Peopling Asia

Current understanding of human evolution is that people originated in north Africa and migrated all around the globe. This is opposed to the belief that people originated in several different locations. What ancient routes were taken can be teased out by looking at several factors. As people spread out languages developed. Their structure can be analyzed for relationships that might hint at their origin. Cultures and traditions that developed can also show similarities.

DNA is being used to look at genetic relationships between and within populations. By looking at variation in highly conserved regions of our genome, the HUGO Pan Asian SNP Consortium determined that Asia was people by a distinct migration out of the Middle East through India.

This study laid a foundation to answer more intricate questions: what is the origin of the native Australians and when did these migrations take place.


Click here to read research article.

Darwin's Lumpers Vs Splitters

The tree of life has many branches on it. The argument about how many branches it should have is between the lumpers and the splitters. Lumpers want fewer branches, and Splitters want more. Delineating the divisions is not clear cut. Morphology, anatomy, genetics, and other characteristics are difficult to tease apart.

Currently there is disagreement on where archea should be placed. The archea are generally described as a third division of life with the other two divisions being bacteria and eukaryotes. archea are prokaryotic like bacteria (meaning they do not have membrane bound nuclei) but have other characteristics similar to eukaryotes.

However some biologists think archea should be placed in a group that includes eukaryotes. Evidence about similarities in lipid (fat) synthesis support this placement. The terminology biologists use to describe this is "archea should be placed basally in a clade with all eukaryote organisms." This means that in the tree of life archea would be a twig sprouting near the base of the eukaryote branch. While compelling, this view has yet to be embraced by mainstream biology.


Click here to read an article about Darwin and Lumpers & Splitters.

Mushroom Virsuses! Who Knew?

DNA changes in several ways. Most often we will think of mutation (if we think about DNA change at all. However there are some other ways DNA can change. Some viruses can insert their own genes, and scientists can genetically alter DNA or bio-engineer the genome.

Scientists at SUNY Buffalo have found evidence of another mechanism used to change DNA. Some viruses "borrow" the machinery from other viruses. What is surprising about this is that the infected cells then used the new DNA to make useful proteins.

If you have a strong opinion about genetic engineering, does knowing this occurs in nature influence what you think? These viruses are using these techniques to their own advantage.

Chickenpox and Herpes viruses insert their genes into human cells. If you have been infected by either one do you consider yourself genetically altered?

Click here to read the original research article.

copyright 2009 Brendan Craughwell. All rights reserved. SCIENTIFIC STATION is a trademark of Brendan Craughwell. All rights reserved.

Prosperity Vs Wealth

Click here to read research abstract

Wealth and prosperity are valued differently by cultures and individuals. This study looks at some of the factors that influence how those living in rural communities view their economic status.

How do you see your own situation? Do you live the life you desire?

Click here to see how the IRS breaks down the top wealth holders for selected years. They estimate the wealth of the living population using the Estate Multiplier technique.


copyright 2009 Brendan Craughwell. All rights reserved. SCIENTIFIC STATION is a trademark of Brendan Craughwell. All rights reserved.