The Man Who Kicked Off the Biotech Revolution

Posted on January 5, 2017June 23, 2021 by Matt Kristoffersen

Nautilus, January 5, 2017

It’s hard to tell precisely how big a role biotechnology plays in our economy, because it infiltrates so many parts of it. Genetically modified organisms such as microbes and plants now create medicine, food, fuel, and even fabrics. Recently, Robert Carlson, of the biotech firm Biodesic and the investment firm Bioeconomy Capital, decided to run the numbers and ended up with an eye-popping estimate. He concluded that in 2012, the last year for which good data are available, revenues from biotechnology in the United States alone were over $324 billion.

“If we talk about mining or several manufacturing sectors, biotech is bigger than those,” said Carlson. “I don’t think people appreciate that.”

Continue reading “The Man Who Kicked Off the Biotech Revolution” →

On Long Migrations, Birds Chase an Eternal Spring

Posted on January 5, 2017May 25, 2020 by admin

The New York Times, January 5, 2017

Link

Bird migrations have stumped the greatest minds for thousands of years. Aristotle thought that the robins living in Greece in the winter somehow turned into redstarts in the summer. In fact, robins migrate from Greece to Northern Europe around the time redstarts arrive from Africa.

Scientists have gotten a much better understanding of bird migration in recent centuries, but there’s a tremendous amount they have yet to learn. After tracking more than three dozen birds with sensors for thousands of miles, a team of researchers reported on Wednesday that their migration defied the expected course.

Continue reading “On Long Migrations, Birds Chase an Eternal Spring” →

You’re an Adult. Your Brain, Not So Much.

Posted on December 21, 2016May 25, 2020 by admin

The New York Times, December 21, 2016

Link

Leah H. Somerville, a Harvard neuroscientist, sometimes finds herself in front of an audience of judges. They come to hear her speak about how the brain develops.

It’s a subject on which many legal questions depend. How old does someone have to be to be sentenced to death? When should someone get to vote? Can an 18-year-old give informed consent?

Scientists like Dr. Somerville have learned a great deal in recent years. But the complex picture that’s emerging lacks the bright lines that policy makers would like.

Continue reading “You’re an Adult. Your Brain, Not So Much.” →