Much of the science news these days remains focused on US policy developments, funding changes, and significant shifts in messaging. There is certainly more than enough to fill another blog post. At the same time, I'm not sure I have anything new to say. I remain in favor of funding basic research, both to learn about the world and as a good investment in the future. I remain in favor of supporting public health programs here and abroad that reduce human suffering from various communicable diseases and other ailments. … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Grandmother, What Grey Fur You Have
CRISPR
Science Corner: A Timely Nobel in Chemistry
Last week we looked at the Nobel Prize for the discovery of the hepatitis C virus; there was some interest in also discussing the chemistry prize announced shortly before that post went up. That prize was shared by Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna for their contributions to developing the genetic engineering pathway based on CRISPR and Cas9. The system uses small RNA molecules to target DNA with complementary sequence for modification, allowing researchers to make specific modifications to just about any part … [Read more...] about Science Corner: A Timely Nobel in Chemistry
Science Corner: The Future, Fast and Slow
"The future is already here--it's just not very evenly distributed." That quote from William Gibson is usually referenced to discuss how new technologies are adopted. Yet it struck me today as an apt way to think about the Christmas story. When Jesus was born as the Son of God incarnate, the future arrived in a very tangible way. We no longer needed to await the arrival of the Messiah; he was here bringing hope for a new creation. Now our season of advent looks ahead to his return and a time when that new creation will … [Read more...] about Science Corner: The Future, Fast and Slow
Science Corner: A Bumper Crop of Science
Some weeks it can be tricky to find a way into the science news that might be of interest to those outside the specific community of investigation. But not this week. Climate change, major space missions, and human bioengineering command our attention, and all three were in the headlines in the past four days. So let's take a quick survey of all three. … [Read more...] about Science Corner: A Bumper Crop of Science
Science in Review: Pleistocene Park
Earlier this month, we looked at some man-made extensions to the bacterial genetic code. If that story got you worried about Dr. Frankenstein, you're going to love last week's announcement. Harvard biologists believe that within two years they will be able to create a woolly mammoth-African elephant hybrid embryo. Bringing back the mammoth is part of a larger program of "de-extinction" to explore the possibility of bringing back various extinct species, at least some of which we humans are responsible for eliminating. … [Read more...] about Science in Review: Pleistocene Park