Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I need some help determining which of these two projects would be the best in terms of doing well and just creating an interesting and beneficial project. I am in the process of choosing between comparing animal behavior in the wild to that of animals that are raised for example, in the San Diego Zoo (Nature vs Nurture). The second project would be on H5N1, doing a DNA or amino acid sequence analysis. I would find out which influenza proteins are involved in binding to and penetrating cells, which are most involved in the host's immune response and, for example, see if there are sequence hotspots that change to overcome immunityand can compare different strains, different families. This could include molecular modelling of 3D structures. Please let me know if you have any advice. Thanks!!

Aito:

Influenza viruses are not to be taken lightly. Do dou have the proper laboratory facilities and safeguards to handle infectious matrials? If not I would suggest the animal study.

Matt Mulanax

Here are some things for you to consider while choosing between projects:

1. "Animal behavior" is very broad. You will need to decide exactly what animal you want to observe, and the specific behavior you want to study. For example, you might look at food choices or a certain type of bird call.

2. The main problem with comparing raised and wild animals is the wild animals part. You may find it difficult to consistently find and observe wild animals, especially since they are very shy of humans. Also, it would be more difficult to compare habits or preferences of individuals in the wild than in a zoo.

3. I looked at your previous post on H5N1, so I assume that that project would be done electronically, for the most part. I suggest you explore the database link so you know what is available on it and where you can find things. Be aware that this project will require a lot of "digging" to find the specific proteins you are looking for.

4. Think about what you are interested in. You have two very different project ideas. Do you like being around nature or computers best? Asking yourself questions like this may help you eliminate possibilities.

5. I also suggest developing both ideas a little bit more (for instance, narrowing the topic on animal behavior) and deciding generally how you would go about answering each question. You may find that one has a more do-able method than the other.

Good luck!
Sonia

I would suggest you do your project on the animal study. It seems as if the H5N1 is a popular subject right now, so the nature vs. nurture project might be more original.

-Cindy

Dear aito

I think that the comparing of animal behavior is better off. The latter project involving influenza requires either an actual laboratory facility or tons of research. Working in a laboratory would be great, but you would need to know exactly what you are doing, along with the necessity of adult supervision. Simply researching wouldn't be much of an actual science project either.

aznnerd666

The sequence analysis study would not require any lab work. It would be a computational biology project done entirely in silico rather than in vivo or in vitro. It would require significantly more studying and computer competence, though.

If you are in the San Diego area, you should definitely visit the UCSD biomedical libraries a few times, they will have a lot of good material for you to look through and focus your project.