Biology


Feature Writer: Jeffrey Willett
Jeffrey, Aiste Rutkauskaite

Life. What is more fascinating? Humans are one of millions of species on Earth—there are so many we haven’t found them all. Biology is a journey to explore the five kingdoms: monera, protista, fungi, plantae, and animalia, and the roles they play in human lives. It will be a long journey; along the way we’ll meet life forms large and small. We’ll find out about bacteria, cyanobacteria, protozoans, fungus species, and myriad plants and animals. What are the origins of life? What are its limits? Scientists have discovered life in Antarctic ice, in the deep oceans, at hydrothermal vents, in the atmosphere, and in countless places we thought lifeless. Now we wait for word of life on other planets. For the basics and the latest news, read Biology at Suite 101. Enjoy the journey!

feature articles
Jeffrey Willett

The Human Skin

In: Biology (general)

The human skin is the largest body organ and consists of three layers. The outermost epidermal layer is the stratum corneum, which helps protect the skin from infection. more...

Placebos in Clinical Trials

In: Bioethics

The use of placebos in clinical trials is accepted medical practice. But what happens when placebos only are used in studies within developing countries? more...

Ethics in Health Technology Assessment

In: Bioethics

Over time, the focus of health technology assessment (HTA) has shifted away from ethical issues to clinical and economic concerns. An international survey examines why. more...

Health Technology Assessment in Latin America

In: Bioethics

Health technology assessment (HTA) is a valuable policy tool in developed countries. In developing regions such as Latin America, HTA has been harder to implement. more...

Health Technology Assessment (HTA)

In: Bioethics

Health technology assessment developed in the 1970s in response to rising health care expenditures and concerns about inefficient health care systems. more...

Modern Medicine and the Hippocratic Oath

In: Bioethics

The Hippocratic Oath was intended to set forth an informal code of behavior for physicians. Today, however, it is rarely used or followed in its entirety. more...

Hippocrates and the Hippocratic Oath

In: Bioethics

Hippocrates has been called the 'Father of Medicine.' He wrote extensively on medical science and is said to be responsible for the Oath that bears his name. more...

The Science of Tickling

In: Biology (general)

Tickling may induce pleasurable sensations in some people, and outright fear in others. This pleasure-pain duality affects how the body manages stress. more...

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