Category Archives: Transhuman News

Christmas Tree Conifers Are Millions of Years Old
Christmas tree conifers are thought to be millions of years old. The kind of conifers used as Christmas trees have retained their genetic makeup for millions of years, and were around when the dinosaurs roamed the earth. According to a study from the Universit Laval in Canada, conifers found a niche in their environment very early on when compared with flowering plants that had to struggle for survival and reproduction. Because of the early stability of the evergreen or conifer tree, there are only about 600 different species of conifer trees, and over 400 thousand different species of flowering plants in the world. Researcher Jean Bousquet said: "That doesn #39;t mean there haven #39;t been smaller-scale modifications such as genetic mutations. However, the macrostructure of the conifer genome has been remarkably stable over the ages." Ever wonder why evergreens are brought into the home and decorated as a Christmas tradition? According to the History Channel, it is widely believed that in the 16th century, the Christian reformer Martin Luther was the first one to put lights in a tree in an effort to show his family how it looked when he saw the stars through the trees. The tradition of having a Christmas tree did not gain popularity in the United States until the late 19th century.From:geobeatsViews:1 0ratingsTime:01:01More inEducation

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Christmas Tree Conifers Are Millions of Years Old - Video

Giant Panda Genome Reveals Human Toll on Species
The genomic history of the giant panda has been uncovered, revealing evidence of their population history and local adaptation. The research team tracked the panda #39;s history back to its earliest days by carrying out whole genome resequencing of 34 wild giant pandas. They found that for millions of years, global changes in climate were the main driver for panda population fluctuation until recently, when human activities likely caused population divergence and serious decline. The giant panda is now the rarest bear in the world. The hope is that the study, published in Nature Genetics, could address conservation methods not just for giant pandas but other endangered species as well.From:slatesterViews:121 9ratingsTime:00:46More inNews Politics

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Giant Panda Genome Reveals Human Toll on Species - Video

The Human Genome - Coast to Coast AM - Main Show Only
Date: 07-05-10 Host: George Noory Guests: Victor McElheny, Mitch Battros During the middle two hours, science journalist Victor McElheny discussed the history of the Human Genome Project, and the implications of what has, is, and will happen as we understand what the human genome is telling us. McElheny recalled being in attendance at a 1986 biology conference when the Human Genome Project was first seriously discussed. He noted that some of the scientists in attendance were aghast at the prospects of the venture. "They saw their money getting swallowed up in a big biology project," he mused. Ironically, he said, the concept was supported by the older scientists and vehemently opposed by their younger colleagues, who were skeptical of the potential of the project. Compounding the institutional intrigue, the Department of Energy pushed to develop the Human Genome Project, since it had the technological resources to undertake the venture. However, the National Institute of Health was troubled by the prospect of losing control over the "future of biology" and fought to be a part of the project, despite the reservations of "several key people" in the institution. In detailing some of the benefits of genomics, McElheny explained that deciphering a person #39;s genetic code could help in both diagnostic medicine as well as ongoing treatments. For instance, the disease Muscular Dystrophy is an ailment that often has a detrimentally late diagnosis in children. However, he said, "in ...From:Geoff ThomasViews:0 0ratingsTime:01:16:26More inEducation

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The Human Genome - Coast to Coast AM - Main Show Only - Video