The Portable Garden Project

After an eye-opening week spent with no electricity, a wood-burning stove, minimal showers, two sets of clothes and twelve amazing UT Dallas students, I finally decided that sustainability is an issue worth all my efforts. Perhaps the profound effect this short spring break excursion imparted to me was due to the stunning change of scenery. I went from a campus promoting the "new": new buildings, new furniture, new plates/cups each trip to buy food, etc. But living as if the world is infinite is systematically flawed. Though as a stubborn optimist I believe that new doors will be opened to better technologies, I also recognize that I have begun to cherish "things" more and more.  While this notion of buying to live is wonderful for the economy, it might also be the cause of bubble-bursts or steep, fickle sell-offs. Why not establish an economy based on high-quality, long-lasting goods instead of cheap, disposable ones? Through this new approach, more resources can be saved, opening doors for countries previously exploited.

So in an effort to be more sustainable, and to hopefully bring more students along with me, I have a 3 step plan.

1) Build a portable garden using only scavenged materials

This garden called "PGP" or "Portable Garden Project" stands to represent the connection all humans should have with their food. I want to prove that I can create a substantial garden with enough to feed myself for one meal a day for a week, without ever digging a hole, killing the school's grass or buying materials. The rules are as follows: a) I can only take materials that are not placed in their appropriate bins, b) the garden must be moved daily starting Saturday, March 29 and c) I will use cups and soil left over to distribute "adopt-a-plants" around campus for students to enjoy.

My vision is that UT Dallas students will have, at the very least, one plant each to represent their connection to nature and the food system.

2) Email an authority on sustainability each day during lent

Instead of giving up something this year, I hope to gain knowledge that everyone can benefit from. I will post all responses here.

3) Speak publically at least 3 times about hunger or sustainability

I am already speaking at UTD's TEDx event on April 13th, as well as at the Alternate Spring Break dinner on April 11th. I am looking for the third opportunity, and am sure it will arrive.

Thrown back into the spin-cycle...or am I?

These are the Chars- my host family at Mahyco

Being back in the states is nothing if not bitter sweet. The reason I haven't written in so long is that I can't completely decide how I feel- I'm elated and energized to be back at school with my friends; I'm honored that I have been elected as the dorm chair; I am a nervous wreck that I might mess it up...but most of all I am confused about how to take my summer and cherish it forever. Staying in India, working at Mahyco, and getting to know all the wonderful people there, was truly life changing- but how do I tell the world? I don't know if you have ever felt this way, but it's something like wanting to stand up on a rooftop and annouce to the population over a loudspeaker that India was the best thing that ever happened to you, yet the passersby don't offer you a passing glance- they just don't understand what they are missing!

Even more than my need convince some hunger fighter progeny to attend the World Food Prize next year, I am constantly trying to continue my work, that way I am always moving forward, building on past experiences as my momentum. In that way, I absolutely must find a way to present my work and get some help to keep learning about molecular biology, and I would be elated if that rescource could come from my school.

But for now, I am just trying to digest all the things I learned while abroad, my friends, my lab-mates...and how emensely I am missing them.

If you are reading this, I miss you all so much, and the picture you made me is hung in my dorm room!

 love,

Meow <3

 This is my roomate, along with some of our best dorm-decorating work! It has nothing to do with science, but I suppose even the most dedicated hunger fighters have to have a little fun!

Haploids, Bubble-Wrap and the Olympics

Over the past week or so, a lot has gone on here at Mahyco, mostly in the lab where as always we work sincerely but not seriously :)

This week I had the ultimate biological epiphany: not every organism has chromosomes in pairs of two. Now imagine me, sitting in front of someone that clearly knows what they are talking about, and blatantly saying, "No, that's not possible. That's not a thing."
And then Sheetal would sigh and flip over the sheet of paper, starting a third or fourth attempt at explaining what should have been an easy topic.
"Now...when you say 22 chromosomes in a set, you mean 22 pairs of chromosomes in a set."
"No, I mean 22 chromosomes make a set."
"Nahi! But chromosomes have to come in pairs or it won't even be a living thing!" I was getting really frustrated. I just assumed she was talking in theory, not in actual living things.
And this same argument carried on until finally, she said, "Only in humans! Humans have pairs of chromosomes, not plants!"
And then I had the epiphany of the decade, suddenly understanding the concept of polyploidy.
Thank you so much for putting up with me, Sheetal!


For another glimpse of what goes on here in the lab, imagine this:

In a multi-million dollar laboratory, up two flights of polished red stairs, hidden behind an elaborate security check-point system, past lines of computers, digital DNA freezers, turning right past the industry's most advanced laboratory robot, in front of two electrophoresis DNA chip-reading machines: you will find four apron-clad scientist popping a sheet of bubble wrap.

We have loads of fun here in the lab :)


The last highlight of my week is the Olympics. As I write this, we are watching the Indian archery team face off against the Japanese in the first round. It was a suspenseful match, and came down to a shoot-out after the 24-shot round was declared a tie. (won in the last stretch by the Japanese)
The coverage of the Olympics here is absolutely spectacular! They show every event, even the most unknown ones. I have found this type of coverage much more appealing, because you learn new games and find perfect strangers to cheer for until the end.
India has a good chance at gold this year in several events, and I can't wait to experience the excitement for them as the games continue.

My work here at Mahyco

Some quick updates:
We have nearly finished our initial project on Bacterial Leaf Blight in rice, and we are beginning the process once again with Sheath Blight. If you want to learn more about what I'm doing, just google search "molecular markers". Also, I sent my overview project to Ms. Fleming last week. For those of you reading this that don't specialize in molecular biology, here is that broad summary:

In the long run, we hope to identify those plants with multiple immunity QTLs so that the breeders can create a line of rice with lasting resistance to disease. It is much less likely that a pathogen can adapt to infect a plant with multiple resistance genes.

For my two month period in India, I am working in the Molecular Biology lab along side Sheetal Bhosle, my mentor and teacher. We are working to either validate previous studies on rice’s molecular markers, or to analyze genotypes based on pre-validated molecular markers. More specifically, we are focusing on analyzing Mahyco’s 34 rice genotypes for resistance genes to bacterial and sheath blight. Molecular analysis is necessary because to develop lasting resistance, a plant should have multiple different resistance genes. If a breeder were to attempt this the conventional way, there would be no way to differentiate between those plants with multiple resistance genes and those with only one.

A molecular marker is a piece of DNA sequence that is located near or on a gene that we wish to confirm in the genotype. For almost a century scientists have been tagging and arranging genes and gene-groups (known as Quantitative Trait Loci, or QTLs) that control favorable traits so that they can be identified on a molecular level, saving many generations of time for the breeder. The basic principle is this: the closer a marker is located to the gene you want within a chromosome, the higher the probability that one will not exist without the other. For example, a high-yielding plant can be tagged with two known genetic markers. In the next generation, if 1 in 100 plants have the first marker, but are no longer high yielding, while 10 of 100 plants contain the second marker but are not high yielding, we can conclude that the first marker is closer on the chromosome to the desired trait of high yield.

To begin our test across primers and genotypes, we first collected DNA samples from seeds. DNA extraction involves the crushing of the outer shell, disturbance of the cell wall, binding of the DNA to silica powder, then the use of water and ethanol to remove all polar and non polar contaminants.

Once the DNA is prepared, we can begin to test for the existence of our molecular markers that are linked with resistance to bacterial leaf or sheath blight. Each well in a 96-sample plate is given 5 micro liters of DNA. Then, a master mix including the forward and reverse primers, water a buffer, dNTP and Taq polymerase enzyme is added to each sample. The process that takes place in the PCR machine is thus: the samples are heated to denature the DNA. Next, the Taq enzyme replicated the process of DNA replication in our own cells as is facilitates the reforming of the sequence within our forward and reverse primers. In other words, as the system cools, the primers cut a segment of DNA which is then replicated. After 35 cycles, we should have 2 to the 35th copies of our desired sequence.

After the samples have completed their PCR amplification, we must test to ensure that the sequence was amplified before sending the samples to more precise equipment for analysis. To test for amplification, we place a row of randomly selected samples into an agarose gel. We place the gel in a buffer solution within a battery. DNA is negatively charged and will head one side as the cathode and anode create charged areas. Once completely diffused, the EtBr within the gel allows us to see the DNA under a black light. If it is clear that there are strands of more than 50 base pairs amplified, the PCR was successful.

For a more thorough analysis, the samples that are known to be amplified are placed in a MultiNA machine. This device works the same way as the agarose gel, but the computer can analyze the exact concentration of each specific base pair length within the sample. Though time consuming, we can use MultiNA results to confirm the existence of our desired marker and whether or not it was polymorphic.

The Vedic Expo

Here is the first in a series of short stories from my trip here in India...hope you enjoy! (Everything in these tidbits is 100% true story)

     As I watched the red sandstone and white marble spires appear over the horizon, I couldn't help but think: How many different famous temples can there possibly be in this city!? But, as with everything in Delhi, this one was nothing like I expected. We drove over a cobblestone hill, though the stones had been almost buried in sand due to lack of monsoon rains. As I gathered my things, I had a "conversation" with the driver- as I stepped out of the vehicle, I prayed that had understood my instructions. I would be back soon; this looked like a fairly simple landmark. One quick lap, some pictures, then finished and on my way to lunch…or so I predicted. I popped my scarf over my sweaty forehead and was off, kurti flopping in the dusty wind. After clambering about the temple to Krishna, I wondered why the driver had suggested several hours for this stop- it seemed entirely straightforward. I descended into the air-conditioned building below the temple, and attempted to blend in- needless to say, an American girl in Indian clothes, a headscarf and sunglasses receives the same number, if not more blank stares from others around her. I met the first glares with smiles, but after some time, I quietly made my way out. Clearly, tourists don't frequent this particular Hindu temple. On the way back up the slope, I noticed a neon poster with "Vedic Expo" splashed across in neat print. Elated at the chance to see some authentic Indian artwork, I veered into what would become one of the scariest, and later, most hilarious experiences of my trip. Ticket in hand, I was directed to the waiting area. In the distance, I could hear the guides arguing over whose English was best; he should be the for my tour. I could hear the whole conversation because, not only was I the only American at the entire monument…I was the only person at all inside the expo. Seconds later a man that looked to be in his forties, about my height and with an expression of indifference called me to a huge metal door: the start of the show. The door pushed sideways and disappeared into the wall to reveal nothing but shear blackness. I turned to my guide, wondering what the problem was. Had the power gone out? He responded by shining a flashlight into the emptiness. "Stand in the light," he directed.

Mouth agape, I must have appeared to be the stereotypical tourist of the decade. Stepping away, I stammered, "Why?"
He responded bluntly, "The show ma'am. Stand there, back to the wall."
Needless to say, I was not appeased by this answer. I stood there, helpless and confused. I was not about to enter a pitch-black room with a middle-aged man and stand with the door closed behind us. No-sir-ee-bob. My grandmother's voice rang in my head, "stay away from perverts…" (our family joke, which, in this case, took on a more serious tone) I looked, dumbfounded, back at the tour guide, and he burst into laughter. At his point, I am about to just leave in panic when I turn and notice the judgmental glares from the other employees. At this, I steeled my nerve and descended into the room, right where his flashlight indicated. Th guide shut the door and we were both engulfed in complete darkness.
To my surprise, he knelt down and pressed a button, bringing the whole room ablaze with light and color. I suddenly felt the weight of how stupid my fears were…although my expression in the sudden glow was enough to make the guide roar with laughter.
I breathed a sigh of relief as the lights danced in front of me, illuminating carved faces of krishna. The god's voice bounced off the walls and left no space untouched. I was annoyed to find that when the show was complete, the guide walked past me and opened a second door into darkness. Being relieved but still understandably anxious, I had already turned to escape from whence we came. The guide, however, motioned for me to follow, continuing deeper into what seemed like "Vedic spelunking".
Despite all its strangeness, the various rooms with their respective light shows were incredibly educational; topics ranged from the soul to karma to yoga and even reincarnation. The final stop was by far, the most "interesting": a metaphor for krishna's guiding hand within a "maze of confusion." Th tour had been moving along systematically until this final test against confusion…and my patience. 
Inside the final exhibit was a figure 8 of mirrors, complete with hexagonal-cylinders of mirrors filling in the loops. Inside these columns were two huge TV sets. The lights shown a dim gold and the screens displayed a simple PowerPoint slide of "Hare Hare Krishna Krishna". An inescapable loop of a men's choir singing these lines blasted throughout the room. I walked through the loop to find my guide, and I looked at him expectantly. He simply waited, appearing to me as if he wasn't going anywhere. After a few seconds of this staring stand-off, he signed for me to follow him round the figure 8. After some laps, we again reached the start, when he finally sighed and said, "You're supposed to become lost." I stood there, annoyed.
"I'm not lost. This is enough; I get the point."
I surveyed the small chamber and fixed my eyes longingly on the poorly-disguised door behind the guide. "There is no way out!" he said, following my gaze.
Frustrated, I ambled around once more, putting on the most ridiculous act of confusion: turning circles, seemingly awestruck at the complexity that was this bedroom-sized puzzle.
Pleased with my show, and himself apparently, he opened the door at last, washing us both in bright light from the lobby. He reached to shake my hand, but I pretended that I didn't see. Speeding out the door and leaving my water bottle behind, I never looked back. I met the driver at our pre-planned spot and we zipped away toward my next destination.


Delhi was a wonderful experience, but I just don't think my trip would have been complete without this strange event. So, I recommend that anyone in India see the Vedic expo...just make sure to bring a friend, and know what you're getting into!

Q&A in a Mahyco Lab

Throughout my stay, I have encountered several interesting questions, most of them catching me off guard. I thought I would share some of these moments with everyone!


Q: Are you getting?
A: Ummm...yeah. Yeah, I get it...
*This dialogue happens no less than ten times each day as I try and grasp new concepts in the lab, but by now everyone can tell whenever I am just trying to be polite or if I actually understand what they are telling me.


Q: Why is Plasmid DNA round?
A: Because...well...in a cell, umm well...( and then everyone proceeded to search high and low for the answer to his question, until...) "Wrong! Plasmid DNA is round because you separate it in a centrifuge and as it goes round and round and round, it becomes round!" (This answer was followed by angry sighs by the scientists working to solve the mystery)


Q: Can you put that sample in the freezer so it will unfreeze?
A: Sure...wait...What?
*So before we can do any work with the sample trays, we have to take them out of a -20 C freezer, and place them in a refrigerator so they will thaw, but this wasn't completely clear at first.


Q: Do you want a mango?
A: YES YES YES!!


Q: Would you rather the milk be hot or warm?
A: Well...I guess if it's got to be either of those, I want it hot...
*This happened this morning at breakfast as I took my first sip of milk and nearly gagged: it was warm. In order to explain my facial expression, I let my host know that I wasn't used to warm milk. He responded by asking if I prefer it hot.


Q: What college to you go to?
A: Contrary to what everyone seems to think, I don't go to college yet...


Q: What are you majoring in?
A: Well I am not ready to pick that yet! In America we still have several more years to choose.
*In India, you must pick your specialization at the age of 16.


Q: What is "I don't want to work" in French?
A: Je ne veux pas travailler.
*Then the person I was teaching proceeded to turn around and tell her boss.


Q: Who is your favorite cricket player?
A: I have honestly never seen a game of cricket...it's like baseball, right?
*Shocked gasps from everyone in the room...


Q: Do you want some fennel seeds
A: NOOOOO....thank you.
*If you had ever had these, they are pungent and bitter. I had no idea what they tasted like the first time I was offered them, so naturally I took a table spoon of them and put them in my mouth...I couldn't breathe for several minutes the flavor was so strong.


Q: Do you want to learn Nautilus?
A: Umm...not really.
*Nautilus is the software that archives the data collected in the lab, and all the scientists are required to go to one hour of training every other day. Much to my surprise, I was invited to join, but knowing my own technological weaknesses (computers hate me), I respectfully declined.


Q: What time should we actually arrive to the office?
A: Around 9:15 in the morning, and around 2:00 after lunch.
*Work starts at 9:00 and lunch in over at 1:30.

Work sincerely, not seriously!

I love working in the lab here at Mahyco. The workers there are so sweet and inviting, and they are willing to answer all of my questions. I have learned so much in just one week that I’m having to write it all down each day so I don’t lose the information. Sheetal, my supervisor/teacher likes the motto “work sincerely, not seriously.” This perfectly frames the atmosphere here as everyone takes time to tell jokes and make others a “bukra”. The ultimate goal is the same for everyone: by using genetic markers and laboratory tools, Mahyco wants to make creating ideal varieties faster for breeders and growers, but their vision is to feed the world.

Yesterday we took a trip to Aurangabad...separate trips that is. I experienced what it’s like to a) be in a car on Indian roads-- let’s just say law and order would not describe it and b) to be driven by a hired driver somewhere. Because, according to him, I knew “tora tora” Hindi, our drive was quiet except for his cell phone calls and some Hindi hits playing on the radio. The highlight of the journey was realizing the corny musical numbers advertising radio stations are the same here as in America--complete with back-up singers and bee-bopping music.

Once in the city, I met my first group of American students, also living on the Mahyco campus, but working with the eye hospital elsewhere. It was loads of fun having a large dinner party and touring their guest houses afterwards. To top off the night, we carries umbrellas and enjoyed the gorgeous weather.

Tomorrow, I am moving across the street into another house for a month or so, because there are two girls around my age that are going to be home. I have loved my time with the Char family, and I look forward to spending another couple weeks with them near the end of my trip.

As for the creepy-crawlies, there seems to be a bandicoot living in the pipes in one of the houses down the street. That’s why all the drains are covered in rocks-- it keeps anything from setting up shop in the pipes. Also, some of the students want to see some cobras, which live on the jogging trail, so maybe we will go on an expedition soon!