Touchpoint 1
City mouse or country mouse? Biologist collects mice from homes to study how they got so good at urban living
What is it?
Scientists are collecting mice from different areas of cities and rural areas to see if they can observe any differences in the mice. They want to see if these mice have genetic differences based on where they live.
Potential message to students:
Do mice have to adapt and almost change their biology to live in a city versus the country? How do species evolve to live in a city versus a rural area? Is this an example of survival of the fittest?
Touchpoint 2
Scientists hack the genome of fungi to create meat
What is it?
Bioengineers are genetically modifying fungi to look and taste like meat. They are using CRISPR to modify mold to change color to red and add the flavor of meat to the fungi.
Potential message to students:
Is this a good idea or a bad idea? Do you think we should just eat less meat in our diet or we should substitute plants that are modified to make us think we are eating meat? Is there anything in the original meat that we need for health that may not be in the plants?
Touchpoint 3
Ireland was once home to deer with massive 12-foot antlers
What is it?
Ireland currently has 40 species of land and marine animals. Back in the 1700s, Ireland was home to deer that grew to be 1500 pounds and have antlers spanning 6 and 1/2 feet. They were hunted to extinction.
Potential message to students:
If we could, should we bring them back from extinction? Would they be used for food? Would they encourage more tourism? Do we need a practical reason to resurrect an extinct animal?