Evolution is complex–does that mean it’s too complex to predict? Biologists used to leave the question to philosophers (or to philosophically-minded biologists). But in a new feature for Quanta, in a new feature for Quanta, in a new feature for Quanta, I look at cases where evolution is indeed predictable–including some upon which lives depend, such as the evolution of the flu and cancer.

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There’s a new way to edit DNA. It’s called CRISPR, and it’s taking science by storm. Its versatility and speed have led scientists to explore all sorts of uses for it. One of the most radical ideas--proposed today in a pair of papers–is to use it to alter the DNA of species we want to get rid of. Think of malaria-bearing mosquitoes, bat-killing fungi, and the like. It’s a provocative idea, but does it threaten to do more harm than good? I take a look at the issue in my new “Matter” column for the New York Times. Check it out.

Knowing your blood types can be a matter of life and death. So you might think that scientists had a clear idea of why we have them in the first place. I’ve written a feature for Mosaic, a new online magazine about medicine, in which I try to get the answer. It proves a lot harder than I expected. Check it out.

Continue reading “Why Do We Have Blood Types?” →