto from the previous version. "We prepare students to create the future," it boldly proclaims. Responsibly creating the future requires fathoming the past.
It was interesting that the folks at the University of Michigan sent a metallurgist and an ecologist to address our academic leadership team on the topic of how unconscious bias can frustrate our efforts to recruit, retain and develop a diverse and vibrant faculty.
These visiting faculty members, both holders of endowed chairs, stood before their peers at Michigan Tech and reviewed a sampling of studies, from psychology and sociology, to demonstrate that we are all victims of our own unconscious biases that shape our behavior and influence our decisions.
Both of these senior academic leaders could easily have spent their time reveling in their past accomplishments and stayed within the safety of their respective academic silos.
Instead, they chose to "drink the Kool-Aid" of disciplinary findings far from their comfort zones and had the courage to say, "If this university is to be great, we need to build a faculty that incorporates the wisdom and wide-ranging perspectives of the diverse pool of participants who pursue the disciplines that we study and teach."
We must encourage our students to think as broadly and deeply. We need to help them to move beyond the fallacious notion that being educated means only passing tests, accumulating facts and solving problems.
Learning to be ethical works best when that learning occurs within contexts that students value. That means students should wrestle with ethical challenges in each and every course that they take.
Then, and only then, can we realistically expect them to create a brighter future for everyone. |
|
|
13. Michigan Tech Notables |
Assistant Professor Jason Carter (Exercise Science) was recently awarded a 2009 Research Recognition Award from the American Physiological Society for his research in neural control and autonomic regulation. Carter will receive the award at the annual Experimental Biology Conference in New Orleans, to be held April 18-22.
|
|
|
14. In Print |
|
Postdoctoral associate Ge Meng, graduate student Singaravelu Velayudham, undergraduate student Adrian Smith, Associate Professor Rudy Luck and Associate Professor Haiying Liu, all of the Department of Chemistry, published "Color Tuning of Polyfluorene Emission with BODIPY Monomers," in Macromolecules, volume 42, 2009, available at http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ma8023975 . |
|
|
15. New Staff |
|
Rachel Tarpey has joined the staff of the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science as a research associate. Tarpey comes to Michigan Tech from Cold Springs Forestry, where she was a staff forester. She was also employed by the Houghton-Keweenaw Conservation District as a forester. Tarpey holds an MS in Forest Ecology and Management from Michigan Tech and a BS in Forest Ecosystem Restoration and Management from the University of Wisconsin-Steven's Point. She lives in Houghton and enjoys biking, swimming and cooking. |
|
|
16. Free Items Available in ME-EM |
The Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics has the following available for free:
* 19 plastic scoop chairs with tablet arms
* one digital color TV--26-inch GE
* one Panasonic VCR, model AG-127OP
* one Precision Scientific centrifuge, 16 inches tall and 23 inches in diameter
All items are in ME-EM 501
If you are interested, contact Jerry Dion (ME-EM 604) or call 487-2577.
University property may only be transferred between departments; it may not be given or sold to individuals.
|
|
|
