Genetic engineering is, at best, a debatable branch of science. For some, it’s the wave of the future: a method for perfecting the human genome, discarding flaws from infants before they’re even born and ensuring they live longer, healthier lives….
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DNA fingerprinting is, typically, a science relegated to humans – or so most people would believe. Found in criminal forensics shows like CSI, Dexter, Law & Order and Bones, DNA fingerprinting is, to the popular imagination, strictly used as a…
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In today’s world, genetic engineering is almost commonplace. There are many things we use and consume that are the result of genetic engineering. We either do not know or do not really care for the most part (see the pros…
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Caenorhabditis elegans is a species of nematode, or roundworm, which grows to about 1 millimetre (less than 1/16th of an inch) long. It is one of the simplest known animals to possess a nervous system, which makes it a useful…
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As we understand genetics better the possibility of altering or engineering the genetics of ourselves or, more easily, our children, has moved out of the realm of science fiction into a real possibility. There are a number of different types…
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In 2004 the scientific community was in an uproar over a tiny skeleton discovered on the island of Flores. The skeleton, which was dubbed a “hobbit” as a sort of endearing nickname, was thought to be around 18,000 years old….
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I am a mother of four lovely girls. My younger sister (who came next to me) has two burly boys. The rest of our siblings have at least one boy and one girl in their respective broods. During family gatherings,…
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Neuroglia cells makes up most of the nervous system tissues and they outnumber neurons five to ten times. Neuroglia plays a major role in proper functioning of the nervous system. There are four main types in central nervous system and…
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In everyday life, and from a practical viewpoint, the only significant difference between a virus and a bacterium is its effect on the human body. Yet in both structure and function, these microscopic entities have little in common. For example,…
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Endogenous viruses are viruses that have integrated into the host genome (some refer to them as fossil viruses). An estimated 8 to 10 percent, if not more, of each mammalian genome consists of such retrotransposable elements. Chimp endogenous retrovirus 2,…
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