Jurassic Park is one of the most popular depictions of reversing extinction or de-extinction. It’s hard to resist the idea of walking amongst the species which have long since become nothing more than mineralized echoes of their past selves. As …
Domestication and its genetic consequences
A closer look at the science behind domesticating animals
We live amongst the many animals we have domesticated. From the food many of us eat to the pets that we keep, humans have manipulated species to suit our needs for millennia. Despite this, if you were to ask most …
The social impact of extreme weather
What our increasingly erratic weather means for the more vulnerable
As the pictures of snow and related hijinks flooded my timeline last week, I was filled with a certain amount of envy as I was stuck on what was an ironically cold and wet Gran Canaria during a field trip. …
No place for narratives in science?
Peter Cox debates the important role narratives have to play in the research community.
I recently read The Silent Spring by Rachel Carson – a sad admission for a third-year environmental science student. This book is the starting point for anyone interested in environmental conservation, and largely precipitated the entire culture of environmental monitoring …
The Humanities’ Strange STEM Obsession
STEM is for people that have fallen in love with the world and want nothing more than to know it as well as they can
Two articles published by campus publications have bemoaned the reverence in which STEM is held above the Humanities in the last two months alone. The articles, maybe not surprisingly, were written by students of the humanities, and took the position …
White scars on the red planet
Mars’ difference is what makes it interesting
Mars is our cosmic neighbour and like the nosey neighbours that humans are, we have been fascinated by it since we first looked up at the night sky. It took the role of the god of war for the Romans …
Be wary of the power of genetic engineering
Genetic Engineering has been in the popular lexicon since the concept was first introduced in the science fiction book “Dragon’s Island” in 1951. Since the discovery of the double helix in 1953, our understanding of genetics has increased massively. Unfortunately, …
Cleopatra, the forces of nature, and the future of communication
Peter Cox explores the effect of climate change on political stability
Cleopatra is one of the most well-known figures of the ancient world, standing beside Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great and Hannibal. It’s an impressive accomplishment considering the male dominated age in which she lived. She was the last of the …
Bee-ware, poison in the pollen?
Peter Cox examines the presence of pesticides in bee honey
“Charismatic mega-fauna” is a term often used in the conservation world to refer to animals that inspire empathy, and which can attract public donations. Polar bears, pandas and penguins are in the list. It’s easy to understand, who doesn’t love …
A beginner’s guide to understanding the Apocalypse.
In light of recent natural disasters across the globe, Peter Cox sets out to explore the harsh reality of climate change
In recent months, we have seen catastrophic natural disasters worldwide with hurricanes Irma and Harvey leaving large areas devastated. The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Yet the reasons for them are still being debated in …
