The Drosophila fruit fly revolutionized the study of genetics early in the twentieth century when it allowed biologists to conduct multi-generation experiments into heredity and genetic change. At the same time, however, it is important to bear in mind not…
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In the timeless classic, “Forbidden Planet,” the brilliant scientist Morbius reveals a stunning secret to the senior officers of a ship that’s arrived to recue him—the technological wonders built by an extinct race of advanced alien beings: “Prepare your minds…
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Genes might influence the choice of friends people make. Recent research shows that people who are closely connected in social networks share certain genetic markers while carriers of other genes will tend to stay apart more often. Psychologists who study…
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At the rate at which science understands everything from stem cells to cloning, it would be a matter of time in which human cloning is a scientific possibility which implementation will be mired in political and religious contention. Therefore, we…
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In his 1959 Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection, Charles Darwin methodically introduced the world to the notion of biological evolution. The response from the religious community was one of zealous reactionary fervor and 150 years later still…
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Long gone are the days in which the great Woolly Mammoth tramped upon the edge of the Earth, yet a new discovery in the labs of a university in Japan generates hope that those days will witness a come-back. About…
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A recent article by David Derbyshire, in the Daily Mail, claims that a new genetic study shows humans and orangutans share 97% of the same DNA. This is true, but the statement does not carry the significance that it appears to have at…
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The fruit fly might seem like a mild annoyance to the everyday person, yet its contribution to science is legendary. For many decades, it has been vital in studying genetics and has provided powerful breakthroughs during the birth of this…
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It appears that the saying “well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle” may actually be based on some level of scientific fact after all. A recent study of the red haired apes shows that orangutans share 97% of their DNA with…
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One of the most researched genomes in the world is that of the Drosophila fruit fly. This species is also known as the common fruit fly or vinegar fly. There are a number of reasons this is so useful including…
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