Tangled Bank #36: Science and Medicine Blog Posts
B and B is hosting this edition of Tangled Bank #36. It’s as interesting as ever but the posts on science and the public were especially thought-provoking.
The Mad Scientist at The Daily Transcript shared some facts on what Americans claim to understand about science. Here are a couple that had me tearing my hair out:
- on DNA
“Studies of US adults over the last decade have found that about 40 percent have a minimally correct explanation of the meaning of DNA (NSB, 2000). In 1990, approximately 24 percent of US adults were able to provide an explanation of DNA that included its role in heredity.”
- on genes
“10 percent of US adults think that ordinary tomatoes do not contain genes and 45 percent do not know.” [Every living thing has genes.]
If you have any genetics questions, feel free to ask me anytime. Otherwise, you can find information on basic genetics everywhere in the Genetics and Public Health Blog, but I’d suggest starting with the weekly genetics quizzes.
Now head on over to the Tangled Bank and learn more about science!
NB: This time, I contributed my post on the MC1R gene locus and skin color.
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POSTED IN: Genetics Blogging
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2 opinions for Tangled Bank #36: Science and Medicine Blog Posts
Qadira
Sep 7, 2005 at 5:54 pm
I may rail against the public school system, but I’m thankful beyond words that I am educated and have retained much of that education. To not even know if a tomato has genes? To think a regular tomato doesn’t? appalling.
Lei
Sep 8, 2005 at 1:38 am
Q, Right after I read your comment, I ran over to my husband and asked him if a tomato has genes. To my immense relief, he said yes. :P
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