Tag: genetic engineering

Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Patterns, Genes, and Butterfly Wings

SCIENCE Gene-hacking scientists reveal how a single gene helps determine the dizzying array of butterfly wing patterns. (Washington Post) Take a look at the A-Z of butterfly wings. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit … and some gorgeous photos of butterflies. We couldn’t choose just one! Discussion Ideas Scientists recently edited the genes of butterfly wings. Let’s … Continue reading Patterns, Genes, and Butterfly Wings

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection

Mosquitoes: What’s the Point?

ENVIRONMENT We could wipe mosquitoes off the face of the Earth. Why don’t we? (Nat Geo News) Use our resources to learn a little about a slightly less drastic alternative here. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit, and vote in today’s poll! Discussion Ideas It is very unusual for the good folks at National Geographic to openly … Continue reading Mosquitoes: What’s the Point?

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Current Event Connection, Main

General Mills Says ‘Cheerio’ to GMOs

BUSINESS General Mills has eliminated all genetically modified organisms from Cheerios. But cold cereal has only heated up the GMO labeling battle between consumer groups (which demand mandatory labeling) and the food industry (which wants to keep labeling voluntary). (National Geographic News) Use our resources to better understand genetically modified organisms. Discussion Ideas The Nat Geo News article says “[a]bout 90 percent of commodity crops … Continue reading General Mills Says ‘Cheerio’ to GMOs

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Current Event Connection, Geography In the News

Mutant Mosquitoes Lose Lust for Human Scent

SCIENCE Mutant Mosquitoes Lose Lust for Human Scent Biologists have engineered a mutant strain of mosquitoes that lack the ability to sniff out human beings. Or insect repellent. Discussion Ideas: There are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes in the world. Why do students think the scientists featured in the Nature article chose to study the species Aedes aegypti? They’re not hard to find. Aedes … Continue reading Mutant Mosquitoes Lose Lust for Human Scent

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