For even in the study of animals unattractive to the senses, the nature that fashioned them offers immeasurable pleasures in the same way to those who can learn the causes and are naturally lovers of wisdom. It would be unreasonable, indeed absurd, to enjoy studying their representations on that grounds that we thereby study the art that fashioned them (painting or sculpture), but not to welcome still more the study of the actual things composed by nature, at least when we can survey their causes. Therefore we must avoid a childish distaste for examining the less valued animals.
— Aristotle , Parts of Animals, Book 1:5

Archive for the 'Evolution' Category

Naturally Transgenic Bacteria

Sunday, June 14th, 2009

From Science Daily:
Researchers at Texas A&M University’s Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering have discovered how certain types of bacteria integrate the DNA that they have captured from invading enemies into their own genetic makeup to increase their chances of survival.
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Examining E. coli bacteria, Wood found that the bacteria developed a means of not allowing […]

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