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Science Matters - Life Sciences

Discover the newest advances and research in life sciences through presentations about the activities of UCSD's Division of Biological Sciences. View videos and explore learning activities to understand how this science matters to you. (from uctv.tv)

01. Biology as Literature: Learning to Read the Molecular Book of Life
The blueprint for living systems is built on a molecular language contained within cells. From an alphabet of only 4 letters comes a mute but eloquent 'literature' whose highest expression is human existence.

02. Ten Thousands Years of Crop Improvement: From Crop Domestication to Molecular Agriculture
Join biologist Maarten Chrispeels and explore how crop plants have changed since humans began farming.

03. Ethical Implications of the Genome Era: How Should We Use the Eighth Wonder of the World?
Genetic manipulation will be able to forever rid humanity of terrible scourges. And it may also be a key in creating new and unimagined ones.

04. The Evolutionary History of the Human Species
Eminent evolutionary biologist Christopher Wills takes you on an exploration of human evolutionary history and how it is derived from both the genetic and fossil records.

05. Tracking the Elusive Forest Elephants of Kakum National Park, Ghana
UCSD Biologist Lori Eggert discusses the methods, process and need to use genetic material literally left behind by the secretive and elusive forest elephants of Ghana.

06. The Genetics of Wildlife Conservation
Wildlife is endangered by human activities as never before and species extinctions threatens the biosphere and our own future well being.

07. Plant Genetics and the Environment
UCSD plant biologist Julian Schroeder takes you on an exploration of how genetic modification of plants may be able to achieve these goals and address environmental challenges that are in our future.

08. Fruitflies as a Tool for Understanding Human Genetic Diseases
Genetic researcher Ethan Bier discusses advances in steps to use fruitflies as a tool to locate the genes responsible for human genetic ailments.

09. Symbolic Communication in Stingless Bees: Exploring the 3rd Dimension
Besides humans, bees are the only animals known to use sophisticated symbolic communication. Join UCSD's James Nieh and explore how his research has made remarkable discoveries about the bee's ability to communicate.

10. The ABCs of Flower Development
Join plant biologist Martin Yanofsky on a fascinating exploration of the genetics which control the formation of flowers.

11. Endemic San Diego Fauna: What's Being Lost? Why Should We Care?
Why is the proliferation of Argentine ants not just a nuisance for California homeowners, but a threat to the state's ecosystems? Why should we care about declines in the biodiversity of microbes, insects and reptiles?