anatomy lesson : NPR

The secret history of DNA: Pus, fish sperm, life as we know it

This double-helix model of DNA is iconic, but not what you would see if you looked in your cells right now. BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty hide caption

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BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty

The secret history of DNA: Pus, fish sperm, life as we know it

November 11, 2021 • It's been 150 years since the first article was published about the molecule key to life as we know it — DNA. With help from researcher Pravrutha Raman, Short Wave producer Berly McCoy explains how DNA is stored in our cells and why the iconic double helix shape isn't what you'd see if you peeked inside your cells right now.

The secret history of DNA: Pus, fish sperm, life as we know it

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Courtesy of G. P. Putnam's Sons

'Gross Anatomy' Turns Humor On Taboos About The Female Body

August 30, 2018 • Author Mara Altman got tired of hiding her hairy, sweaty self from the world, and set out to reframe the shame in her latest book of essays — part memoir, part scientific exploration, part manifesto.

'Gross Anatomy' Turns Humor On Taboos About The Female Body

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Eye Shapes Of The Animal World Hint At Differences In Our Lifestyles

Can you guess which eyes belong to what animal? Top row, from left: cuttlefish, lion, goat. Bottom row, from left: domestic cat, horse, gecko. Top row: iStockphoto; bottom row: Flickr hide caption

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Top row: iStockphoto; bottom row: Flickr

Shots - Health News

Eye Shapes Of The Animal World Hint At Differences In Our Lifestyles

August 7, 2015 • Tigers have round pupils, but domestic cats have vertical slits in the center of their eyes. What gives? A census of the shapes of animals' pupils suggests size and way of life each play a big role.

Eye Shapes Of The Animal World Hint At Differences In Our Lifestyles

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An Intersection Of Science And Art In Rembrandt's 'Anatomy Lesson'

Rembrant's The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp. Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images hide caption

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Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images

Opinion

An Intersection Of Science And Art In Rembrandt's 'Anatomy Lesson'

May 29, 2015 • The artist's painting of a medical school demonstration is more than just a picture; it is an occasion for thinking about the ways sight and thought, art and science, need each other, says Alva Noë.