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Unit 1: Genetic Continuity

Thomas Merritt | Professeur titulaire

Thomas Merritt

Full Professor in Genomics and Bioinformatics

Thomas Merritt is a Full Professor in Genomics and Bioinformatics for the Canada Research Chair.
Looking at a donut and a brain through a magnifying glass

How Sugar Affects the Brain

STEM Explained

Consuming sugary foods and drinks activates your brain’s reward system - the same system that can cause addiction.

Red-haired woman

The Chemistry of Redheads

STEM Explained

Learn how chemistry and genetics makes redheads stand out from the crowd.

Mitosis of kidney cells © Ian P Newton & Paul L Appleton [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons

What is Mitosis?

Backgrounders

Mitosis is an important part of cell division that helps organisms grow and repair themselves.

Bread and wheat with a warning sign

Celiac Disease: When You Really Need to Stay Gluten-Free

STEM Explained

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder. Gluten triggers an immune system response, seriously affecting nutrition.

Why do oil and water not mix?

Why do oil and water not mix?

Hands-on Activities

What chemistry determines how oil and water behave when mixed? Explore the mixing of oil and water and the density of liquids in this activity.

Arctic pack ice

Why Don't Fish Freeze in Cold Arctic Waters?

STEM Explained

Ever wonder how fish survive in the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic? It’s partly because of a brilliant evolutionary adaptation.

What is the best way to clean up an oil spill?

What is the best way to clean up an oil spill?

Hands-on Activities

Learn about the properties of materials and the challenges of cleaning up an oil spill in this activity.

DNA barcoding used to test food

The Classification of Life: From Linnaeus to DNA Barcoding

Backgrounders

Learn about two taxonomy systems that scientists use to classify the life around us.

Cartoon mammoth

Should Scientists Clone Extinct Species?

STEM Explained

Cloning makes it possible to bring extinct species back to life. But is that a good idea?

Down Syndrome karyotype

Meiosis Mistakes

STEM Explained

Errors during meiosis can alter the number of chromosomes in cells and lead to genetic disorders.

Pavlova meringue with fruit

Meringue: The Science Behind a Wonderfully Fluffy Dessert

STEM Explained

Learn about the biochemistry of cooking meringue.

Great tits eat from a bird feeder

Natural Selection in Your Backyard

STEM Explained

A study on bird feeders and beak sizes shows how an everyday human activity can affect the evolution of another species.

How does detergent work?

How does detergent work?

Hands-on Activities

Become a pro at washing dishes! Learn how the chemical structure of detergent makes it perfect for attracting grease and grime.

DNA "unzipping"

How can I obtain a sample of DNA?

Hands-on Activities

Be a biochemist! Learn how to extract DNA from an onion and find out what DNA looks like.