UW-Stevens Point Spotlight: Ana Breit, Biology Biology/Wildlife Ecology major Ana Breit talks about why she chose UWSP, discusses bat research, describes the college athletic experience, and gives advice for prospective students. By: UWStevensPointCOLS … Continue reading →

Discussing the relationship between science and faith, rather than avoiding the discussion, may better prepare future high school biology teachers for anticipating questions about evolution, according to Penn State political scientists. In a series of focus group meetings with biology students at four Pennsylvania institutions -- three universities and a college -- students from a Catholic college appeared to be more reflective when talking about issues of faith and science. "We suspect these students are somewhat less anxious around discussions of faith and science that come up in biology classes," said Michael Berkman, professor of political science and director of the Center for American Political Responsiveness. Students at religious colleges often receive instruction in theology and attend lectures that integrate discussions about faith, Berkman said. While this may help ease anxiety if religious issues come up in class discussions and talks with concerned parents, it is ultimately knowledge of the science of evolution that will provide biology teachers with the confidence for effective science instruction, he added. "If you don't have confidence in your own self-knowledge, especially in a controversial topic, your tendency is going to be to shy away from it, to avoid controversy and to not really teach … Continue reading →

San Jose, California (PRWEB) February 25, 2015 Follow us on LinkedIn Global interest in synthetic biology is driven by the technologys promised potential to change society by bringing about a fundamental shift in the way energy, food and other industrial products are produced. In the field of healthcare, synthetic biology flaunts the potential to radically alter the way in which diseases are detected, prevented and cured. Synthetic biology is defined as engineered biology focused on the development of artificial, biologically inspired systems. In medical science, synthetic biology refers to the design and development of new biological organisms based on artificially created DNAs to design and develop new organisms or biochemical systems. This revolutionary branch of science brings together multiple disciplines such as computer modeling, engineering and biological sciences for creating next-generation biological systems, parts and devices. Rapid advancements in DNA sequencing and synthesis are helping foster growth in the market. Computational modeling, DNA synthesis, and DNA sequencing, represent few of the major technologies that are playing key instrumental roles in pushing synthetic biology into the next stage of evolution. Commercial gene synthesis tools and pre-designed synbio tools are finding acceptance among molecular cloners. Synthetic biology based food ingredients are witnessing … Continue reading →

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker was 34 credits away from graduating when he dropped out of Marquette University. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, while a medical doctor, never finished his undergraduate biology degree at Baylor University before he headed to Duke's medical school. And while Walker's and Paul's higher education credentials--or lack thereof--have drawn intense media scrutiny as November 2016 approaches, these Republican politicians' college education reflects the reality for nearly three-quarters of voting Americans. But unlike the rest of the general electorate, these men are also top contenders for the nation's highest executive office. According to a recent CBS news poll, 30 percent of Republicans would support Walker, and another third would consider voting for Rand Paul. Play Video Controversial remarks made last week by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani have shaken up the race for the Republican presidential nominati... Examining Walker's chances of winning a GOP primary, CBS News' John Dickerson points out that the lack of a college degree "clearly hasn't slowed his career." In fact, certain stories from Walker's life position the governor to campaign on the national stage as a political average Joe. "Running against the elites who all have post-graduate degrees is always a … Continue reading →