Science Archives

Why the Modern Space Race Is More Relevant Than Ever

Is the modern space race still happening? Why is it so relevant in 2022? What does the future hold for space travel? Existing space programs have produced marvels from GPS to water purifiers to the robotic arms that perform brain surgery. The modern space race promises even more, including a network of satellites to monitor climate change and maybe even the ability to generate solar power in space to be used on Earth. Keep reading to find out why the modern space race has the potential to change how you live on Earth.

Thomas Hunt Morgan’s Contribution to Genetics

What is Thomas Hunt Morgan famous for? How did Morgan’s discovery advance our understanding of heredity? Thomas Hunt Morgan (1866 -1945) was an American zoologist and geneticist. He is most known for his experimental research with the fruit flies by which he made two crucial discoveries about genes. Specifically, he discovered the phenomena of genetic linkage and crossing over. Keep reading to learn about Thomas Hunt Morgan’s contribution to genetics.

The Genetics of Race: Is There a Biological Basis?

Is there any biological basis for the existence of race? How much genetic variation is there between different races? Race is a social construct rather than a biological reality: There is very little basis for differentiating between races in genetics. Genetically speaking, humans are incredibly similar, sharing approximately 99.9% of their genetic code, regardless of race. Learn about the genetics of race and why it doesn’t exist in a biological sense.

Germline Editing: Legal Status and Ethical Implications

What is germline editing? What are the ethical implications of using germline cells for gene therapy? Germline editing is a method of modifying one’s genome in such a way that the changes are passed down to all the subsequent generations. Currently, germline editing is illegal because of ethical concerns. Keep reading to learn about the implications of germline editing.

Siddhartha Mukherjee: Tracing the History of Genetics

How long have we been studying genetics? What were the most significant events in the history of the field? The word “gene” was coined by Danish botanist Wilhelm Johannsen in 1909. However, crucial strides in the field of genetics had been made before that term even existed. Keep reading to learn about the scientists that laid the groundwork for the study of genetics.

How to Study for STEM Courses & Exams

Are you a STEM student? How should you study for STEM courses? Studying for STEM courses is much different than humanities courses. In How to Become a Straight-A Student, Cal Newport explains how you should go about preparing for your STEM tests. Here’s how to ace your STEM tests so you can pass the class.

Siddhartha Mukherjee: The Future of Gene Therapy

Can gene therapy cure any disease? How far are we from a future where gene therapy is mainstream? Scientists have already begun to explore the possibilities of gene manipulation with new technologies like stem cell research. However, progress is slow due to ethical and legal concerns, especially when it comes to modifying human genes. Keep reading to learn about the future of gene therapy.

How Francis Galton’s Eugenics Inspired the Holocaust

Who first formulated eugenics? How did Galton’s ideas inspire the Holocaust? Francis Galton coined the term “eugenics” in 1883. Put simply, eugenics meant strategic breeding with the goal of producing a superior human race by weeding out undesirable traits. Galton’s ideas were deeply immoral from the start, but they didn’t reach their terrifying conclusion decades later when Hitler came to power. Here’s how Francis Galton’s eugenics has led to the extermination of 11 million people.

Environment and Genetics: Understanding the Connection

What roles do genes play in behavior? Is your personality largely the product of your genes or your environment? Our genes contain the blueprints for our bodies. Therefore, in a very real sense, our genes determine who we are. Each of us has crucial elements of who we’ll become encoded in our DNA. However, genes only tell a small part of the story because your environment can influence how genes are expressed. Keep reading to learn about the interplay between environment and genetics.

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.