How CRISPR can inherit changes caused by exposure

Bacteria can pass on genetic changes gained during an infection

After meeting a virus, bacteria can add pieces of its DNA to their own CRISPR system. These new pieces can then pass to their descendants. In this limited way, bacteria can inherit a change gained through an encounter during life, while the CRISPR machinery itself still evolves through ordinary natural selection.

The Moon pulls Earth's tides more strongly than the Sun

The Sun's overall gravitational pull on Earth is much stronger than the Moon's. But tides depend on how much gravity changes across Earth, and that change is more sensitive to distance. Because the Moon is so much closer, its tidal effect is more than twice the Sun's.

One exploding star can briefly outshine an entire galaxy

When certain stars explode as supernovae, their brightness can increase enormously in a short time. At peak luminosity, a single explosion may rival or exceed the combined light of billions of stars in its host galaxy. The event can then fade over weeks or months, leaving behind expanding debris and sometimes a neutron star or black hole.

Like this? There’s a whole feed of it. Replace empty scrolling with things worth knowing.

Download Hence for free

How CRISPR can inherit changes caused by exposure

Bacteria can pass on genetic changes gained during an infection

Keep exploring