Science is fantastic!

May 25, 2006 by Naomi.

Technology aids discoveries in every scientific discipline. Without tools that can look into our double helix and identify separate genes researchers would never have discovered that we share so much with what we choose to term ‘lower animals’ such as chimpanzees, pigs, and the frog for heaven’s sake and I use the term ‘heaven’ loosely. Researchers publish discoveries and news reporters try to state facts and poor misguided souls, and I use the term ’souls’ tightly, moan and complain that we take all the fantasy out of our lives by learning the facts. Just the age old desire to let a mystery be defined by self proclaimed prophets as if each did not possess the brain cells to look into the glory of the mystery itself.

They could not be more wrong! I do not have the time or inclination to research for myself. No need to when hundreds dedicate their lives to discovery. What is more amazing than to show that all life begins with the same proteins and other good stuff that you can name if you but look at research papers. Then with tools imbedded in those first cells, species and variations among species, all animals come into being. What could be fantasticer? Oh it is not by any means a simple process to figure out that zebras get stripes or puppies get spots or butterflies get color or we get arms or birds get wings from similar beginnings, but the marvel of it all is not diminished one bit. The truth is that makes our whole existence more exciting than ever. We can see how a very small glitch makes a very huge difference.

Sean Carroll in ENDLESS FORMS MOST BEAUTIFUL, cites many papers, shows many illustrations and details proteins and switches that make those differences turn out yet separate perfect specimens by the billions. Well I suppose I am not the most perfect specimen, but good enough for me. And good enough to replicate more perfect specimens. Pleased I am that I had excellent assistance in the endeavor.

Posted in Social Commentary | No Comments »