April blogs digest: a DNA quiz, the microbiome, freebirthing, is dancing good for the brain? And more

How much do you know about DNA? National DNA Day is celebrated on 25 April, to recognize the anniversary of the successful completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the discovery of DNA’s double helix in 1953. The goal of this special day is to offer students, teachers, and the public an opportunity to learn about the latest advances in genomic research, and how those advances might impact all of our lives. Take our quiz to see how much you know! Microbiome and the modern environment Journal of Physiological Anthropology published a series looking at the effects of the modern environment on the microbiome, asking how might modern pressures influence human-associated microbiota? In this guest blog authors of research in the series, Alan Logan and Susan Prescott explained more about the connection between the two. Keep dancing! It could be good for the brain Picking up choreography can seem like a brain teaser. Interpreting which arm, which leg, which direction even, can lead to legs and arms everywhere except for the very position they should be in. This can be frustrating, but keep dancing, as research suggests that learning new steps could prevent dementia. From freebirthing in the UK to sexual orientation and mental health Giving birth and ‘going it alone’: choosing to freebirth in the UK: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth recently published a research article investigating the reasons behind why women choose to ‘go it alone’ when giving birth in the UK. Co-au...
Source: BioMed Central Blog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Biology Health Medicine blogs digest Source Type: blogs