It's freezing in here!

The wood frog (Rana sylvatica) has the ability to freeze solid and then come back to life upon thawing. This video clip shows the process.



There are other organisms other than the wood frog that also have this ability. This article from The Scientist gives other examples and explains how this works and how scientists are looking to use this ability with humans

Comment on how scientists can use this information to improve human life and health. Also comment upon this affects the characteristic of life of homeostasis. We also discussed transport of water by osmosis and sugar by active transport and facilitated diffusion. What do these have to do with this adaptation?

Evolution of the common cold

The common cold is caused by a rhinovirus which uses RNA as genetic material instead of DNA. The use of RNA allows for a higher mutation rate which causes for more adaptation. This article from The Scientist goes into great detail about these topics.

Read the article and comment on the connection between enteroviruses and rhinoviruses. Also look at how the rhinoviruses use different receptor proteins to enter the cells.

Evolved for the high elevation and cold!!!

These two articles highlight that humans show evidence of natural selection. The Tibetans and those who live in high elevations show genetic changes in their ability to carry oxygen. Native Siberian populations show changes in their genes to adapt to colder temperatures and better maintain homeostasis in the frigid temperatures.

"identified one previously known cold-adaptive gene, UCP1, which helps body fat directly produce heat, as well as two new genes: PRKG1, which is involved in preventing heat loss, and ENPP7, which plays a role in metabolizing fats."

What do you think of these adaptations? What other populations or regions should scientists look for other differences in maintaining homeostasis?