Team:The University of Alberta/28 May 2008

What We did Today
Jason I did some research on the estrogen receptors and how they work. There are three very good papers that I have posted under our project section that I think everyone should read before the meeting. I think building a estrogen receptor(and thus a BPA sensor) is feasible and withing our grasp.  I also updated the project section adding in all the plant protocols and adding some information on the Plastic Project Winnie
 * digested R0035 three times, did gel extraction for them
 * may be there is something wrong with the gel extraction kit, we have been geting extremely low concentrations of DNA for gel extractions. (We tested the spectrometer and there is nothing wrong with them).
 * help Tom to find the plates for the parts and make the overnight for them
 * then help Tom to do the gel for his PCR reactions.

Chris:
 * Spent some time designing a new splash page for our wiki. Check it out if you havent seen it yet (Criticisms welcome, if no on likes it, it can go)
 * Put finishing touches on "iGEM Canada" logo. Considering sending the logo to all Canadian teams for them to use as well if they wish
 * Helped Winnie with gel extractions on R0035. Ended up with a very low concentration; possibly something wrong with the kit (see above). Hopefully we will get a new kit tomorrow.

Volunteers Scheduled for Today
10-3 BH 4-8 AH 5-8 AS 6-8 DL

Might it be possible to make an iGEM volunteer log for all the volunteers to mark down when they came in? Anthony

Lab Tip of The Day
Polyacrylmide is a potent neurotoxin in its powdered form and should not be confused with sugar, starch or cocane as the results could be detremental to your health (i.e. death will soon ensue). Also, if going to the hospital after a polyacrylmide incident, refer to polyacrylmide simply as 'neurotoxin', as this will sound much more urgent to the medical staff who might not be as well informed on polyacrylmide injuries. Also, make sure to bring you MSDS sheet with you.