#life science

[lichenaday]

Candelariella medians

images: source

[salpho]

My absolute favourite thing about nature is how NOTHING is set in stone and everything is on a spectrum.

Species ? They're not as clear as you'd think. Tell me when the first human was, or who would've counted as one. It's hard to say because it's a Gradient from one species to another rather than seperate boxes. Chicken or the egg ?

Sex ? Not as binary as it seems. Individuals are usually one or the other extreme but no one thing defines sex, it's usually just determined by how many characteristics match one extreme, and sometimes you can't, and it's neither one or the other !! Many animals and other species are hermaphrodites, having both gametes and sexual organs, many can be gynandromorphs and humans can be intersex.

Disorders ? Similar to sex, where they're usually defined by how many symptoms seem to fit a label.

Individuals ? While fairly easy to define in things like mammals, there are animals like siphonophores, which are colonies of animals that work like specialised cells but the colony itself functions as an individual as well. Which is the animal in that case, the colony or the parts of it ?

Thinking in black and white just means you're missing out on so much wonderful complexity in nature and the world around you, grey comes in many more shades than black and white and can make the world infinitely more interesting to view.

[biodiversesv]

hello hello everyone! just here to tell you all again about our wonderful server, Biodiverse!

Biodiverse is an LGBT+ science discord server! everyone from all science fields and levels of expertise are welcome! you don’t need to be a scientist to join, just as long as you love science and want to know more about it!

we have text channels for a wide variety of science topics! there is a focus on natural sciences (mycology, botany, biology, etc.) as well as topics like chemistry and astronomy; there’s something for everyone!

there’s also fun events and community projects! this includes weekly trivia contests, occasional movie/documentary streams, study sessions, and art contests to celebrate server milestones! and honestly whatever random fun activity we feel like doing LOL

we recently started a community project forum, where members can share in depth information about any science topic of their choosing. it’s basically an info-dump channel, and personally i’m very excited to read everyone’s entries!

OH ALSO. we have custom emojis! lovingly hand drawn by yours truly. here’s a few of them :3c

if any of this sounds interesting to you, please consider checking us out! we’d love to have you!

[science-sculpt]

Epigenetics: A Journey Through Inheritance Beyond Genes

For centuries, scientists have been fascinated by the mysteries of heredity and how traits are passed down from generation to generation. DNA, the molecule that stores our genetic code, was once thought to be the sole determinant of our characteristics. However, a new frontier in biology, revealing a captivating layer of complexity beyond the DNA sequence itself: Epigenetics.

What is Epigenetics?

The term "epigenetics" was first coined in the 1940s by British biologist Conrad Waddington, but it wasn't until the late 20th century that its significance truly blossomed. Epigenetics, literally meaning "above genetics," refers to the study of heritable changes in gene expression that occur without alterations to the DNA sequence itself. Imagine DNA as the musical score, but epigenetics are the conductor and musicians who determine how the music is played. Through chemical modifications and adjustments to the proteins around DNA, epigenetics dictates which genes are turned on or off, influencing how cells function and ultimately shaping our health, development, and even behavior. Think of your DNA as the hardware: it contains the basic instructions for building and running your body. But epigenetics acts like the software, fine-tuning those instructions and determining which genes get turned on or off at specific times and in specific cells. These modifications, like chemical tags or changes in the packaging of DNA, don't alter the underlying code itself, but they can have a profound impact on how it's read and interpreted.

The Key Players:

DNA methylation: This process involves adding a methyl group to DNA, essentially silencing the gene it's attached to. Imagine it like putting a dimmer switch on a light bulb.

Histone modifications: Histones are proteins that package DNA, and changes in their structure can make genes more or less accessible to the cellular machinery needed for expression. Think of it like adjusting the curtains around a window - open wide for full light, slightly closed for filtered light.

Non-coding RNAs: These are molecules that don't code for proteins but can regulate gene expression in various ways. They're like the backstage crew in a play, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

The Power of Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including:

Development: During embryonic development, different cell types emerge from the same DNA blueprint by activating or silencing specific gene sets through epigenetic modifications.

Cellular differentiation: Specialized cells like muscle or nerve cells have unique functions due to differences in their active genes, controlled by epigenetic mechanisms.

Learning and memory: Epigenetic changes in brain cells are thought to be essential for learning and forming memories.

Aging: As we age, our epigenome accumulates changes that can contribute to age-related decline and disease.

Environmental influences: Diet, exercise, stress, and exposure to toxins can leave epigenetic marks on our genes, potentially impacting our health and even the health of future generations.

Epigenetics reminds us that we are not simply products of our genes. Our environment, choices, and experiences leave their mark, shaping who we are and potentially influencing our children's health. This deeper understanding of ourselves opens doors for self-awareness, empowerment, and potentially reshaping our narratives – not just as individuals, but as a species with the potential to leave a healthier legacy for generations to come.

[mindblowingscience]

Hermit crabs all over the world, which scavenge shells as armour for their bodies, are turning increasingly to plastic waste instead. The conclusion is based on analysis of photos, taken by wildlife enthusiasts, and published online. Scientists said they were "heartbroken" to see the extent to which the animals were living in our rubbish. They said two-thirds of hermit crabs species were pictured in "artificial shells" - items that humans discarded. The discovery is published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

Continue Reading.

[er-cryptid]

Alpha-Carbon Deprotonation - Ex. 1

Patreon

[queerpossums]

i’m an ecology major because nothing terrifies transphobes like life sciences taught beyond the 7th grade level

[amoebadiscovery]

Pelomyxa is a genus of large amoebae with distinctive biological features that make them significant in the study of protists. These organisms possess multiple nuclei that exist at various stages throughout their life cycle, allowing them to adapt to specific environmental conditions.

Although their surface is covered by numerous flagella, these structures are not functional for movement, as they have undergone evolutionary reduction and lost their role in locomotion. Rather than utilizing flagella for locomotion, Pelomyxa employs a slow crawling mechanism along the bottom of lakes and ponds, moving at a gradual pace.

Pelomyxa is specialized for life in low-oxygen zones found in the bottom sediments of freshwater environments. These amoebae are typically located in the sediment-covered bottoms of ponds and small lakes, where the soil is rich in decaying organic matter, especially decomposed plant material such as broken-down leaves. These conditions provide an ideal environment for Pelomyxa to develop in relative isolation, hidden from most other aquatic organisms.

Currently, 14 species of Pelomyxa are recognized, while historical records mention about 20 additional species that have not been observed since their initial descriptions. Some of these species may have gone extinct, while others may still exist in unexplored habitats, awaiting rediscovery.

An interesting example is Amoeba quarta, first described in 1884 by the researcher August Gruber. After its initial observation, this species seemingly disappeared from scientific knowledge until 2024, when researchers from St. Petersburg rediscovered it during a study of the sediments of Lake Osinovskoe in northwest Russia. Subsequent investigations revealed that this organism belonged to the genus Pelomyxa, and the species was renamed Pelomyxa quarta.

These rediscoveries emphasize the importance of studying ecosystems that often remain overlooked but may conceal organisms critical for understanding biodiversity. The slow-moving, inconspicuous Pelomyxa offers valuable insights into ecological processes in the depths of freshwater ecosystems, which are frequently underexplored. This also serves as a reminder that many unknown species may still be waiting to be discovered and included in contemporary biological research.

For the curious and the scientifically minded, you can read more in the full research paper here: https://doi.org/10.21685/1680-0826-2024-18-3-5

[me-be-bubbles]

There are some weird growths by bacteria but this was by far the most ridiculous I've seen. Creeped the shit out of me till I got used to seeing it. It was slimy/moist af

Isolated from yoghurt sample.

For reference, the image below is what bacteria usually grow as

Just small circles, sometimes in color.

Anyone know what the top one can be?

[tarragonblack1235813213455]

THE TREE OF NATURAL SCIENCE

LIFE SCIENCE -> Any science concerned with the study of living organisms

THE BRANCHES OF LIFE SCIENCE:

BIOLOGY

This branch of life science will study living organisms, and it will be divided into many specialized branches that cover their morphology, physiology, anatomy, behavior, origin, and distribution.

THE BRANCHES OF BIOLOGY:

CONSERVATION

This branch of biology will study environmental conservation and biodiversity on Earth.

■Wildlife Management is a branch of conservation that will specialize in the concern for the management process influencing the interaction between wildlife, its habitat, and people in order to achieve the pre-defined impact.

ECOLOGY

This branch of biology will study how organisms interact with the environment around them.

■Autecology is a branch of ecology that will specialize in studying a specific organism of a species.

■Synecology is a branch of ecology that will specialize in studying an ecosystem.

EVOLUTION

This branch of biology will study any evolutionary process with its regard to diversification and adaptation over many years.

GENETICS

This branch of biology will study genes, genetic variation, and heredity.

MARINE BIOLOGY

This branch of biology will study marine organisms.

■Ichthyology is a branch of marine biology that will specialize in studying fish.

MEDICINE

This branch of biology will study managing the diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, treatment, palliation of an injury or disease, and promoting the health of a patient through such mentioned practice.

■Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that will devote itself to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of deleterious mental conditions.

□Addiction psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that will focus on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of people who have one or more disorders related to addiction.

□Forsenic psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that will be applied in a legal context involving any civil, criminal, correctional, regulatory, or legislative issues.

□Neuropsychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that will examine both organic and psychological aspects as a cause for illness.

□Occupational psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that will use the extension of psychiatric knowledge and skill to the day-to-day functioning of individuals in the workplace and their organizations, with the goal of helping both function better.

□Geriatric psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that will center itself on prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders in the elderly.

□Child psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that will be concerned with the study and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders of childhood.

□Adolescent psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that will be interested in the diagnosis and the treatment of disorders of thinking, feeling, and/or behavior affecting children, adolescents, and their families.

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

This branch of biology will study the chemical structure and any biological process of a molecule.

PHYSIOLOGY

This branch of biology will study how the human body functions.

BOTANY

This branch of biology will study plants.

■Mycology is a branch of botany that will focus on the study of fungi, including their taxonomy, genetics, physiology, and any ecological role.

ZOOLOGY

This branch of biology will study the entire animal kingdom.

■Anthrozoology is a branch of zoology that will study the interaction between any human and another animal.

■Arachnology is a branch of zoology that will handle the study of spiders and any related species known as arachnids.

■Cetology is a branch of zoology that will be interested in the study of marine mammals.

■Entomology is a branch of zoology that will focus on the study of insects.

1. COLEOPTEROLOGY is the sub-branch of entomology that will concern itself with the study of the beetle.

2. DIPTEROLOGY is the sub-branch of entomology that will study all types of flies.

3. ISOPTEROLOGY is the sub-branch of entomology concerned with the study of the termite.

MICROBIOLOGY

This branch of biology will study any microorganism.

CHEMISTRY ->

The study of the identification of the substances that which matter is comprised; the investigation of their properties and the methods in which they interact, combine, and change; and the use of these processes to form new substances.

THE BRANCHES OF CHEMISTRY:

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

The branch of chemistry that's concerned with the study of an organic substance and compound.

INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

The branch of chemistry that will examine the properties and behavior of inorganic compounds, which would include any metal, mineral, and organometallic compound.

PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

The branch of chemistry concentrated on the application of technique and theory of physics to the study of the chemical system.

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

The branch of chemistry interested in obtaining, processing, and communicating information about the composition and structure of matter.

STEREOCHEMISTRY

The branch of chemistry illustrating the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms and molecules and its effect on the chemical reaction.

BIOCHEMISTRY

The branch of chemistry that will evaluate the chemical and physicochemical processes and substances that occur within the living organism.

GEOCHEMISTRY

The branch of chemistry that will study the chemical composition of the earth and its rocks and minerals.

FORENSIC CHEMISTRY

The branch of chemistry that will use the application of chemistry to help law enforcement catch their criminal.

PHYSICS ->

The study of the structure of matter and how the fundamental constituents of the universe interact.

THE BRANCHES OF PHYSICS:

OPTICS

The branch of physics that will study the sense of sight and the behavior of light, or the properties of transmission and deflection of other forms of radiation.

ELECTROMAGNETISM

The branch of physics that will investigate the interaction of electric currents or fields and magnetic fields.

RELATIVITY

The branch of physics that will examine special relativity and general relativity. For example, special relativity will apply to all physical phenomena in the absence of gravity, but general relativity will explain the law of gravitation and its relation to any force of nature.

THERMODYNAMICS

The branch of physics that will illustrate the energy and work of a system.

ACOUSTICS

The branch of physics that will vocalize the study of sound for us to hear it.

QUANTUM PHYSICS

The branch of physics that will focus on the study of matter and energy at the most fundamental level.

MECHANICS

The branch of physics that will examine the relationship between force, matter, and motion among a physical object. To define this, this force, when applied to an object, will result in the displacement or change of an object's position relative to its environment.

EARTH SCIENCE ->

See previous post regarding this topic.

[ruinedholograms]

A Heat Test For Mariner IV

Overhead lamps flooded the craft with the same intensity of ultraviolet and other light waves it would experience in space, thus determining how it’s parts would stand up to radiation during its trip.

[lichenaday]

Toniniopsis aromatica (syn. Toninia aromatica)

Fun fact that I found about this lichen on a sketchy FB post that may be fake since I cannot find a source for this info: Despite what the name T. aromatica might lead you to believe, it doesn't have a noticeable smell, but got it's name because it was sent to the dude who described it, Sir James Edward Smith, in a perfumed envelope. It's just stupid enough that I want to believe it. This squamulose (scale-like) lichen grows on soil, rock, brick, and shingles, often associated with/parasitizing other lichens. In humid environments, it has green, white-flecked squamules and swollen, black apothecia, but in drier environments, it has gray squamules and shriveled, pruinose apothecia. T. aromatica has a couple of look-alike species including T. verrucarioides, T. mesoidea, and T. fusispora , because lichens like to make my life difficult. Makes me wish it did have a distinct smell . . .

images: source | source | source

info: source | source | source | source

[robertmatejcek]

Untitled Chlorophyll Print (A. with Hydrangea) - chlorophyll print photogram (7 hour solar exposure) - hydrangea leaf - robert matejcek - 2023

“She seemed a compound of the autumn leaves and the winter sunshine...”  - Virginia Woolf - Night and Day

tags:

[biodiversesv]

Join Biodiverse!

Biodiverse is an LGBT+ centered science Discord server where we welcome science lovers from all fields and levels of expertise. Casual science enjoyers, certified professionals, and anyone in between are all welcome to join and talk about their passions!

Here are some of the things we offer:

🧪Channels for a variety of science topics - There is a focus on natural sciences (biology, botany, mycology), as well as topics covering lots of different fields of science (astronomy, geology, chemistry). There's something for everyone!

🔍 Identification Help - Encounter a critter or plant you don't know the name of? We'll try to help you out with our handy identification help pings that connect you to people who might recognize your find.

📽️Movie nights - We have (mostly) weekly movie nights on Saturday evenings, as well as impromptu movies throughout the month. 🧠Events & Activities - Stay tuned for events we might host, such as birding competitions or art contests! We also host Trivia where everyone is welcome to participate, and a study session ping if you need someone to body double with you in a voice chat!

😸Custom Emotes - Cute animal themed emotes, drawn by me and unique to the server!

If any of this sounds interesting to you, or you just need a place to yap about your favorite topics and look at cool animals, please consider joining our Discord server!

[science-sculpt]

A snip, a splice : Power of rDNA Technology

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the blueprint of life, holds the secrets to the intricate workings of every living organism. But what if we could manipulate this blueprint, adding, removing, or tweaking its code? This revolutionary concept forms the core of recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, a powerful tool that has transformed biology and medicine.

The story starts in the early 1970s with two brilliant scientists; Stanley Cohen at Stanford University and Herbert Boyer at the University of California, San Francisco. Cohen, a microbiologist, had been studying plasmids – small circular DNA molecules found in bacteria. Boyer, a biochemist, was an expert on restriction enzymes – molecular scissors that could cut DNA at specific sequences. Their collaboration proved groundbreaking. They envisioned combining these tools to create the first ever recombinant DNA molecule. Cohen provided the plasmids, which would act as vectors to carry foreign DNA into host cells. Boyer, on the other hand, used restriction enzymes to cut both the plasmid and the desired foreign DNA, allowing them to be pieced together. Through meticulous experimentation, they successfully created the first recombinant DNA molecule, forever altering the course of biology.

Cohen and Boyer's work wouldn't have been possible without the earlier discoveries of restriction enzymes. These "molecular scissors" were independently identified by three separate research groups in the 1960s. Werner Arber in Switzerland, along with Hamilton Smith and Daniel Nathans in the US, unraveled the role of restriction enzymes in bacterial defense mechanisms. These enzymes helped bacteria defend against invading viruses by cutting up their foreign DNA. Recognizing the potential of these "genetic scalpels," the groundwork was laid for their application in rDNA technology.

Here's a simplified breakdown of the rDNA process:

Isolation of DNA: The journey starts with isolating DNA from a donor organism.

Cleavage with Restriction Enzymes: Specific enzymes cut the DNA at defined sequences.

Selection of Vector: A carrier molecule (often a plasmid) is chosen to transport the recombinant DNA.

Ligation: The DNA fragments and vector are stitched together using DNA ligase, an enzyme.

Transformation: The recombinant DNA enters a host cell (usually bacteria or yeast).

Selection and Expression: The transformed cells are selected, and the gene of interest is expressed, leading to the desired protein production.

Since its inception, rDNA technology has played a pivotal role in several groundbreaking advancements. Let's take a whirlwind tour through some of the most significant moments in R-DNA history:

1978: Birth of Insulin on the Factory Floor: Scientists achieved a feat of genetic engineering by using R-DNA to produce human insulin in bacteria. This marked a turning point for diabetics, offering a readily available and more consistent source of this life-saving hormone.

1980s: Gene Wars and the Rise of GMOs: The 1980s saw the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Plants were engineered with genes for insect resistance or herbicide tolerance, sparking debates about the safety and ethics of this technology. R-DNA research continues to be at the forefront of discussions regarding genetically modified foods.

1990s: The Human Genome Project Sets Sail: This ambitious international project aimed to sequence the entire human genome. R-DNA techniques played a crucial role in deciphering the 3 billion letters of our genetic code, opening doors for personalized medicine and a deeper understanding of human health and disease.

2000s: Gene Therapy Takes Center Stage: The first successful gene therapy trials for inherited diseases like severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) took place. R-DNA technology offered a glimmer of hope for treating genetic disorders by introducing healthy genes to replace defective ones.

2010s and Beyond: CRISPR Takes Over: The emergence of CRISPR-Cas9, a revolutionary gene editing tool based on R-DNA principles, has ushered in a new era of genetic manipulation. With unprecedented precision, scientists can now edit genes in various organisms, holding immense potential for gene therapy, crop improvement, and even the eradication of diseases.

But with great power comes great responsibility, and R-DNA raises a host of ethical concerns.Tinkering with the building blocks of life carries the risk of unintended consequences. Engineered genes could escape and disrupt ecosystems, or modified organisms could have unforeseen health effects. The ability to edit human genes opens the door to designer babies, raising questions about social equity and the potential misuse of the technology for eugenics.

Who Controls the Tools? Access to R-DNA technology could be restricted to wealthy nations or corporations, exacerbating existing inequalities. Biosecurity is also a concern, as the technology could be misused for bioterrorism. Creating entirely new organisms forces us to confront what it means to be "natural." Should we modify plants and animals for human benefit, or preserve their original forms? R-DNA technology is a powerful tool, and we must have open discussions about its ethical implications. Scientists, policymakers, and the public all need to be involved in shaping the future of this technology. As we move forward, open dialogue and collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and the public are crucial to ensure the safe and ethical application of this powerful technology.

The journey of rDNA technology is a testament to human ingenuity and its potential to reshape our world. From decoding the secrets of life to creating solutions for healthcare, agriculture, and beyond, rDNA technology continues to evolve, promising a future filled with exciting possibilities.