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Horizontal Gene Transfer: Nearer Than You Think!

[Image description: A sketch from one of the notebooks of Charles Darwin. It is a simply drawn, branched figure, with parts labeled 1, A, B, C, and D. The top is captioned “I think” and there is some cursive writing underneath and to the right of the figure. End description.] Good evening everyone! The topicContinue reading “Horizontal Gene Transfer: Nearer Than You Think!”

The Principle of Gravity and Deep-Sea Migration

[Image description: A photo of a hydrothermal vent. The background is dark blue with several fish to the right of it. The vent itself appears to be a collection of rocks, bright yellow in some places. End description.] Good evening, all! I hope everyone is well. Before I begin today, I’d just like to sayContinue reading “The Principle of Gravity and Deep-Sea Migration”

Two Down, Many More To Go: Another Person Cured of HIV

[Image description: A red ribbon against a white background. End description.] Before I begin today, I would like to send my best wishes out to everyone in these troubling, uncertain times. I hope you and your families are well. Remember to look out for one another. That said…Some good news! There has been anContinue reading “Two Down, Many More To Go: Another Person Cured of HIV”

The Seven Summits and the Five Deeps: Some Anxieties About Prospective Deep-Oceanic Tourism

[Image description: A photo of the DSV Limiting Factor and its launch ship, the DSSV Pressure. The photo is taken about eye-level with the ocean as the Limiting Factor, a white, rectangular module is lowered by a mechanical arm into the sea. A person can be seen on the DSSV directing this process. End description.]Continue reading “The Seven Summits and the Five Deeps: Some Anxieties About Prospective Deep-Oceanic Tourism”

Hurricane Sandy and Barnegat Bay, the Tale of an “Uneventful” Storm?

[Image description: A map of the coastline of New Jersey with Barnegat Bay highlighted in red. End description.] Just about every person in New Jersey has a story about Hurricane Sandy. My family was lucky; I could tell you an uneventful tale about wandering around on my unexpected day off from school. Others weren’t soContinue reading “Hurricane Sandy and Barnegat Bay, the Tale of an “Uneventful” Storm?”

Amputations and Their Preventability

[Image description: A pale hand flipping a quarter off the thumb against a dark background. End description.] I want you to flip a coin. A coin flip nearly represents the causes of limb amputation in the United States: 54% are due to vascular disease (diseases that affect the arteries and veins) and 45% are dueContinue reading “Amputations and Their Preventability”