Lives on Earth

bacteria

  • Size Matters

    Small things are difficult to see. The smallest things are difficult even to imagine. We are missing life at its smallest, overlooking living things that came before us and make us possible. We need to look inside the box more… Continue reading

  • Are There Any GOOD Viruses?

    Are there any viruses that are good for us? Any that will rejuvenate a liver, improve the digestion, smooth the skin – in addition to those that bring on polio, smallpox, Lyme, HIV, and the flu? After all, certain bacteria… Continue reading

  • The Immortal Jellyfish

    There is a species of small jellyfish that will, when it is sick or injured, instead of dying, fully regenerate itself. It will sink “to the bottom of the ocean floor, where its body folds in on itself—assuming the jellyfish… Continue reading

  • The Pioneers: Archaea and Bacteria

    The most basic categories of living things are not what they used to be. In the past they included Plants and Animals, but no longer. Today the three Domains are all named for organisms too small to see. Plants and… Continue reading

  • Life Before Fossils?

    Seeing may not always mean believing, but when it comes to creatures from millions of years ago, we know it helps. Even a skeptic would have difficulty doubting the reality of dinosaurs after seeing the bones in museums and the… Continue reading

  • Cyanobacteria: R-E-S-P-E-C-T

    We owe cyanobacteria our respect. They have done a great deal for us. Even though they have one nasty trait that I’ll mention later. One reason to respect them is that they are our elders, by a long shot. Cyanobacteria… Continue reading

  • Genesis for Non-Theists

    Creation narratives are lively stories.  In the Bible, God creates the universe and earth in six days. In other traditions, creatures are dismembered, huge eggs hatch, birds create land.   Even science’s own creation narrative starts with a Bang. And… Continue reading