Microbes
Dormant microbes from Ötzi the Iceman’s body can grow in the lab
These cold-loving yeasts may be thousands of years old. They also suggest the mummy’s remains may not be completely frozen in time.
By Tom Metcalfe
HS-LS1-1
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
More Stories in HS-LS1-1
- Microbes
Let’s learn about viruses
Viruses cause a huge range of illnesses, but vaccines can help protect you against these infections.
- Animals
Let’s learn about tardigrades
These tiny animals can survive drying out, freezing, harsh radiation and other hazards.
- Microbes
Experiment: Yeasty beasties
It’s hard to believe a packet of dry yeast is full of living things. But feed the yeast the right things, and presto! You’ve got bubbly, oozing mess of life.
- Chemistry
Scientists Say: Chiral
Many biological molecules come in a left- and right-handed form — and biology plays favorites.
- Health & Medicine
Dad’s backyard lessons inspired this hearing scientist to learn
A. Catalina Vélez-Ortega researches how proteins can protect against hearing loss.
- Health & Medicine
2025’s Texas measles outbreak is a lesson in the value of vaccines
The outbreak shows that a near absence of once-common childhood diseases — like measles — is not evidence that vaccines are unnecessary.
- Microbes
Under the microscope, this biologist sees a tiny jungle
Sally Warring has long been captivated by the beauty of mostly single-celled life forms called protists.
- Animals
Paw-print DNA lets scientists track out-of-sight polar bears
This environmental DNA can aid in conserving species that are hard or dangerous to observe.
- Tech
Synthetic biology aims to tackle disease and give cells superpowers
DNA machines and protein-mimicking nanotech could replace broken machinery in cells or even lead to made-from-scratch synthetic life.
