Using 3D animations to teach intracellular signal transduction mechanisms: taking the arrows out of cells

Traditional methods of teaching intracellular biological processes and pathways use figures or flowcharts with the names of molecules linked with arrows. Many veterinary students, presented with such material, simply memorize the names or chemical structures of the molecules and are then likely to forget the material once the examination is completed. To address this problem, the authors designed, created, and field-tested new teaching media that incorporate realistic three-dimensional (3D) animations depicting the dynamic changes that occur in intracellular molecules during cellular activation. Testing found that veterinary students taught using traditional teaching media (e.g., lectures, handouts, textbooks) are proficient in memorizing the names and order of intracellular molecules but unable to appreciate the interactions between these elements or their spatial relationships within cells. In contrast, more than 90% of veterinary students taught using 3D animations not only recall the facts about the intracellular elements but also develop accurate mental images of the interactions among these molecules and their spatial relationships. These findings strongly suggest that the comprehension of complex biological processes by veterinary students can be enhanced by the use of dynamic 3D depictions of these processes in the classroom.     

Assessment of impact of the introduction of exotic fish species in north-east Thailand

Abstract. Within the framework of a fisheries project in north-east Thailand, project MK/FSPC/069 entitled ‘The Fish Seed Production Centre, North East Thailand’, an assessment was carried out of the ecological impact of introducing exotic fish species (common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), and Chinese and Indian carps). For the assessment, the protocol of Kohler & Stanley (1984) was followed, covering feasibility of introduction, acclimatization potential, potential impact, and control potentials. Regarding the (ongoing) use of the proposed exotic species in aquaculture, it was concluded that so far no clear ecological impact has been reported from escapes to open water; the use of the exotic species has shown to be highly beneficial from a 9 socio-economic point of view. Regarding the proposed introduction of the exotic species into public waters (natural lakes and man-made reservoirs), it was concluded that earlier releases of these species in north-east Thailand did not provoke severe ecological impact in terms of deterioration of aquatic ecosystems. Incidental cases of minor ecological impact were reported for common carp and nile tilapia. Indications were obtained for niche competition between Chinese and Indian carps and indigenous carps, while similar niche competition was concluded for bighead carp, Aristichthys nobilis (Richardson), and indigenous pelagic zooplankton feeders. Observing the prolific development of the Nile tilapia in a number of reported cases, it was recommended not to include this species in stocking programmes for public water bodies, until more risk assessments are available.