Science – Page 80 – Southern Fried Science

Why a DNA database is a very bad idea

February 24, 2010February 24, 2010 Andrew Thaler 12 Comments

Science

Imagine this scenario: A murder case that went cold 20 years ago is reopened thanks to newly available DNA-based forensics. The state, lets say Arizona, has a large database of DNA. This isn’t the DNA deposited from newborns that David discussed a few weeks ago, but DNA from convicted criminals and really anyone who’s been brought up on charges in the last few years, whether or not they were eventually found innocent. DNA from a piece of evidence in that 20-tear-old case matches DNA in the database, the suspect is brought in a questioned. He has no alibi for what he was doing on day X 20 years ago. Charges are filed, a jury is called, and the suspect is convicted on the strength of a DNA match. Justice is served, right? Maybe, but maybe not.

So here’s the funny bit. The problem with this scenario has nothing to do with genetics, forensic science, or data storage and access. It’s really not even about crime and justice. It’s about your birthday.

WhySharksMatter speaking at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

February 24, 2010 David Shiffman

Science

As part of their exhibit entitled “Megaladon: Largest Shark That Ever Lived“, I will be giving a public education talk about sharks at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh. The talk will be at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9th. The talk is approximately 45 minutes long, which leaves plenty of time … Read More “WhySharksMatter speaking at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences” »

Lemon Sharks Protected in Florida!

February 19, 2010 David Shiffman

Conservation, Science

Several months ago, I asked for your help to get 10,000 signatures on a petition to protect lemon sharks in Florida coastal waters. Thanks to your signatures and the hard work of dedicated activists in Florida, we have succeeded! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has agreed to protect lemon sharks!

Blogger Day at the Georgia Aquarium

February 18, 2010February 18, 2010 David Shiffman 2 Comments

Science

I will be attending “blogger day” this Saturday at the Georgia Aquarium this Saturday. I’ve heard some good things about the aquarium and their “Planet Shark: Predator or Prey” exhibit, and I’m excited to finally check it out. The last time I was in Atlanta was literally one week before they opened. I’ll have a … Read More “Blogger Day at the Georgia Aquarium” »

More proof of Global Draining

February 18, 2010 Andrew Thaler 2 Comments

Science

Since I discovered the Global Draining phenomenon yesterday, my e-mail and twitter has been flooded with witnesses of similar events all over the country. By fortune and chance, Jeff Priddy documented the earliest stages of Global Draining over three days this weekend. In it, you can see the wetland begin to drain, slow down briefly … Read More “More proof of Global Draining” »

Global Draining

February 17, 2010 Andrew Thaler 10 Comments

Science

Friends, colleagues, I stand before you today with the worst possible news. Earlier today, as I sat watching the sea, I noticed a disturbing trend. While scientists and environmentalists may claim the sea level is rising, I watched with my own eyes as the sea retreated. The data are irrefutable, we have entered into a … Read More “Global Draining” »

The Conservation Context in Population Genetics, Part 1

February 12, 2010 Andrew Thaler 3 Comments

Conservation, Science

This is the first entry in Crowdsourcing ConGen. This entry is meant to be half of an Introduction which lays out the framework for what conservation genetics is, its philosophical basis in population genetics, and why it’s a meaningful method of inquiry for conservation. This first section is meant to outline foundational concepts in population genetics. It is not meant to be a detailed summery of population genetics, but needs to be accurate and clear.

Lazy Vertebrae

February 11, 2010February 11, 2010 Andrew Thaler 2 Comments

Science

It’s been a long time since we’ve reposted this video. Even Osedax needs some love.

Hundred-leven to 1, Polyandry like Crazy!

~Southern Fried Scientist

Lyrics below the jump:

Piracy isn’t so good for fish after all

February 11, 2010February 11, 2010 David Shiffman 2 Comments

Science

The piracy situation in Somalia is a terrible human tragedy. That’s why when conservationist Joni Lawrence said that it was great because it helped fish stocks to recover, people like myself and Blogfish author Mark Powell got angry. As it turns out, Joni Lawrence wasn’t just being horribly insensitive- she was wrong.

How to brew beer in a coffee maker, using only materials commonly found on a modestly sized oceanographic research vessel.

February 8, 2010December 6, 2011 Andrew Thaler 36 Comments

Science

The Flip - One research vessel you may a drink on — The Flip - one research vessel that mandates a drink

Originally published on April 26, 2009 How to brew beer in a coffee maker, using only materials commonly found on a modestly sized oceanographic research vessel has been one of our most popular posts. Over the past year, through experimentation and advice from fellow scientists and brewers, I’ve modified the recipe. The biggest criticism was that in order to make good beer, you needed to smuggle hops aboard. “Well, if you can bring hops aboard” they ask, “what’s to stop you from bringing any other brew supplies aboard?” The answer is nothing. So we went back to the brew pot, experimented with new reagents, and bring you now the definitive guide to brewing beer in a coffee maker, using only materials commonly found on a modestly sized oceanographic research vessel.