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 Science of Tickling

In: Biology (general)

Tickling induces pleasurable sensations in some people, and outright fear in others. This pleasure-pain duality affects stress levels in the body. more...

Tickling – Perception or Physiology?

In: Biology (general)

Although tickling is a physical stimuli passed along neural pathways, how the brain perceives tickling seems almost as important as the reflex sensation itself. more...

The Physiology of Tickling

In: Biology (general)

The science of tickling is complex. The brain processes pleasant tickle stimuli along with sensations of pain from other neural pathways. more...

What is Bioethics?

In: Bioethics

Human beings occupy a planet filled with complex challenges and difficult issues. Bioethics was developed to help people cope with advances in medicine and technology. more...

Guiding Principles for Clinical Investigation

In: Bioethics

As a physician, Henry K. Beecher understood all too well the problems associated with clinical research. In 1966, he published some guiding principles for researchers. more...

Ethical Principles Guiding Biomedical Research

In: Bioethics

The National Research Act (1974) set forth ethical principles for research on human subjects. Three additional initiatives followed to put those principles into practice. more...

Henry K. Beecher and Clinical Experimentation

In: Bioethics

Medical research and informed consent have been shrouded in four myths. According to a 1966 article by Henry K. Beecher, the reality was quite different. more...

Broken Heart Syndrome

In: Biology (general)

Sweetest Day 2009 is a time to show appreciation for loved ones. But when love is lost, the shock induces severe medical and chemical effects on the heart and body. more...

All feature articles in Biology

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