DNA Archives - Education

23 Sep 2022

Australian research brings scientists closer to making blood stem cells in the lab

by Claire Hughes | posted in: Biological Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

Australian blood stem cell research could help change the future of stem cell medicine. Two new pieces of research out of the University of NSW in Sydney have shone new light on how the precursors to blood stem cells occur … Continued

18 May 2022

Spring cleaning cells take out the trash before they divide

by Claire Hughes | posted in: Biological Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

Cells may use this strategy to clear out toxic by-products and give their offspring a clean slate. These resources can be used in lessons on cells and cell division with Year 8 and 10 Biology students looking for applications of … Continued

18 Mar 2022

Why is there asymmetry in nature?

by Claire Hughes | posted in: Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth & Space Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

From lefty snails to deadly chemicals, asymmetry in nature is more common than you think. Use the free student activity to help students apply knowledge of adaptations, genetic mutations and elements and compounds. Word Count / Video Length:1072 / 15:16 … Continued

17 Feb 2022

How do cells know when they’re fully grown?

by Claire Hughes | posted in: Biological Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

Scientists unlock the key to cell size regulation – and it’s all in the DNA. How do cells regulate their size? UK researchers have answered this long-standing question in biology. Turns out, they use their DNA content as an internal … Continued

21 Oct 2021

How did we get here? Are races real?

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Biological Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

How does race connect with our evolutionary past? And what does genetics have to do with it? We asked evolutionary biologist Darren Curnoe "are races real?" in this episode of "How Did We Get Here?" Watch this short video and … Continued

20 Aug 2021

Top five examples of convergent evolution

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Biological Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

When faced with a problem, natural selection will often produce similar solutions in unrelated animals. Use this short article with Year 10 Biology students to support the learning of convergent evolution. Word Count: 424 In the words of the best … Continued

15 Jan 2021

Live Fast, Die Last

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Biological Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

In complete defiance of one of nature’s most fundamental laws, a species of tiny, frenetic bat is living 10 times longer – and healthier – than it should. Andrew Bain talks to the research team embarking on the project of … Continued

17 Nov 2020

Grow some spines for EchidnaCSI

by Deborah Devis | posted in: Biological Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

Opportunities for a little echidna detective work. This article describes a citizen science project that asks the community to submit echidna sightings. It is suitable for Year 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10 students learning about the role of native … Continued

6 Nov 2020

Can cat genes explain their nine lives?

by Deborah Devis | posted in: Biological Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

Maybe not, but they can help unravel genomic mutations. This article describes research about cat genomes and mutations. It is suitable for year 10 biology students studying genetics and DNA. Word Count: 529 Credit: Josef Timar / Getty Images … Continued

14 Oct 2019

How do scientists know evolution is real?

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Biological Sciences, Earth & Space Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

The idea of evolution – that species change and evolve over time – is the foundation of biology. But how do scientists actually know it’s real? Use this article with students to discuss evolution by natural selection and the importance … Continued