The Human Genome Project: Sequencing the Human Genome

The Human Genome Project: Sequencing the Human Genome

Why did scientists embark on the 13-year-long undertaking of sequencing the human genome? How has the Human Genome Project advanced our knowledge of genetics? Thanks to the Human Genome Project, we know where every gene is, what it codes for, and how. Despite this knowledge, however, we still understand very little about how all these different genes coordinate and cooperate to build and maintain our bodies. Here’s how the Human Genome Project paved the way for genetics research.

Debunking the Myth: Procrastination Is Not Laziness

Debunking the Myth: Procrastination Is Not Laziness

Does procrastination result from laziness? What is the real reason we tend to procrastinate on important tasks? Traditionally, we tend to think that procrastination results from laziness. In this view, procrastination in itself is the fundamental problem: It results from a failure of motivation or willpower, and the solution is to try harder and be more disciplined. This is simply not true. Here’s why procrastination is not laziness, according to Neil Fiore.

Unraveling Common Biases in Decision-Making

Three Keys to Making Better Decisions in Life

Why do we make bad decisions? What are some ways you can mitigate biases in decision-making? Life is full of big decisions, but hard-to-detect flaws in our thinking often prevent us from making good choices. According to Dan and Chip Heath, we can make better decisions if we follow a process that pushes us to overcome our decision-making biases and illogical ways of thinking. Let’s examine how illogical ways of thinking weaken our decision-making.

The Applications of DNA Sequencing in Medicine

The Applications of DNA Sequencing in Medicine

What is DNA sequencing? What is DNA sequencing used for in modern medicine? DNA sequencing makes it possible to extract the genetic information that is carried within a DNA molecule or even a whole genome. Nowadays, gene sequencing technology allows doctors and researchers to find and diagnose genetic diseases.  Keep reading to learn about the current applications of DNA sequencing in medicine.

End-of-Life Decisions: How Would You Like to Meet Your End?

End-of-Life Decisions: How Would You Like to Meet Your End?

What matters most at the end of life? How can end-of-life institutions help their patients prepare to die with dignity and peace? The dying should have the chance to wrap up their affairs, share their deepest thoughts, encourage their loved ones, and establish their legacies. However, modern-day end-of-life institutions tend to deprive their patients of the opportunity to decide how they want to spend their final days. Here’s why we should make our end-of-life decisions before they are made for us.

How to Overcome the Status Quo Bias in Decision-Making

How to Overcome the Status Quo Bias in Decision-Making

Why are people inclined to make decisions that perpetuate their status quo? What are some ways to mitigate the status quo bias in decision-making? When it’s time to finally make a choice, our bias toward the status quo kicks in and weakens our judgment. According to Chip and Dan Heath, tough decisions elicit intense emotions. These emotions cause us to seek relief in what’s familiar. Thus, we make decisions that resist change, even if change is what we need. Here’s how to push against the status quo bias in decision-making.

Procrastination and Anxiety: What’s the Link?

Procrastination and Anxiety: What’s the Link?

Is procrastination the result of laziness or anxiety? How does anxiety drive procrastination? Procrastination isn’t caused by laziness and can’t be fixed by trying harder. Instead, procrastination is a symptom of the fear and anxiety we sometimes feel about our work—and to solve it, you have to address those underlying emotional struggles. Here are some tips on how to deal with procrastination and anxiety.

Atul Gawande: How to Help the Dying in Their Final Days

Atul Gawande: How to Help the Dying in Their Final Days

What’s most important to people who are close to death? How can we infuse the final days of the dying with meaning and dignity? According to Atul Gawande, the author of Being Mortal, we can improve our care for the dying by giving them autonomy, or the ability to direct their lives as they wish. This freedom is crucial for those facing death, as it allows them to live according to their values and retain meaning in spite of limitations.  Here’s how to help the dying retain their autonomy so they can die with peace and dignity.

How Does DNA Store Genetic Information?

The 2 Primary Biological Causes of Depression

How does DNA store genetic information? How do genes direct the production of proteins that make up the structure of our bodies? DNA contains instructions for building proteins that make up just about everything in your body. Specifically, genetic information in DNA is stored as a code made up of four base chemicals called nucleotides. Here’s how DNA molecules encode biological information.