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Nature vs. Nurture is a long-running debate in the social sciences. While human genetics is an important part of the story, recent scientific developments suggest that the way genes actually work can be critically shaped by the environment in which one lives. Dr. Nessa Carey and Dr. Guy Sutton explore the ways epigenetics gives a new and exciting dimension to the debate.
(Source: DCMP)
Genes, those traits passed down to us by our parents, are the things that make each of us different from the others. This question-answer format covers basic information about genes, chromosomes, cell division, dominant and recessive genes, and fertilization. Illustrates Mendel's rules of heredity. Covers advances in the fields of DNA, genetic engineering, and gene therapy. Reviews major points.
No organism lives forever. The length of time animals and humans live is influenced by their genes. Scientists have made astonishing discoveries concerning the role of genetics in determining life span, and this holds promise of extending the lives of animals and humans. Explains genetics, DNA, and genetic theories of aging. Illustrates the genetic processes behind cellular aging, and shows how genes affect life span. Discover the reasons why cells age and why a certain enzyme can effectively turn back the hands of our "biological clock."
Investigates the reasons why cattle and humans have been linked together for over 30,000 years. Analyzes the anatomy of the cow's stomach, detailing the purpose of each chamber. Visit the Masai with their cattle herds and the sacred cows of India. Introduces the main cattle breed of the 800 breeds developed in England, explaining how artificial selection is used to produce desirable characteristics. Also introduces British dairy cow detailing the working of the udder and teats and the use of genetic engineering to increase milk production. Interviews Eric Schlosser, an author about the development of slaughterhouse methods in America. Also visits a family ranch where cattle are being raised in natural conditions under a grass management system.
New scientific evidence suggests that some wolves evolved into dogs by domesticating themselves, and not by humans taming them. Features evidence that dogs have traveled and been buried with humans since prehistory, adapting to every climate and evolving into many subspecies or types of the same dog species. Human cultures might not have evolved as they did without the help of the dog, our most cherished and probably first domestic animal companion.
How does eye color work? Get ready for a long look deep into the genetics and physics of eye color. Part of the "It's Okay to Be Smart" series.
Students at UC Davis are working to create high-tech tools to help make agriculture more precise. Some areas of research focus on plant genetics and biotechnology. Also in this episode, an organic farmer and a plant geneticist discuss the goals of sustainable farming. Part of the "9 Billion Mouths to Feed: The Future of Farming" series.
In biology, a chimera is a single organism whose body is made from parts of two or more genetically distinct individuals of the same species. Biological chimeras were once thought to be rare, but modern genetics has shown that these genetic mashups are more common than previously thought. Part of the "It's Okay to Be Smart" series. Please note this title discusses human reproduction.
David Ray never turns his back on his research, and with good reason. Ray and his team study alligators, crocodiles, and bats. With support from the National Science Foundation, this multidisciplinary team from several universities is mapping crocodile and alligator genomes. Reptiles resembling these have existed for around 80 million years and they are among the first reptiles to have their DNA sequenced. The research will expand knowledge beyond crocodilians to other reptiles, birds, and even dinosaurs.
Genetic modification of organisms and cloning is controversial. Looks at the way humanity has modified genomes of plants and animals used for food since the dawn of agriculture. As knowledge of cells and genetics has increased, so has humanity's ability to alter genomes. Shows animations of how genetic engineers are now able to construct and insert genes for desirable characteristics into plants and how technology is used to increase numbers of animals with desirable traits and screen out those with disease or lower food yields.
For life to survive, it must adapt and readapt to an ever-changing Earth. The discovery of the Antarctic icefish has provided an example of adaptation in an environment both hostile and abundant, where the birth of new genes and the death of old ones have played crucial roles. Researchers Bill Detrich, Christina Cheng, and Art DeVries have pinpointed the genetic changes that enable icefish to thrive without hemoglobin and red blood cells and to avoid freezing in the icy ocean.
Ten thousand years ago, corn didn’t exist anywhere in the world, and until recently scientists argued vehemently about its origins. Today the crop is consumed voraciously by humans, by livestock, and as a major part of processed foods. So where did it come from? Evolutionary biologist Neil Losin tells the story of the genetic changes involved in the transformation of a wild grass called teosinte into corn. Evidence from genetics supports archeological findings pinpointing corn’s origins to a very particular time and place in Mexico.
Researchers hitch a ride with the Mexican Navy to visit the breathtakingly beautiful but critically endangered island habitat of Guadeloupe Island. Led by Drs. Borja Mila and Ellen Ketterson, the team sets out to collect some of the first modern data and genetic samples from the juncos found on the remote island, with the goal of learning the origins and evolutionary history of this mysterious species. What they find could have important implications for the future of this fascinating but imperiled population of juncos. Part of Ordinary Extraordinary Junco (Chapter 5).
Professor Lawrence Gilbert and his team at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a population of tropical butterflies that exemplify "evolution in action," and a rare research opportunity. Gilbert says they may be witnessing a species of butterfly splitting into two different species. The stars of this research are the Heliconius butterflies, found in Central and South America. Despite the genetic similarities between the two groups of the butterflies, one group is showing a color preference during mating. With support from the National Science Foundation, Gilbert and his team are working to gain insights about genetics, behavior, ecology, and evolution.
Human babies drink milk; it's the food especially provided for them by their mothers. Various cultures have also added the milk of other mammals to their diet, and adults think nothing of downing a glass of cows' milk. But worldwide, only a third of adults can actually digest lactose, the sugar in milk. Human geneticist Spencer Wells tracks down the genetic changes associated with the ability to digest lactose as adults. Combining genetics, chemistry, and anthropology, this story provides a compelling example of the co-evolution of human genes and human culture.
To what degree are we genetically programmed with certain traits and abilities? Looks at recent technologies and scientific discoveries and considers the classic "nature versus nurture" discussion. Segments cover identical twins, the science of biotechnology, and the genetic inheritance of working dogs. Investigates the similarities in personality shared by identical twins. Explains how recent breakthroughs in genetics research and DNA have created new ways to solve crimes, breed (clone) animals, and extend human life. Discusses cross-species cloning, human cloning, and gene therapy. Shows how assistance and search-and-rescue dogs can be taught to overcome their inborn instincts and fear.
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Biology related concepts
A collection containing 59 resources, curated by Benetech
Resources to teach younger students about animals
A collection containing 58 resources, curated by DIAGRAM Center
