Volume 1, number 1, December 1998
ISSN 1522-9858
Emanations
from the rainforest
a Cornell University undergraduate forum for biological research
Emanations from the
Rainforest
is an annual publication offering a forum for undergraduate biological
research.
Published by Cornell University
Subscription inquiries may be directed to:
Dr. Eloy Rodriguez
James A. Perkins Professor
L.H. Bailey Hortorium
462 Mann Library
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853-4301
email
er30@cornell.edu
tel. 607-254-2956
EDITORIAL STAFF:
Gustavo S. Azenha '98 (Editor-in-Chief)
Nicole R. Salgado '99 (Assistant Editor)
Eloy Rodriguez (Senior Editorial Consultant)
Francisco Guánchez (Associate Editor)
Fabian I. Michelangeli (Consulting Editor)
Roger Segelken (Consulting Editor)
Peter Fraissinet (Managing Editor)
Front cover photographs (by Natalie Emlen):
Above upper: Dr. E. Rodriguez and Cindy Salgado '99 at the laboratory at
Yutajé, Amazonas State, Venezuela
Above lower: The tepui Cerro Colmena in Amazonas State, Venezuela.
Back cover photograph (see below) (by
Francisco Guánchez):
Yutajé Camp in northern Amazonas State, Venezuela.
DEDICATION
This journal is dedicated to the following people and institutions, in recognition of their active support of biomedical and biological research and/or undergraduate research opportunities. The work of these people has enriched the scientific community and cultivated the intellects of today's aspiring scientists:
Dr. Eloy Rodriguez (Professor & MIRT-NIH Director,
Cornell University)
Dr. Harold Varmus (Director, NIH)
Dr. Rita R. Colwell (Director, NSF)
Dr. John Ruffin (OMR-NIH)
Fogarty International Institute
President Hunter Rawlings (Cornell University)
Provost Don Randel (Cornell University)
Dean Emeritus David Call (CALS, Cornell University)
Dean Daryl Lund (CALS, Cornell University)
Associate Dean Ronnie Coffman (CALS, Cornell University)
Dr. Peter Bruns (Professor & Cornell Presidential Research Scholars
Director, Cornell University)
Dr. Fabian Michelangeli (IVIC, Venezuela)
The Terramar Foundation Research Staff:
Angel Fernandez, Beatriz Fernandez, Balentina
Milano & Giovanina Vele (Venezuela)
The Park Foundation
Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas (IVIC)
Herbario Nacional de Venezuela (VEN)
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in the Sciences
(SACNAS)
Dr. William L. Crepet (Chair, Bailey Hortorium, Cornell University)
Dr. Kevin C. Nixon (Bailey Hortorium, Cornell University)
Dr. Andre Dhondt (Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University)
Dr. Manuel Aregullin (Bailey Hortorium, Cornell University)
L. H. Bailey Hortorium faculty and staff (Cornell University)
Cornell Alumni Affairs and Development Office
We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jóse Félix Raggi, the entire Raggi family, and the other employees at Campamento Yutajé for their gracious hospitality. And, of course, we would like to thank all faculty members and local collaborators, who through sharing their knowledge and wisdom have made this program a successful enterprise and an unparalleled learning experience for undergraduates (please refer to pages 1-2 for a complete list of faculty and instructors and their academic affiliations). Lastly, the MIRT groups of 1997 and 1998 wish to also dedicate Volume 1 to Ms. Esther Bondaeff and Jay and Anita Hyman, very special friends and Cornell alumni.
Contents
EDITOR'S NOTE
This is the first issue of Emanations from the Rainforest, an annual forum for undergraduate research in biology. This compendium of research articles and abstracts results primarily from research projects developed and conducted through 1997 by undergraduates at the Yutajé research site, found in the northern region of the Amazonas State, Venezuela.
The purpose of the Amazonas Yutajé biochemical research station is to explore the rich floral and faunal diversity of this previously unstudied tract of rainforest. Furthermore, researchers screen samples in an effort to identify new potential biomedicines from natural products. The ongoing studies may lead to the discovery of important new drugs for a variety of epidemics. More importantly, the research efforts at the station have implications in the spheres of biodiversity conservation and indigenous rights in the region.
In addition to the collaborative work, individuals develop and implement their own research projects with the assistance and input of the many faculty and instructors who participate in the program. The faculty represent individuals from eclectic fields of study, which allow students to explore a diverse array of research topics from mycology to anthropology to soil chemistry. The diversity of backgrounds (both academic and ethnic), provides for a unique experience in which students are exposed to a variety of personal and scientific perspectives throughout the duration of the program.
Through participating in the program students are exposed to the neotropical rainforest environment and to field and laboratory research. The program provides a special opportunity for undergraduates to apply the theoretical knowledge developed in the classroom. Students cultivate their analytical skills, while learning to appreciate the complexities of the rainforest and its conservation.
As students go on to pursue careers in research or medicine, we hope the experiences and new perspectives from this program will have profound effects on their aspirations. Indeed, many former participants have undergone personal transformations, characterized by a heightened awareness of environmental and human rights issues, that have served to reaffirm their previous career choices or lead them in new directions.
The Yutajé research site is made possible through the generous financial support of the Fogarty-Minority International Research Program (MIRT) of the NIH, Cornell University, and the Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas (IVIC). The program is conducted through a collaboration among Cornell University, IVIC, Fundacion Terramar, Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV), and Universidad Simon Bolivar (USB). The program also receives assistance from faculty affiliated with other research institutions from both the U.S and other nations. The undergraduate fellows include students primarily from Cornell University and Venezuelan institutions, who are studying biology, chemistry, ecology, biochemistry, medical anthropology and a variety of related disciplines.
We hope you enjoy the research projects and supplementary articles contained within this first issue of Emanations. If you have any further questions or comments please refer to the section "Parting Words" .
Gustavo Azenha '98