These are monkey orchids (Orchis simia). This species can be found in Europe, the Mediterranean, Russia, Asia Minor, and Iran.

Genetic modification is one of the most controversial topics in all of modern science and with the advancement of synthetic biology over the last decade or so it is sure to become even more of a talking point in the future. Genetic modification is a subject that most people seem to have an opinion on, but I must say that a great deal of those opinions are built upon misconceptions or influenced by the charm of organic propaganda. I cant help but find such misunderstandings quite ironic, for example, the man who strongly opposes the consumption of genetically modified foods, yet requires the injection of insulin produced via genetically modified micro-organisms to keep his diabetes under control, to name just one such example. It seems that ...

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A scanning electron microscope image of a single red blood cell on the tip of a needle.

This snow tunnel near the Mutnovsky Volcano in Russia is almost a kilometre long. These tunnels form under the snow fields in deep ravines at the end of the summer thaw. Meltwater flows through glaciers towards lower elevations, finding an outlet at the terminus of the glacier and carving the ice on the way. The Mutnovsky Volcano is found in the southern part of the Kamchatka Peninsula.

The emerging field of synthetic biology is affirming itself at the forefront of modern science, possibly offering practical, effective solutions to many of the worlds most pressing problems. Described most simply as the ‘design and construction of new biological entities…’  synthetic biology, at first, seems to be a natural progression from twentieth century genetic engineering . However, synthetic biology sets itself a slightly different ethos, the central ‘from the bottom up’ dogma of the field means that organisms are designed, programmed, built, not just slightly altered or adjusted.

Origin & Scope

Although synthetic biology has only recently entered the scientific limelight, it was first mentioned back in 1912 by French biologist Stephan ...

This is a white-blooded ice fish, or "crocodile fish" (Chaenocephalus aceratus). They lack both red blood cells and hemoglobin, and so have white blood. They have translucent bodies, and absorb oxygen directly from the water around them.

The wolphin is the extraordinary result of breeding a female bottle-nosed dolphin with a male false killer whale. In captivity there are two occurrences, both are in the Sea Life Park in Hawaii. Unlike other hybrids, the wolphin is fertile.