Tag: "evolution"
Charles in Charge! Darwin Around the Bay Area
As I mentioned in a previous post, February 12th marks the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin and the 150th anniversary of the publication of the "Origin of Species".
All across the world, scientists are leading a month long celebration of the man & his science, widely seen as the public hero of science & science education.
Post on Feb 05, 2009 by Kishore Hari
Traveling DNA
A billion years ago or so, mitochondria were free living bacteria. Then our ancestors hijacked them and now they do our bidding. And mitochondria aren't the only cells that got hijacked.
Post on Jan 08, 2009 by Dr. Barry Starr
Surviving Chromosomal Rearrangements
Last blog I talked about the Transcaucasian mole vole. This little burrowing mammal has lost its Y chromosome over time. Now both males and females have only a single X. I focused on how scientists can't yet figure out how there are any male mole voles running around. This week, I want to focus on what this means from an evolutionary perspective.
Post on Jul 21, 2008 by Dr. Barry Starr
Fish and SNPs: What fish are teaching us about human skin color
These fish can tell us a lot about ourselves. Species often end up a different color when their environment changes. And humans are no exception. When people moved out of Africa tens of thousands of years ago, they were dark-skinned. Now when we look around Northern Europe or parts of Asia, we see much lighter [...]
Post on Apr 28, 2008 by Dr. Barry Starr
Explosive hypothesis about humans' lack of genetic diversity
Genetically, we're all pretty much the same. A massive volcanic eruption 75,000 years ago may be why. Lake Toba is all that is left of the volcano that nearly wiped out mankind.Last blog I talked about how East Africans are genetically more diverse than Asians. Who are genetically more diverse than Native Americans. From all [...]
Post on Mar 17, 2008 by Dr. Barry Starr
Wired for wireless: the genetics of text messaging
I love my cell phone. We have a serious relationship. One that may be biologically predetermined. Let me explain. On New Year's Eve I brought my phone with me to San Francisco's Ocean Beach, where I traditionally go, rain or shine, to watch the year's last sunset. I was by myself, but I wasn't alone. [...]
Post on Jan 10, 2008 by Robin Marks
Science v. Pseudoscience On Trial
NOVA commemorates the historical evolution trial of 2005. Credit: NOVAIf you tune in or point your web browser to PBS this week, you'll see a whole bunch about evolution. It's not Charles Darwin's birthday, but it's a celebration that may one day carry much more significance: it's the two year anniversary of the Kitzmiller vs. [...]
Post on Nov 16, 2007 by Nick Pyenson
