The science of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms.
40
votes
6answers
2k views
What risks exist with GMO, but not with selective breeding?
Anytime you hear Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) come up, someone always pipes in that it's perfectly safe because we've been doing it for thousands of years through selective breeding. ...
29
votes
2answers
2k views
Is IQ hereditary? If, to what degree?
The movie Idiocracy suggests that intelligence is hereditary; this idea has also been perpetrated by a German author (Thilo Sarrazin) who claims that due to the higher fertility of Islamic immigrants ...
25
votes
2answers
2k views
Is there any evidence that Genetically Modified Organisms in food is harmful to humans?
Given all of the negative-hype surrounding Genetically Modified Organisms in food, is there actually any scientifically backed evidence suggesting they are harmful for humans to consume?
I've seen ...
8
votes
3answers
825 views
Can one be naturally better at computers than English or Maths?
I think everybody heard this claim, and its opposite, a million times. Students or teachers commonly speak about having talents for a particular subject or another.
The subject is debated, for ...
23
votes
4answers
811 views
Is reviving an extinct species possible?
With all the science of genetics, and genetic engineering, would reviving an extinct species possible?
Yes, akin the story of "Jurassic Park".
Would it be possible now, with the science we have ...
18
votes
1answer
3k views
Has increased computer use led to increased myopia?
According to ABC News and this Ophthalmological study there has been a significant increase in the number of people with myopic eyesight over a recent 30 year period. From the ABC article:
There ...
6
votes
2answers
270 views
Could obligatory screening for Thalassemia in Cyprus violate the bioethical rules?
Stefan Beck, a visiting assistant professor at the University of California at Berkeley, claimed:
“The obligatory screening and counseling for Thalassemia in Cyprus is one of the most successful ...
7
votes
1answer
672 views
Are red heads more likely to be hot headed?
It's a common cliche that red heads are more likely to have a fiery personality.
To quote from Wikipedia:
A common belief about redheads is that they have fiery tempers and
sharp tongues. In ...
14
votes
2answers
2k views
Is there more genetic difference between men and women than men and monkeys?
I got into trouble with someone yesterday for poo-pooing this idea as it smelled of apples and oranges to me.
The specific statistic was that genetically there is a 5% difference between men and ...
