EARTHQUAKE!

I know this really belongs on the Earth Science blog, but if you felt the earthquake today, go here and help USGS with their earthquake data.

Genes, translocations, autism, and schizophrenia (whew!)

Take a few minutes and read a good story about a gene called DISC1. This gene may be related to the formation of the corpus callosum - the structure that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain. It seems that when this gene is translocated, the corpus callosum fails to form leading to potential psychiatric and cognitive issues including autism and schizophrenia. It's a neat article that brings together a lot of different topics we talk about in class. You can read it here.

Whoa.

So it looks like if you want to be a doctor, you'd better know your way around a computer!

The scientific method

Since you have been studying science, probably since grammar school, you've probably hopefully learned about the scientific method. You, and most everyone that has come before you, has learned the scientific method as a series of precise steps that you must take in order for you to "do science." In reality, not a single scientist in the world uses the scientific method as you have learned it. It does however underlie every single bit of research and experimentation that they do.

Over at Neuroskeptic there is a great (and short) piece about what the scientific method really is and how you use it every time you try to figure something out. Yeah, it's summer, but it's definitely worth taking five minutes to read. You can read it here.

Pruney fingers

Just about every year when we cover the integumentary system, someone asks why your fingers get pruney when you stay in the water too long. Mark Changizi thinks it may have to do with increasing your grip, kind of like rain treads on tires. Check out Ed Yong's coverage of the story here at Not Exactly Rocket Science.

Virtual pig dissection

In case you missed anything in the lab, you can refer to the virtual fetal pig dissection here.

Please Watch This!

Important information as we head towards the summer...