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
epigenetics
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 Reader Question: Putting the Biology in Evolutionary Biology
We've been taking a look at what an evolutionary natural history implies about God's nature, human nature, and other theological topics. Last week I addressed some of the benefits of an evolutionary perspective. I think affirming evolution doesn't mean settling for an otherwise undesirable position out of obligation to science; I believe looking at the world through an evolutionary lens is actually consistent with the narrative of scripture. At the same time, I am a biologist and this is a science column, so I'd like to … [Read more...] about Science Reader Question: Putting the Biology in Evolutionary Biology