Jun 29 2009
Fun Science Fact: Move Over, Birds and Bees
Where do babies come from? The stork brings ‘em. As for where baby storks come from — I have no idea.
More seriously, the “birds and bees” of human reproduction just got more complicated. Why? Because we know more; we have more precise instruments of exploration and measurement. In an article over at Eurekalert, with this subtitle — New study explores dad’s role in shaping a healthy baby — I read:
The new research shows that in sperm, these genes are wrapped in special packaging materials called ‘modified histones.’ These modified histones appear to be key factors in ensuring genes are activated or repressed at the right level, place and time, which helps the fertilized egg develop properly.
Funny, my parents didn’t mention that part when they taught me the “facts of life.” Theirs was an introductory lecture, I guess.
On a nit-picking note, can you guess what about the following sentence makes me groan?
During fetal development, certain [sperm] genes make decisions about organ and tissue development.
Man, those are some brilliant bees!
