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In previous work, we reported that plasma membrane potential depolarization (PMPD) provokes cortical F‐actin remodeling in bovine corneal endothelial (BCE) cells in culture, which eventually leads to the appearance of intercellular gaps. In kidney epithelial cells it has been shown that PMPD determines an extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)/Rho‐dependent increase in diphosphorylated myosin light chain (ppMLC). The present study investigated the signaling pathways involved in the response of BCE cells to PMPD. Differently to renal epithelial cells, we observed that PMPD leads to a decrease in monophosphorylated MLC (pMLC) without affecting diphosphorylated MLC. Also, that the pMLC reduction is a consequence of cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) activation. In addition, we found evidence that the cAMP increase mostly depends on soluble adenylyl cyclase activity. Inhibition of this enzyme reduces the effect of PMPD on the cAMP rise, F‐actin remodeling, and pMLC decrease. No changes in phosho‐ERK were observed, although we could determine that RhoA undergoes activation. Our results suggested that active RhoA is not involved in the intercellular gap formation. Overall, the findings of this study support the view that, differently to renal epithelial cells, in BCE cells PMPD determines cytoskeletal reorganization via activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article looks at the changes to A-level specifications in Great Britain. The Edexcel Biology specification is an amalgamation of the SNAB course and the Biology course. There has been a reduction to four content units and two assessment units, one for the AS and one for A2. The specification can be delivered through concept-led and context-led topics.

The article offers information about the Ofsted inspection in Great Britain which aims to prevent students from danger. It reveals the necessary policies and procedures that schools should have including the Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults policy, Anti-Bullying and Harassment policy and procedures to deal with allegations of abuse against staffs. It looks into the significant role that science teachers could play because of their knowledge to health and safety in laboratories.

The article focuses on the discussion made by the 11-19 Committee regarding the examination load of school and colleges. Frequency of retakes and the presentation of the new specifications make it worse. Educational benefits on the modular approach includes real motivator, makes the reality of examinations a bit nearer, and a boost to confidence. It notes that schools should implement strategies to minimize the cost and disruption, while giving students the opportunities to enjoy science.

The article focuses on the new specifications for science with the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in England. It notes that the science departments were being challenged by the new specifications on how to structure their curriculum delivery. It presents two options for structuring the new specifications for students in the secondary education. It features the Trinity Catholic High School which was considered the first school to adopt the new specifications.

The article discusses the changes to A-level due to start in September 2008 and the debate over post-16 science. The 11-19 Committee of the Association for Science Education (ASE) is keen to provide a better focus for the post-16 sector and to encourage more participation in events. The changes in A-levels effect schools and colleges alike. The rest of the science curriculum in further education colleges and, and to a lesser extent, sixth form colleges faces different challenges.