Author Archives: DWN

Any trait (phenotype) reflects the contribution of genes (i.e. DNA sequence), epigenetic factors (chromosomal events other than DNA sequence: DNA methylation, RNA interference, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling), environmental effects (diet, lifestyle), endogenous influences (e.g. cardiopulmonary disorders, kidney disease), and each … Continue reading →

These GEITP pages have often discussed the topic of evolution of humans, including “adaptive introgression” (i.e. the process by which beneficial alleles are introduced into a species from a closely-related species). [Recall that ‘allele’ is a gene on one chromosome; … Continue reading →

Because what the COVID-19 pandemic has done to U.S. education — from preschool through college — it seems like a good time to examine closely where education has gone, and what might happen in the future. WHY is this thorough … Continue reading →

The topic in these GEITP pages today is “the rise and early diversity of flowering plants” (angiosperms). Darwin described the seemingly explosive diversification of angiosperms — as an “abominable mystery.” Today, debates continue about the origin, and the processes that … Continue reading →

This topic is central to the GEITP theme of gene-environment interactions. The “environmental signal” is a chemical(s) emitted (by a plant or an insect), and “genes” in the genome (of the insect or plant) respond to that signal. “Attracting” or … Continue reading →

EARLIER POST HERE: Thank you, M. The time-line for number of COVID-19-related deaths [see figure below] is also very intriguing — in a country that never imposed any restrictions — no face masks, children stayed in school, and the economy … Continue reading →

For those GEITP-ers that remain enthusiastic about “global warming”, here is a semi-lay summary of an article that reently appeared in Sci Reports [Nature]. This is evidence of global warming — except this occurred 1500 to 2000 years ago.   … Continue reading →

Early on, in genetic studies, the concept (learned in grade school, these days 😊) was that “DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is translated into protein.” Then, it became established that “DNA —> primary transcript, which then results in messenger-RNA … Continue reading →

As the previous GEITP pages email described, in the early days of genetic studies, the concept (learned in grade school 😊) was that “DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is translated into protein.” Then, it was established that “DNA —> … Continue reading →

Today’s topic in these GEITP pages is an excellent example of controversial conclusions (over more than two decades) able to be overturned by additional experiments; this is an example of how rigorous science is supposed to correct itself. Osteocalcin (OCN) … Continue reading →