I don't know about you, but viruses have been on my mind a lot lately. One virus in particular, SARS-CoV-2 (a.k.a. COVID-19), continues to hold my attention way more than I would like it to. However, viruses are pretty amazing, and I learned to appreciate them when I read Carl Zimmer's book, A Planet of Viruses. Like everything I have read by Carl Zimmer, who writes a weekly science column for The New York Times, this short book is a fun read, and it doesn't require a background in biology, or any other science, to … [Read more...] about Science Corner: A Planet of Viruses Book Review & Virus Appreciation
Science Corner: More than Three Chromosomes in a Trench Coat Part 4
When I was a master's student in the Entomology department at Penn State, there was one professor who, at the end of every research talk given by a seminar speaker or job candidate, would ask "So what? Why should I care?" He had a deep booming voice, and we all squirmed in our seats while we waited for the speaker to come up with an answer that would explain the broader significance of the research topic they had just finished talking about. I have to say, though, that Dr. Cameron's question has stuck with me through my … [Read more...] about Science Corner: More than Three Chromosomes in a Trench Coat Part 4
Science Corner: More than Three Chromosomes in a Trench Coat Part 3
In the last installment of Three Chromosomes in a Trench Coat, we learned about gene expression and epigenetics. This episode takes a look at how changes in gene expression can drastically change the phenotype of an organism and help it survive in a changing environment (Spoiler alert -- at the root they are the same processes). In many cases changing the expression of a few genes allows organisms to adapt to a change in the environment. For example, when the environment gets hotter, an insect (clam, spider, anemone, … [Read more...] about Science Corner: More than Three Chromosomes in a Trench Coat Part 3
Science Corner: More than Three Chromosomes in a Trench Coat Part 2
In the previous post, Three Chromosomes in a Trench Coat, we learned that 1) a phenotype is the observable characteristics of an organism, 2) the phenotype is the result of interactions between the genome and the environment, and 3) the phenotype is not just the appearance of the organism but also includes where the organism is able to live. I also discussed why I think understanding about phenotypes is interesting and important. In this installment we will take a look at some of the nitty-gritty mechanics involved in … [Read more...] about Science Corner: More than Three Chromosomes in a Trench Coat Part 2
Science Corner: More than Three Chromosomes in a Trench Coat
As promised, bugologist Julie Reynolds has blessed us with a guest post this week, the first in a four-part series on how our biology is more than just our genes. Or, as she so colorfully puts it, we are more than just a few chromosomes in a trench coat, no matter how charming an image that may be. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I did, and then come back next week for part two. -Andy … [Read more...] about Science Corner: More than Three Chromosomes in a Trench Coat