Darya Sinusoid, Author at Shortform Books

Beating the Procrastination Habit With Positive Self-Talk

Are you a chronic procrastinator? How does anxiety feed your procrastination habit by making you dread work? According to Neil Fiore, the author of The Now Habit, procrastination results from anxiety about work. Once we procrastinate, we typically feel bad and tell ourselves we’re lazy. That negative self-talk creates more anxiety, which, in turn, only makes it harder to get back to work by creating even more pressure. Here’s how to beat your procrastination habit with positive self-talk.

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.

The Problem With Modern Palliative Care Approaches

What is the problem with the modern approach to end-of-life care? Why do modern end-of-life care institutions fail to deliver what’s expected of them? The modern approach to end-of-life care relies on hospice and medical organizations. However, most end-of-life care institutions fail to provide patients with adequate autonomy and a sense of belonging. Here’s why modern palliative care approaches are at odds with the things that add value at the end of life.

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.

3 Tips to Stay Focused and Keep Distractions at Bay

Do you find it difficult to resist distractions and get your mind to focus on the task at hand? What is the secret to sustained focus? When your mind is scattered, getting it to focus might seem like a tall order. According to Neil Fiore, the author of The Now Habit, the first step to getting into the zone of sustained focus is to get into a flow state. Here are three tips to stay focused and keep distractions at bay.

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 Make the Right Decision You’ll Never Regret

How do we make decisions? Have you ever made a decision that felt right at the time, but that caused you deep regret down the road? When making decisions, we usually commit to one choice and hope for the best. These steps aren’t a problem in themselves. The problem is that we passively follow the chosen path, even if there are clear signs it’s leading us astray. Here’s how to make the right decision you’ll never regret.

Why We Shouldn’t Shy Away From Talking About Death

Why is death such a taboo topic? How does talking about dying help us make peace with our mortality? According to Atul Gawande, we can greatly improve our experience of mortality by talking about death more openly. We tend to avoid these conversations, but that leaves us ill-prepared to deal with the challenges aging and dying present. Here’s why we shouldn’t shy away from talking about death, according to Atul Gawande.

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.