February 2012
Current Size: 100%
text sizeTest Your Gene Knowledge
Let's test our gene knowledge -
“A complex disease is caused by the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors. Complex diseases are also called multifactorial. Examples of complex diseases include cancer and heart disease.”
What word does this definition belong to?
- Inherited
- Autosomal dominant
- Complex disease
- Polymorphism
The above test is found in the Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms; the answer found in the page of Complex disease in that Glossary. Make sure click the icon “Listen” on this page to hear expert comment on Complex disease by Francis S. Collins, M.D., Director of the National Institutes of Health.
The Talking Glossary, created by The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), may “help everyone understand the terms and concepts used in genetic research. In addition to definitions, specialists in the field of genetics share their descriptions of terms, and many terms include images, animation and links to related terms." The interactive pages of “Test Your Gene Knowledge” included in the Glossary contain “a 10-term quiz designed to be both fun and instructional. The quiz can be accessed from almost every Glossary page. Users can choose to test their knowledge about terms commonly found in K-16 science classrooms or more generally in popular news reports or conversation.” At the end of the test, a user can print a Certificate of Completion.
Let’s do another test from the Glossary--
“A process of programmed cell death. During early development this process is used to eliminate unwanted cells, as the skin web found between the fingers of developing hand. In adults, it is used to rid the body of cells that have been damaged beyond repair.”
What word does this definition belong to?
- Meiosis
- Mitosis
- Deletion
- Apoptosis
The answer is in the page of Apoptosis; and there is a beautiful illustration that may be viewed by clicking the “Illustration” tab above the picture frame in the middle of the page. Please note that all illustrations in the Glossary are copyright free!
In addition, the Glossary “contains more than 20 terms that are illustrated with 3-D movie animations. All cellular organelles have animation sequences, as do many key terms such as gene, cell, chromosome, etc.” These movie animations put the subject terms in their contexts, therefore better represent the scientific concepts for the terms in question.
Please note also free app of The Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms is available on the App Store.
With the help of the Talking Glossary, we may enjoy our health conversation more.
Image Courtesy: National Human Genome Research Institute.
Family Learning Center with a Career Exploration Program for Teens at Biblioteca Latinoamericana
A Family Learning Center with a special emphasis on Career Exploration for Teens formally opened on January 25, 2012 at the Biblioteca Latinoamericana. This new center is the fifth to operate within the San Jose Public Library system. The four other Family Learning Centers are located at Tully, Hillview, Alum Rock and East Carnegie Library branches. The Family Learning Center is the recipient of a grant from the Leo M. Shortino Family Foundation to establish a center within the Biblioteca.
The Family Learning Center programs focus on adult literacy, reading classes for elementary students and career exploration for teens. The ESL classes held at the center are taught by a certified ESL teacher. A special collection of ESL materials, computers, and software enhance the various classes and workshops offered. FLC offerings support the Latino population, youth at risk, underachieving youth, and new Americans. All programs are free and open to the public.
KimNhung Nguyen, Senior Branch Manager for the Biblioteca and East Carnegie brings a wealth of experience to the Family Learning Center, previously managing a successful FLC at Hillview library. Cris Johnson, FLC coordinator will assist in promoting and presenting the programs.
Social Workers in the Library Now Offered Three Times a Month
NEED HELP?
Help is here: Social Workers in the Library
At King Library: Now offered twice a month – every 1st and 4th Mondays of the month, 6 – 8 p.m.
March: Monday, 3/5/12 and Monday 3/26/12
Call: (408) 808-2350
Or
At Biblioteca Latinoamericana – offered once a month – every 3rd Wed. of the month 6 – 8 p.m. (Spanish/English bilingual Social Worker available)
March: Wed., 3/21/12
Call: (408) 294-1237
Is something happening in your life that you have questions about concerning:
- Education
- Emergency Services - food/clothing/housing and crisis support
- Employment
- Family Matters - parenting, childcare, divorce, elder issues and domestic violence
- Health Improvement - mental, physical and health insurance
- Immigration
- Support Groups - men, women and teens
Make an appointment to get a FREE 20 minute session of information and referral or advice, from a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Everyone at some point in their lives could use the advice of a social worker. Our volunteer social workers are offering it - Free of Charge.
Popular Magazines
Analysis on current news including international, national, and economics are some common topics you can find in the SJPL’s popular magazines. Magazines also cover other popular subjects such as, business, travel, entertainment, and sports. If you enjoy browsing or reading popular magazines, San Jose Public Library is your destination. A large collection of magazines are located in the Periodicals Collection at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library and at all other SJPL branches. Some of the popular titles are:
Time , Newsweek , People Weekly , Sports Illustrated, Economist, New Yorker
With a valid SJPL card, users are able to access magazines electronically too
Small Business Workshop: Blogging for Your Business
Please join us to learn about
"Blogging for Your Business" &
"SEO for Your Website"
Saturday, March 10 at the
Santa Teresa Library from10:30AM - 12:30PM
This month's guest speakers include Cheryl & Steve Ellemberg from ABD Promotions. Cheryl is the founder of ABD Promotions and publisher of the “Small Business Marketing Blog.” Steve is a web designer and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) since 1998.
There is free WiFi and plenty of electrical outlets, so please feel free to bring your laptops. Also advised to bring your own promotional materials (flyers, brochures, business cards, etc.)
For more information, please visit the Santa Teresa Events page on Facebook:
Blogging for Your Business & SEO for Your Website.
This is a FREE Event and everyone is welcome!
Can’t make it to this month’s Small Business Workshop? Join us April 14; next month’s topic will be "From Complexity to Simplicity - The fastest, easiest way to write a Business Plan."
What is a Microform?
A Microform is a reproduction of the original documents that has small images or microreprodcution in the formats of microfilm or microfiche. Both microfilm and microfiche can be viewed on microform machines where users can browse, print, and digitize information. Old newspapers, documents, rare books, maps, or magazines are some of the common type of materials in microform. The collections of old San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle, or San Jose Mercury News Clipping File are some of the most popular microform collections at San Jose Public Library.
ValueLine test
http://www3.valueline.com/secure/vlispdf/stk5000/index.aspx
http://0-www3.valueline.com.catalog.sjlibrary.org/secure/vlispdf/stk5000/index.aspx
Honorable Mercenaries
In John Falkenberg, science fiction giant Jerry Pournelle created an ethical mercenary colonel whose private army fights for more than money or glory. This edition, named The Prince, recently collected the Falkenberg saga (originally 4 books) in a single volume. Set in the CoDominium universe Pournelle shares with frequent collaborator Larry Niven, the Falkenberg stories follow the adventures of these mercenaries as they fight to restore order to the chaos that follows the collapse of an interstellar republic. Pournelle does not neglect the military action, but neither does he wallow in testosterone and guts, creating a tale that will appeal to fans of science fiction, military fiction, or just a good story.
The Lorax--a Birthday Read for the Entire Family
Yet another celebration of sorts in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday...the release of Universal Studios new film, The Lorax, on Friday, March 2nd (Theodore Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, would have been 108 years old this year!).
This award-winning tale tells the story of a boy named Ted (voice of Zac Efron) who must search for the one thing that will win him the affection of the girl of his dreams, Audrey (voice of Taylor Swift). To find it, he must search outside Thneedville, the city of "plastic & fake" and discover the story of the greedy, tree-chopping Once-lers (voice of Ed Helms). Ted meets the tree dwelling, grumpy and yet charming, Lorax (voice of Danny DeVito) whose character must fight to protect his vanishing forest. The film provides an important environmental message of hope to children and adults, alike, as they learn, like Ted, that the importance of the last tree seed is "not what it is, but what it can become" and "unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better...it's not".
Whether you have a chance to take your children to see The Lorax or not, check out the book, DVD or book CD from the San José Public Library collection. Dr. Seuss books are always popular, especially during the month of March, but don't be discouraged if it is checked out, because unlike the movie, you can check this popular title out year round.
Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting?
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The Alum Rock Library is beginning a brand new Knit and Crochet Club that will meet on Monday afternoons at 4:00 pm. The club will be led by volunteers who have an interest in yarn arts. Not only will this club provide opportunities to pick up new techniques from other enthusiasts, it will also provide opportunities to begin friendships with others with similar interests.
If you are interested in helping out with this club, please come by Alum Rock Library on Mondays at 4:00 pm. A few starter supplies will be provided but you are encouraged to bring any knit or crochet projects that you are currently working on. See you there!
