domesticated germs

Here's the link for the TED talk about germ domestication.

Carbon 14 background

Hey gang,

Here's a good site for a review of carbon dating.  Please read the first two pages on intro and how C-14 is made.  We will go over half life info tomorrow.

Class,
Today's homework is to please read the panelists' statements RE antibitic resistance at the evolution website.  See you tomorrow.

Evolutionary arms race

Hello class.  I hope you enjoyed the video.  Please be able to explain the following evolutionary relationships:

poisonous newts in oregon and ________

russian prisoners and TB (tuberculossi) 

Humans and the more mild form of cholera

Humans and HIV , big cats and FIV

Leafcutter ants and __________

the waxy body coating of leafcutter ants and ant diseases 

Humans and large animals (stable animals)  --as an aside, this is part of the reason I decided to get a family dog.

Natural selection game

Class,

Give this game a try.  Note how there are always events that happen over time for which evolution cannot prepare a population.  Good luck (it took me three tries before I got it).

Hardy WEinberg fun

Hello class,

Here's a neat calculator for HW equil.  You can just plug in the numbers you know and it will do the rest.

Book list

Class,
Here's a great list of cool science books custom made for the beach.  These are all pretty cool reads.  I hope you have enough time to check at least one of them out: (PLEASE NOTE:  THESE ARE NOT AN ASSIGNMENT.  THEY ARE JUST COOL!)

1.Omnivore’s dilemma by Michael Pollan

-this book really lets you explore your relationship with food.  How we’re putting it on the table now and how we used to do it.  (and why we need to re-examine this)

In defense of food by Michael Pollan

-a faster read about the same big subjects as Omnivore’s Dilemma.  Less science, but a message that is important (and so obvious that its hard to believe someone has to write this book)

Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan

-getting to think I’ve got a favorite science author, yet?  Its about four plants that have used humans to make themselves more successful: apples, tulips, marijuanna, and potatoes

2.  Survival of the Sickest by Sharon Moalem

-this is the book that I read to you in class.  We read about how stress caused more spontaneous abortion of males than females.  The book is filled with interesting biology questions (and only a few answers).  One of the more entertaining reads I've had in years

3.  Eve’s rib by Marianne Legato

-medicine should be different for females than males.  here’s why.

4. The Blind Watchmaker by Richard Dawkins

-an inspiring book by one of the most prolific evolutionary biology authors.  It awakens you to the beauty of evolution.

5.  Galapagos by Kurt Vonnegut

-the only fiction title on the list.  I’d read anything written by Vonnegut.  The fact that you learn a few evolutionary principals along the way is just a bonus.  

6.  Life at the Extremes by Frances Ashcroft

-the hottest, coldest, fastest, highest, etc... that humans can handle.  You’ll feel more impressed with yourself.

7.  Honey, Mud, maggots and other medical marvels by the Root-Bernsteins

     -the science of folk medicine.  Cool AND disgusting!

8.  Stiff by Mary Roach

     -looking for a way to use all those bodies in your garage?  Here's a few ideas.

9.  The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

     -in 1951 she died of cervical cancer.  scientists have kept her cell line alive ever since (her cells combined weight....more than three empire state building!!)  Shocking exploration of science's ethical failure and technological success.