If you’ve taken a biology class, you’ve probably heard that “the mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell.” That phrase is etched into the memories of millions of schoolchildren. Still, their notoriety is well deserved; these little powerhouses sparked one of the most fundamental events in evolutionary history: the development of the eukaryotic cell. There […]
Mitochondria: The powerhouse of … life as we know it? Read More »
Of all species living in marine environments on Earth, the relatively inconspicuous starfish may appear to live a simple existence on the seafloor. However, these organisms demonstrate striking abilities to perceive their environment, one of many characteristics that has led to their success as a species. This success is evident in their diversity — there
Sensing the sea: Researching the adaptations of starfish Read More »
Mainstream media can’t seem to get enough of classic true crime. New shows constantly attempt to showcase crime from a unique angle in order to keep audiences engaged: how can they make their show original and compelling in comparison to countless others? Some networks turn to highlighting a subspecialty of crime that hasn’t historically been
Fifth grade science class taught us that chimpanzees are our closest living relatives, but what about other closely-related species who are no longer living? Through millions of years of evolution, Homo sapiens has come to dominate Earth as the only surviving hominid species. However, this wasn’t always the case, and our presence as the dominant
Weathering any storm: What it means to be human Read More »
Can microbes form memories? Earlier this year, researchers at the University of California San Diego demonstrated that, yes, certain bacteria can remember complex patterns. After exposing a biofilm of Bacillus subtilis to blue light stimulation, researchers observed intermembrane potassium ion channels change shape. This change caused potassium ions to be released from the cell, leaving
Microbe memory: How biofilms can store information Read More »
For hundreds of years, music has provided humans with a means to enjoy themselves and reduce their stress. Whether it is the serenading melodies of jazz or the flashy beats of hip-hop, music has provided people with a type of natural mood enhancer. Recently, medical research has suggested that music can significantly help people with
Music as a form of treatment for Alzheimer’s patients Read More »
All cells come from pre-existing ones, an important aspect of cell theory that is universally accepted by biologists today. But where did that first cell come from? By what process did the first cells appear, and how do they differ from cells now? Understanding these ancient life forms on Earth will inform researchers where else
One thing science does very well is teach us how little control we have over the universe — this includes our own thoughts and behaviors. We might be the masters of our fates, but we cannot change the machinery in our bodies that has been meticulously designed over thousands of generations of Homo sapiens. When
Can you be genetically predisposed to speak a certain language? Read More »
Arabian horses are often considered the most beautiful horse in the world, distinguished by their dish-shaped face, large eyes, and high tail. They originated in the Middle East over 2,000 years ago, and they are capable of enduring heat and traveling long distances. Whether by accident or by strategic breeding, many European horses contain traces
Genes across continents: Investigating genetic diversity in Arabian horses Read More »