Evolution is the central, unifying theme of biology—yet today, more than a 150 years since Charles Darwin proposed the idea of evolution through natural selection, the topic is still relegated to a handful of chapters in textbooks and a few class sessions in introductory biology courses. In some high school and undergraduate courses, evolution is not covered at all. In recent years, increasing numbers of research scientists, educators, an... More >>

Could ancient microbes hold the key to making low-cost and efficient devices for future supplies of clean water? Are there patterns in protein structures that provide clues for creating artificial photosynthetic systems more robust than those found in nature? Can sulfur-loving bacteria living at the bottom of the ocean show us new ways to capture and utilize methane? These were just some of the topics explored in a workshop, held in Januar... More >>

The potential of recent advances in science and technology to affect the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention was discussed at a recent workshop held at the Institute of Biophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The meeting was convened by IAP -- the Global Network of Science Academies, the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the International Union of Microbiological Societies, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, an... More >>

Using the New Biology approach to achieve carbon neutrality in food and biofuel production could stimulate new scientific discoveries, energize the public, and motivate a new generation of students, participants at the first in the New Biology workshop series concluded. The workshop was intended to provide concrete examples of societal challenges related to food, energy, and the environment that would benefit from the New Biology approach t... More >>

The life sciences have a pivotal role to play in addressing many of the global challenges of the 21st century, such as providing food and water to an expanding human population, reducing and adapting to climate change, improving human health, and meeting increasing energy needs. However, steps must be taken quickly to create the conditions that will allow this tremendous potential to be realized. At the request of the National Institutes o... More >>