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thebattalion ● tuesday,
november 1, 2011
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2011 student media
Graphic by Jorge Montalvo — THE BATTALION
High-priced mice A&M lab genetically alters mice for cloning research Jessica Orwig The Battalion Located on the far west corner of campus, a 34,000 square foot facility sits amongst the squawking birds and fenced horses of the University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. However, in this facility, the Texas Institute of Genomic Medicine (TIGM) handles a notably smaller animal — the mouse. A research institute of Texas A&M’s AgriLife Research, TIGM genetically engineers a special kind of mouse — known as a “knockout mouse” — that has identical genes isolated by TIGM. These genes come from a particular genetic strain, known as Black 6, which is the most common generational line for medical and scientific research. With more than 10,000 unique, inactive genes waiting to be used, TIGM has the world’s largest library of Black 6 genes, which are preserved at a chilling -346 degrees Fahr-
enheit in freezers containing liquid nitrogen. Due in part to their unique genetic makeup, the mice within the facility’s walls are not cheap — costing as much as $5,000 apiece. While college students may not have the budget for such a pet, scientists at Texas A&M and around the world use these genetically engineered mammals for their research. “It may not sound flattering, but mice and humans are almost genetically similar,” said Benjamin Morpurgo, TIGM’s director of business and operations. “Ninety-eight percent of the genes found in mice are also found in humans.” This similarity has made mice a favorite testing model for predicting the potential effects that drugs and other medical treatments may have on humans. Moreover, Black 6 mice have been used in additional research such as understanding alcoholism and learning behavioral disabilities in humans. Depending on the type of research, scientists may not require mice with any genetically sim-
Robert Carpenter — THE BATTALION
A TIGM scientist retrieves frozen embryonic stem cells, the first generation of mice that could eventually lead to clones. ilar significance. However, for scientists who need to understand how one particular gene reacts to certain drugs, these Black 6 mice are ideal candidates. Binu Tharakan, assistant professor for the Department of Surgery in the A&M Health Science Center, uses knockout mice from TIGM to study the blood-brain barrier in mammals. Without these mice, Tharakan says he would not have a model for his study. See Mice on page 3
campus
Legett living space in demand Bill lobbies for student housing in hall Michael Dror The Battalion Rooms in residence halls are increasingly in demand for students. With the recent destruction of Crocker, McInnis and Moore Halls and at least two years remaining until the next dorm opens, there is not enough room for many students who wish to live on campus. In 2009, more than 500 potential residents were denied the opportunity of on-campus housing due to overflow. Brian McDonald, senior political science major and president
of the Residence Hall Association, hopes opening the Legett Hall basement to students will help alleviate this problem. For much of its 100-year history, residents in K.K. Legett Hall lived on four floors. Since 2001 the building’s basement has been used for office facilities, first by the Department of Residence Life and subsequently by the Women’s Studies Department. Now, with diminished availability of living spaces oncampus and additional rooms sitting just a floor away, many Legett residents are clamoring to reclaim the basement for student housing. “We will house residents in the basement as there are approximately 25 rooms,” Legett See Legett Hall on page 4
Quick facts ◗ Legett Hall is named after K.K. Legett and was constructed in 1911. ◗ The price of a dorm room per semester is $1,666. ◗ As a female residence hall, Legett houses approximately 125 students.
research
A&M professor innovates with lasers Justin Mathers The Battalion After anthrax-covered mail arrived at the offices of two senators and several major news outlets in 2001, a Texas A&M physics professor decided he needed to act. Marlan Scully, holder of the Burgess Distinguished Professor of Physics chair, is amicably known as the “quantum cowboy” by his closest colleagues because the worldrenowned researcher spent much of his childhood on ranches. Scully’s combined team of A&M and Princeton physicists created a laser device to detect levels of harmful chemicals such as anthrax and air pollutants. His creation is being touted as groundbreaking by national security agencies and environmental activists alike. Scully is regarded as a pioneer in See Lasers on page 2
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COURTESY PHOTO
Marlan Scully’s work in quantum physics can be applied to a variety of fields, from engines that power cars to personal computers.
Finding answers The Texas Institute of Genomic Medicine evaluates mouse behaviors in order to discover which genes may be involved in disorders such as autism and ADHD.
Dec. 21, 1988 - Sept. 18, 2011 Jacob Brent Hughes Jacob Brent Hughes, senior wildlife ecology and conservation major
“Jacob was the guy that kept everyone laughing. He always had a joke and was first in line to make you smile when you were having a bad day.” — Matt Weaver, Jacob’s friend
Dedicated to helping others Amber Jaura The Battalion A smile and helping hand go a long way, and those who knew Jacob Brent Hughes can tell you how far. Friends and family are forever impacted by his dedication to helping others and his natural ability to make people smile. Jacob Brent Hughes, senior wildlife ecology and conservation major, died Sept. 18 at age 22 in a car accident in College Station. Jacob was born on Dec. 21, 1988 to parents Lance and Bridget Hughes. “He was always wise beyond his years,” Bridget said. “He always made good grades, was even named academic All-American in high school. He gave 100 percent to everything he did. He had a great work ethic.” Senior animal science major Robin McNeely said she met Jacob in her organic chemistry class and, even while balancing school and work, he was always willing to lend a helping hand. “He was dedicated to his friends and his schoolwork. He worked nights at the [Dixie] Chicken when I met him, and yet was always in class early goofing off with everyone before class started,” McNeely said. “Once the professor walked in, it was business until class was over. His
Silver Taps ◗ 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in Academic Plaza ◗ Campus lights will be darkened at 10:15 p.m. ◗ At 10:30 p.m. an honor guard from the Ross Volunteer Company marches across campus from the Quadrangle to Academic Plaza, where they fire three rifle volleys to honor the memory of the passed students. Buglers from the Aggie Band then play a special arrangement of “Taps,” known as “Silver Taps.” Students are asked to approach, attend and depart the ceremony in silence.
See Hughes on page 5
11/1/11 12:38 AM