Jason Affourtit writes, “The encircling equation represents biological nitrogen fixation, which was at the core of my undergrad/graduate labwork. Working in that research lab (which was originally just part of requirements for med school!–my intended goal) totally changed my focus…So it’s an homage to that period of time, my wonderful advisor, and that lab. DNA has been central to my work life in genomics and has run through as a common theme. So to me, a G-C basepair seemed a natural symbol of that.”

You can see the rest of the Science Tattoo Emporium here and in my book, Science Ink: Tattoos of the Science Obsessed.

(Tattoo by Nick Bergin from Godspeed Tattoo in San Mateo, CA.)

Originally published March 31, 2013. Copyright 2013 Carl Zimmer.

Today scientists at Stanford University reported they had implanted transistor-like bundles of genes into E. coli, making it possible to transform cells into biological computers. At Download the Universe, a science ebook review where I’m an editor, I take a look at the history of synthetic biology that led up to this remarkable feat. I also reflect on how to help young people become both excited and wise about these new kinds of technology. Check it out!

Originally published March 28, 2013. Copyright 2013 Carl Zimmer.

A few days ago, CNS News (“The right news. Right now.”) discovered that the National Science Foundation has been funding a study on the evolution of waterfowl genitalia.

When someone brought this item to my attention, I was puzzled. After all, this is not breaking news. I should know–I wrote about it for the New York Times almost six years ago.

Continue reading “Ducks Meet the Culture Wars” →

Today I dropped by CBS This Morning to talk about my story in National Geographic on the quest to bring species back from extinction. I’ve embedded the video below; here’s the link.

Originally published March 23, 2013. Copyright 2013 Carl Zimmer.