Bartholomew Cubbins on RNA

Watch the videoQ: Why would anyone want to get the RNA out of yeast so they can ingest it?A: I don't know, but I know it won't cure Autism.Here's how to do it...

Watch the videoI simply had to go to the source of information about RNA drops curing autism and boy, oh boy.  A feller could have an entire blogging career taking these sales pamphlets / presentations / mockery of science apart, piece by piece. btw, no one laughed at the injesting/ingesting/in-jesting game.  Come on and give me some affirmation love.running time: 9m 30sec

Watch the video??? Why the blazes would you ever want to put a mole of nucleotides or oligonucleotides into your mouth? Very simple: because you've been told it'll cure autism, that's why. It'll also cure heavy wallet syndrome, and who really wants a big old lump in your back pocket making the derrier look all lopsided and such? Just a quick look at pH and RNase-induced transesterification. Remember, you have a filthy mouth, whether you swear like Cartman or not.For the RNAphiles, I'm not even getting into depurination or anything. Just the basics.

Bartholomew Cubbins on RNA Episode 8: Current Papers - RNA Binding Sites, P-Bodies, and Retrotransposons Watch the video (pop) A rough look at the following papers:Virus-like particles of the Ty3 retrotransposon assemble in association with P-body components.andIntronic Binding Sites for hnRNP A/B and hnRNP F/H Proteins Stimulate Pre-mRNA Splicing.Kudos to PLoS and the Open Access option that allows the public real-time access of this great science.

Bartholomew Cubbins on RNA Episode 7: What Not To Do During a Group Meeting (mov) Watch the video (pops) A great example of what not to do during your group meeting presentation.Here we have exhibit A, the last slide of graduate student Y's great data-heavy presentation. And then the fun started. Why, oh why, did he chose to do this. And more importantly, why didn't he run it by me before doing it? Oh, who am I kidding, I would have encouraged it. meh.For a small file, check out:http://blip.tv/file/12335or if you like google:

Bartholomew Cubbins on RNA Episode 6: Famous RNA Investigator Fun (mov) Watch the video (pops) A quick and fun survey of online pictures of RNA lab heads. Running title: shiny-faced people.For a smaller version of this file compatible with cell phones check out http://blip.tv/file/11163

Bartholomew Cubbins on RNA Episode 5: Three current RNA papers Watch the video(pops) A quick and dirty review of three current RNA papers:1. 14mer RNA aptamer targeting FMN.2. Gene regulation through nuclear retention.3. Ligand requirements of the glmS ribozyme.Enjoy,-BC

Bartholomew Cubbins on RNA Episode 4: How to Join an RNA Lab? Watch the video(pops a new window) How does a young person decide where to go to school if they're already hooked on RNA?Take a look at how someone might use the internet to find an RNA lab if they're not privy to journal clubs, society meetings and the input of postdocs and PIs. We stumble on one of the best labs in the business of crystallizing RNA. Enjoy.-BC

Bartholomew Cubbins on RNA Episode 3: RNA Uses Contest! Watch the video(pops new window) email me your ideas for strange, pathetic, idiotic, snippy, interesting, amazing, and unbelievable uses for RNA. Here's some inspiration (psst top link)  Submit text ideas, photoshopped images, real images, audio files and video files (a link if they're too big).  I just ask that we make it SFW. I'll post them all and then we'll vote using a poll I'll post next week.Submit early, submit often - like a manuscript. The winner can chose a paper that I'll review as an episode.  Not that that's a reason to go for the gold or anything. -BC 

Introduction to Bartholomew Cubbins on Science Watch the video (pops) Short intro about the topics I'll cover in detail: Autism, RNA, Immunology, and General Science.

Bartholomew Cubbins on RNA Episode 2 Watch the video (pops) A detailed look at The speed of RNA transcription and metabolite binding kinetics operate an FMN riboswitch. Mol Cell. 2005 Apr 1;18(1):49-60.

Bartholomew Cubbins on RNA Episode 1 Watch the video (pops) A detailed look at The kinetics of ligand binding by an adenine-sensing riboswitch. Biochemistry. 2005 Oct 11;44(40):13404-14.