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Biology and Biological Sciences (3) The Biology of Venomous Animals  From: Columbia University Animals have evolved numerous ways to cope with feeding and defense, and one of these ways is using poisons and venoms. But how do poisons and venoms work on the chemical level, and why don't venomous or poisonous creatures poison themselves? These questions are answered by Zoltan Takacs, a postdoctoral research scientist at Columbia University, who gives a general introduction about venomous and poisonous animals in this seminar. He explains what groups of animals are venomous, why they are venomous and how that venom works. The Search for Life: An Introduction to Astrobiology From: The Natural History Museum Aside from the myths and sensationalism, the study of astrobiology--the search for life elsewhere in the universe--has become widely accepted as a valid and important area of research. In this seminar, Monica Grady, head of petrology and meteoritics in the department of mineralogy at the Natural History Museum, presents a comprehensive introduction to astrobiology. The seminar starts at the very beginning with the Big Bang. Dr. Grady moves on to explore places in our solar system where life might be found, before heading out into space to examine the possibilities for life in our galaxy and beyond. Toxic Blooms: Understanding Red Tides From: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution In recent years there has been a marked increase in what are commonly called "red tides." Although not always red or even visible to the naked eye, each year these toxic algal blooms make thousands sick and even cause death. This seminar explains the basic biology and ecology of "red tides," including the organisms responsible, what kinds of toxins they produce, and what possible measures can be taken to control them. | |||||||||||||||
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