Articles for category: Animal Behavior, Biology & Genetics, Ecology

The Malayan Tapir: Evolutionary Outlier With a Panda Paint Job

The Malayan Tapir: Evolutionary Outlier With a Panda Paint Job

Trizzy Orozco

Glimpsing a Malayan tapir in the wild feels like stepping into a living paradox—an animal so ancient it seems out of place, yet so strikingly patterned you’d swear nature painted it for modern eyes. With their dramatic black-and-white coloring, these gentle giants look like pandas from afar, but up close, they reveal a story far ...

Biologist Chris Kelly

The Importance of Female Biologists in Protecting Endangered Species

Annette Uy

In the realm of biology and ecology, women have been making significant strides, contributing uniquely to the field of conservation and the protection of endangered species. Historically underrepresented, female biologists today are increasingly at the forefront of wildlife conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of countless species at risk of extinction. Their role is not just ...

Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing (ESBLs) Enterobacteriaceae bacteria: Escherichia coli.

The Hidden World of Microbes: How Bacteria Shape Our Health and Environment

Trizzy Orozco

Microbes form an invisible network of life that influences our health, environment, and even the global climate. This hidden world encompasses bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that inhabit nearly every part of our planet. Despite their microscopic size, these organisms play pivotal roles in ecosystem functions and human well-being. Let’s explore how bacteria, in ...

Tasmanian devil with its mouth open and teeth bared.

Why Tasmanian Devils Yell Like Gremlins and Eat Literally Everything

Trizzy Orozco

Picture a moonlit night in the wild forests of Tasmania. Suddenly, the silence is shattered by a blood-curdling scream—half cackle, half snarl, echoing through the trees. It sounds like a creature from a forgotten nightmare or a mischievous gremlin let loose. Yet, what’s making this chaos is very real: the Tasmanian devil. This small marsupial, ...

Close up of a DNA double helix structure

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Human Genome What We Have Learned From Next Generation Sequencing

Maria Faith Saligumba

Over the past few decades, advancements in genetic research have unlocked countless mysteries about the human genome. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), a revolutionary technology, has accelerated our understanding, leading to significant breakthroughs in medicine, biology, and biotechnology. This article explores the impact of NGS on our comprehension of the human genome, shedding light on its capabilities, ...

Scientist in protective gear working on a computer in a laboratory

How Gene Editing Can Help Combat Invasive Species

Maria Faith Saligumba

Invasive species are organisms that are introduced to an environment where they are not native, often causing significant harm to ecosystems, local economies, and even human health. These species can outcompete native wildlife for resources, alter habitats, and bring new diseases. The economic cost of managing invasive species can be staggering, reaching billions of dollars ...

Four people of different skin colour

The Role of Genetic Diversity in Preventing Extinction

Jan Otte

Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a species. This diversity arises from mutations, gene flow, and sexual reproduction, which combine to produce individuals with different genetic makeups within a population. Genetic diversity is crucial because it enables species to adapt to changing environments, resist diseases, and reduce the likelihood of extinction. This ...

Bacteria sample

Can We Grow Brains in Labs? The Ethics of Mini-Minds in Petri Dishes

Maria Faith Saligumba

Imagine peering through a microscope and seeing tiny clusters of living brain cells pulsing and connecting in a swirling dance—created not by nature, but by human hands in a laboratory. This isn’t a scene from a science fiction movie; it’s one of the most astonishing breakthroughs in modern neuroscience. Today, scientists are growing miniature brain-like ...