Field Trips

Over the course of our MSI experience, we've had the opportunity to observe many facets of Molecular Biology outside of MSI. We've attended various fieldtrips ranging from genomic institutes and laboratories, to the Zoo! Some of the genomic institutes and laboratories we've attended were the Stanford Genome Technology center, UC Berkeley's Keasling and Electron microscope labs, and Walnut Creeks Joint Genomics Institute laboratory. At these various genomic institutes, we learned many interesting facts, and acquired valuable knowledge including demonstrations on how different tools and equipment function for specific tasks, and the procedure behind the complicated genomics that fills the news today. In other words, we were given the rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of various projects pertaining to Molecular Biology, DNA, and life itself. We also saw first hand, many of the high-tech equipment that enable such complex experiments. At each location, we were giving the chance to interact with trained professionals working on various projects by taking detailed tours of the facilities and asking questions. Following is a brief example of what we learned on each field trip.

	Keasling Lab
	The first lab that we visited was UC Berkley's Keasling Lab. The Keasling lab uses the latest advances in genetic control to cultivate pathway and cellular engineering. When we visited the Keasling Lab, we noticed many similarities to ours at MSI, but observed that the Keasling Lab occupies a much bigger space, and uses different forms of the same machines we use, some of which were extremely costly, high-tech equipment that is responsible for carrying out tasks you wouldn't even believe. Overall the tour was very interesting and captivated our interest as we learned some of the things technology is capable of doing as time progresses. We also realized that the new era of scientific technology is going to demand a new generation of scientists to keep up.

Keasling Lab

The first lab that we visited was UC Berkley's Keasling Lab. The Keasling lab uses the latest advances in genetic control to cultivate pathway and cellular engineering. When we visited the Keasling Lab, we noticed many similarities to ours at MSI, but observed that the Keasling Lab occupies a much bigger space, and uses different forms of the same machines we use, some of which were extremely costly, high-tech equipment that is responsible for carrying out tasks you wouldn't even believe. Overall the tour was very interesting and captivated our interest as we learned some of the things technology is capable of doing as time progresses. We also realized that the new era of scientific technology is going to demand a new generation of scientists to keep up.

	Electron Microscopy Lab
	The Electron Microscope Lab that we visited is also located on the U.C. Berkeley campus. To provide some background information about the electron microscope: Electron microscopes were originally created to magnify extremely small objects, such as bacteria, that are too small to be seen by a Light microscope. They use a beam of highly energetic electrons to examine objects on a very small scale. On this fieldtrip, we got the chance to see various types of microscopes used to study particular organisms. Several interesting things observed were a tadpole's retina through a compound light microscope, and bacteria through an electron microscope. We learned about the conditions that an electron microscope is permitted to operate under, and we were exposed to various projects of extremely small organisms that were made visible by the electron microscope.

Electron Microscopy Lab

The Electron Microscope Lab that we visited is also located on the U.C. Berkeley campus. To provide some background information about the electron microscope: Electron microscopes were originally created to magnify extremely small objects, such as bacteria, that are too small to be seen by a Light microscope. They use a beam of highly energetic electrons to examine objects on a very small scale. On this fieldtrip, we got the chance to see various types of microscopes used to study particular organisms. Several interesting things observed were a tadpole's retina through a compound light microscope, and bacteria through an electron microscope. We learned about the conditions that an electron microscope is permitted to operate under, and we were exposed to various projects of extremely small organisms that were made visible by the electron microscope.

	Stanford Genome Technology Center
	The Stanford Genome Technology Center was primarily funded with two goals: 1) Develop custom technology to achieve more accurate results from experimentation and considerably decrease the expenses involved in DNA sequencing and genomic analyses, and 2) Contribute to a wide-spread project of completing the yeast cell (Saccharomyces) sequence. Here, we learned a little about how the process of DNA amplification through bacteria colonies is carried out, which is an alternative procedure to PCR (polymerase chain reaction). We also got a chance to look at high-tech equipment that Stanford uses to carry out their experimentation processes. Through research and technology development efforts, Stanford has engineered technology to make the sequencing of genomes, synthesizing, purification, and many other projects requiring specific techniques more efficient, accurate, and faster.

Stanford Genome Technology Center

The Stanford Genome Technology Center was primarily funded with two goals: 1) Develop custom technology to achieve more accurate results from experimentation and considerably decrease the expenses involved in DNA sequencing and genomic analyses, and 2) Contribute to a wide-spread project of completing the yeast cell (Saccharomyces) sequence. Here, we learned a little about how the process of DNA amplification through bacteria colonies is carried out, which is an alternative procedure to PCR (polymerase chain reaction). We also got a chance to look at high-tech equipment that Stanford uses to carry out their experimentation processes. Through research and technology development efforts, Stanford has engineered technology to make the sequencing of genomes, synthesizing, purification, and many other projects requiring specific techniques more efficient, accurate, and faster.

	The DOE Joint Genome Institute
	The JGI is actually joined with the Lawrence Livermore, Lawrence Berkeley and Los Alamos Laboratories, and operates under the University of California and the Department of Energy. It is one of the fastest at sequencing and most powerful facilities in the U.S. The JGI in Walnut Creek has been highly involved in the human genome project and successfully mapped several chromosomes. Not only does the facility deal with just the human genome, but it is also dedicated to mapping the genomes of various types of reptiles and infectious bacteria. When we were taken on the tour, we were given a brief overview of how this process was carried out and the equipment involved. Another interesting aspect that we learned was how some animals are more biologically related than other animals. For example an African Shrew is more closely related to an elephant than it is to another shrew of a different classification.

The DOE Joint Genome Institute

The JGI is actually joined with the Lawrence Livermore, Lawrence Berkeley and Los Alamos Laboratories, and operates under the University of California and the Department of Energy. It is one of the fastest at sequencing and most powerful facilities in the U.S. The JGI in Walnut Creek has been highly involved in the human genome project and successfully mapped several chromosomes. Not only does the facility deal with just the human genome, but it is also dedicated to mapping the genomes of various types of reptiles and infectious bacteria. When we were taken on the tour, we were given a brief overview of how this process was carried out and the equipment involved. Another interesting aspect that we learned was how some animals are more biologically related than other animals. For example an African Shrew is more closely related to an elephant than it is to another shrew of a different classification.

	San Francisco Zoo
	At the San Francisco Zoo, we got the chance to see many different animal behaviors. We also learned how genetics play an important role at the zoo. For example, when a species becomes endangered, zoos adopt two species of the opposite sex, and they began to breed. However, later along, it is discovered that many of the species bred are biologically closely related and share chromosomal DNA, because they all came from the two primary mating species. Molecular biology is the blueprint for higher levels of science. In other words, in order to truly understand life itself, one must have a fundamental knowledge of molecular science.

San Francisco Zoo

At the San Francisco Zoo, we got the chance to see many different animal behaviors. We also learned how genetics play an important role at the zoo. For example, when a species becomes endangered, zoos adopt two species of the opposite sex, and they began to breed. However, later along, it is discovered that many of the species bred are biologically closely related and share chromosomal DNA, because they all came from the two primary mating species. Molecular biology is the blueprint for higher levels of science. In other words, in order to truly understand life itself, one must have a fundamental knowledge of molecular science.

	CytoKinetics
	One of the most interesting labs that we've visited so far was the CytoKinetics lab in South San Francisco. The CytoKinetics lab specializes in drug discovery esssential to medical technology. We learned how drugs are made, what kinds of drugs are made, and why this research is crucial especially in developing countries, where such treatment is often unaffordable. We walked away from the lab with a new perspective, knowledge, and appreciation of drug research. We also walked away with gift bags of cell T-shirts and drug cure mouse plates.

CytoKinetics

One of the most interesting labs that we've visited so far was the CytoKinetics lab in South San Francisco. The CytoKinetics lab specializes in drug discovery esssential to medical technology. We learned how drugs are made, what kinds of drugs are made, and why this research is crucial especially in developing countries, where such treatment is often unaffordable. We walked away from the lab with a new perspective, knowledge, and appreciation of drug research. We also walked away with gift bags of cell T-shirts and drug cure mouse plates.

	Chiron
	I must say our first impression of the architecture of the Chiron building has left a remarkable impression on us to this day. The place is built like a museum, and when you walk inside, you feel as though you're in a palace. But aside from the marvelous architecture, the science is just as captivating, if not more-so, than the building itself. Here, the chemists and biologists collaborate to solve problems. There is also a genomic group that specializes in creating and buying gene chips for further study. We also saw the "brain room", the server room that contains the equipment responsible for running the imaging microscopes, regulating temperature control, and analyzing data. One thing that impressed us at the Chiron lab was that they actually altered the structure of an amino acid to fit a designed purpose. Just imagine how much progress we can make by manipulating the structure of more complex, resistant, molecules.

Chiron

I must say our first impression of the architecture of the Chiron building has left a remarkable impression on us to this day. The place is built like a museum, and when you walk inside, you feel as though you're in a palace. But aside from the marvelous architecture, the science is just as captivating, if not more-so, than the building itself. Here, the chemists and biologists collaborate to solve problems. There is also a genomic group that specializes in creating and buying gene chips for further study. We also saw the "brain room", the server room that contains the equipment responsible for running the imaging microscopes, regulating temperature control, and analyzing data. One thing that impressed us at the Chiron lab was that they actually altered the structure of an amino acid to fit a designed purpose. Just imagine how much progress we can make by manipulating the structure of more complex, resistant, molecules.

Over the entire course of the summer, this rare opportunity at MSI has proved to be a rewarding and valuable experience. We have learned so much that is going to be uselful to us as we continue to further our education. Not only have we gained a respectable amount of knowledge pertaining to Molecular Science, we have a greater appreciation for science in general. Aside from our individual projects, the field trips and the very friendly and giving people here at MSI have contributed to making this one of the most interesting, educational, and fun experiences that we have ever had.