Chapter 11: Astrobiology Education, Engagement, and Resources.

Although astrobiology is a relatively new field of science, the questions it seeks to answer (e.g., "What is life?" "What does life require?") have been investigated for millennia. In recent decades, formal programs dedicated specifically to the science of astrobiology have been organized at academic, governmental, and institutional scales. Constructing educational programs around this emerging science relies on input from broad expertise and backgrounds. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this field, career pathways in astrobiology often begin in more specific fields such as astronomy, geology, or biology, and unlike many other sciences, typically involve substantial training outside one's primary discipline. The recent origin of astrobiology as a field of science has led to strong collaborations with education research in the development of astrobiology courses and offers a unique instructional laboratory for further pedagogical studies. This chapter is intended to support students, educators, and early career scientists by connecting them to materials and opportunities that the authors and colleagues have found advantageous. Annotated lists of relevant programs and resources are included as a series of appendices in the supplementary material.

beta-Carotene-mediated inhibition of a DNA adduct induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and 7-hydroxymethyl-12-methylbenz(a)anthracene in mouse mammary gland in vitro.

The influence of beta-carotene on the formation of DNA-adducts induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and 7-hydroxymethyl-12-methylbenz(a)anthracene (7-OHM-12-MBA) during transformation of mouse mammary cells in organ culture was analysed. Treatment with beta-carotene (10(-8)-10(-5) mol/l) caused inhibition (48.8-94.4%) of an adduct (VI), which was detectable in DNA samples from DMBA-treated mammary glands. Out of six adducts, derived from further analysis of DNA samples from 7-OHM-12-MBA-treated glands, adduct f eluted in the same fraction as adduct (VI), indicating these adducts were analogous. Likewise, adduct f was also inhibited by beta-carotene. Boronate chromatographic analysis revealed this particular adduct was a syn-dihydrodiol epoxide product. Adduct inhibition was detectable both at the start and after DMBA treatment. alpha-Tocopherol and canthaxanthin were ineffective in inhibiting adducts. It is reasonable to conclude that beta-carotene-mediated modification of adducts is associated with the inhibition of a syn-adduct, which is derived from further metabolism of a 7-OHM-12-MBA intermediate.

Preventive and therapeutic effects of lithium carbonate on acute radiation injury of hemopoietic system in mice.

The administration of Li2CO3 to female LACA mice for three consecutive days before or after 4Gy whole body gamma-irradiation appeared to have both preventive and therapeutic effects on radiation-induced leucopenia, especially on the depression of CFU-GM. It is effective in small dosage, short course, and even when given 24 hours after irradiation.