article thumbnail

The Love Songs of W. E. B. Du Bois Celebrates Afro-Indigenous History with Genealogy – No DNA Needed

PLOS: DNA Science

Du Bois , I thought the book was a tribute to the famous Black historian, sociologist, scholar, and civil rights activist. Although excerpts of his writings open chapters, the book is sweeping historical fiction – perhaps the best I’ve ever read. The book has earned well-deserved accolades. The Love Songs of W.

DNA 98
article thumbnail

The Dawn of Molecular Genetics: A Glimpse of History in a Textbook from 1952

PLOS: DNA Science

Treasure from 1952, Just Before Watson and Crick’s Paper A pile of old biology books to me is like a toy store to a child. I went to Shaun’s the next morning, flipped through a few books, and without hesitation loaded them all into the trunk of my car. Published by W.H. Beautiful black and white sketches adorn the pages.

DNA 105
article thumbnail

Michael Crichton and James Patterson’s “Eruption” is Riveting, but with a Shaky Genetic Foundation

PLOS: DNA Science

But the book has a glitch in a genetic explanation. He had the top book, film, and TV series within the same week – twice. See How Michael Crichton’s Widow Sherri Ushered in a Renaissance of His Work With New Book ‘Eruption’ in Variety.) ” I can’t wait for the film. He was too busy creating.

DNA 52
article thumbnail

“Ordinary Soil” Revisits the Weedkiller and AgBiotech Story, While Feeding the Scientist-As-Nerd Stereotype

PLOS: DNA Science

The title Ordinary Soil alone would have drawn me to this book, for years ago, a dear botanist friend admonished me for using “dirt” and “soil” interchangeably, although dictionaries do so. Although the book is based on this very distinction, towards the end, “dirt” dominates.

Science 98
article thumbnail

Lessons on Starting a Magazine

Codon

Our first book, Origins , is now available for purchase. Books ship later this month. Now—after having released our first book, hosted a few events, and commissioned about 35 essays from writers—we’d like to pull back the curtains and share what we’ve learned so far. per word or more.

Science 52
article thumbnail

What Limits a Genome’s Size?

Codon

billion bases of DNA which, if unfurled, would extend for more than 100 meters—taller than the Statue of Liberty. billion bases of DNA, the human genome measures just 2 meters in length when stretched end-to-end. Credit: Oriane Hidalgo Per the book Cell Biology by the Numbers , each base pair of DNA occupies 1 nm 3 of space.

DNA 59
article thumbnail

Transmissible Alzheimer’s Disease? Long-Ago Growth Hormone Treatment and a Legacy of Cannibalism and Mad Cows

PLOS: DNA Science

Recombinant DNA technology has since provided a pure source of the hormone. The story is one of my favorites in all of biology; I’ve told it in several books. Long-Ago Growth Hormone Treatment and a Legacy of Cannibalism and Mad Cows appeared first on DNA Science. “Kuru” means “to shake.”

Disease 98