Tag: evolution
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David Carrier, University of Utah – Punching with Cadavers
Did our hand evolve for use as weapons? David Carrier, professor of biology at the University of Utah, delves into how the evolution of our hands led to the fist being an effective form of protection. My research is focused on understanding the ways in which biomechanics has influenced the evolution of vertebrates. I have…
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Emily Lescak, University of Alaska Anchorage – Evolutionary Timescales
How long does it take for a species to evolve? Emily Lescak, postdoctoral fellow at the University of Alaska Anchorage, examines how one freshwater fish shows evolution can take place much faster than previously thought. Dr. Emily Lescak is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She uses threespine stickleback fish as a…
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Rhonda Quinn, Seton Hall – Evolutionary Catalysts
A variety of factors influenced our human evolution. Rhonda Quinn, an assistant professor of sociology, anthropology, and social work at Seton Hall University, is studying the relationships our first use of tools by our human ancestors shares with evolution. Rhonda Quinn studies the interaction of modern and extinct humans with the environment. Her primary research…
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Chris Pires, Mizzou – Evolving Together
Sometimes the evolution of two organisms occurs in tandem. Chris Pires, associate professor in the division of biological sciences at the University of Missouri, is studying this type of evolution – commonly called co-evolution. Dr. Chris Pires studies the evolution of plants. He does this by comparing the genetic material of plants that are known…
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Yoel Stuart, UT Austin – Fast Lizard Evolution
Do outside factors influence evolution? Dr. Yoel Stuart, a biologist at UT Austin, is studying a species of lizard that is very quick to adapt. Yoel Stuart is a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Integrative Biology at The University of Texas at Austin. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard University. Stuart’s research explores ecology…
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Stephen Stearns, Yale University – Continuing Human Evolution
Have we reached a pinnacle in our evolutionary development as a species? Dr. Stephen Stearns, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Yale University, is studying the factors that influence contemporary evolution. Prof. Stephen Stearns specializes in life history evolution, which links the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology, and in evolutionary medicine. He…
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Ivan de Araujo – Yale University – Craving Calories
Are humans hard-wired to crave sweet treats? Dr. Ivan de Araujo, an associate professor of psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine, is analyzing the relationship our brain chemistry shares with the sugary snacks everyone loves. A natural of São Paulo, Brazil, Ivan de Araújo attended the University of Brasilia, from where he received his BA (Philosophy) and MA…
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Nathaniel Dominy, Dartmouth College – Edible Environments
We’ve all got to eat. And, the location, preparation and consumption of food is a central part of the existence of all living things. Nathaniel Dominy, associate professor of Anthropology at Dartmouth College, focuses his research on an evolutionary understanding of how humans and primates eat. Nathaniel J. Dominy received a BA from Johns Hopkins…
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Dan Peppe, Baylor University – Proconsul Fossils
Of all fossils, the Proconsul is among the earliest ever discovered. Dan Peppe, assistant professor of geology at Baylor University, is studying these fossils to help understand the evolution of all primates. Dr. Dan Peppe is an assistant professor in the Department of Geology at Baylor University. His research interests are focused on reconstructing ancient climates and ecosystems in North…
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Jayanth Banavar, University of Maryland – Geometry of Life
The constraints of physical shape have helped guide life’s evolutionary path. Jayanth Banavar, dean of the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS) at the University of Maryland, discusses how geometry plays a significant role in development and evolution. Jayanth Banavar is the dean of the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS)…