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THE ESSENCE OF LIFE
A young boy comes into the doctor's office presenting unusual sypmtoms. To solve his case, we'll explore which genes are most essential for human health, and which ones can survive heavy mutation.
WELCOME TO...PLEISTOCENE PARK
You probably remember the 1993 film, Jurassic Park. If not, the skinny is that a bunch of ambitious scientists use dinosaur DNA from preserved mosquitoes combined with modern reptile DNA to create your family fun dinosaur theme park (with real-life dinosaurs). It turns out this work of science fiction is a little more science and a little less fiction these days. I am not actually talking dinosaurs here, but we are now in an era where de-extinction is becoming possible. Before anyone goes all, honey, grab the flares, just STOP, collaborate and listen.
THE URCHIN’S TALE, PART 2
Sea urchins are weird, spiky, and at first glance, don’t seem all that interesting. But beneath that uncharismatic appearance is a creature that has been central to scientific discoveries? that changed the way we understand the natural world. In part 1 of the urchin’s tale, I highlighted what these unassuming critters have taught us about the processes that shape ecosystems. In part 2, I will explore their role in developing our understanding of the fundamental processes that shape us, as well as the other animals that share our world.
OCTOPUS VISION, IT’S IN THE EYE (OR SKIN) OF THE BEHOLDER
Octopus and squid are known for their sophisticated eyes, but recent studies show they may be able to sense light with their skin too.