(Re-posted from Genomicron 2.0) In one of my snarkier moments, I coined the term “Dog’s Ass Plot” (DAP) in reference to A graphical representation of data in any field that, through a lack of clear axis labels, selective inclusion/exclusion of … Continue reading
I have started a series listing quotes from papers published during the supposed period of neglect of noncoding DNA that, we are told repeatedly by authors of various persuasions, was inspired by the “junk DNA” and “selfish DNA” ideas. For … Continue reading
I am not interested in getting into a battle with any of my fellow bloggers on this issue, especially since I actually read all of the blogs involved and appreciate what each one of them has to say. But I … Continue reading
Over on his blog, Greg Laden points to some new work by John Mattick’s group on non-coding RNA expression in mouse brains. It’s interesting stuff, and worth a look. Please bear in mind as you do, however, that non-protein-coding but … Continue reading
I first became interested in genome size because of its tie-ins with important evolutionary questions in which I was (and still am) interested, such as punctuated vs. gradual patterns, levels of selection, and adaptive vs. non-adaptive processes. What I didn’t … Continue reading
The word logodaedaly means “a capricious coinage of words”. It was coined by Plato in the 4th century BC (as “wordsmith”) and picked up by Ben Johnson in 1611 in its current English usage. That’s right, someone coined a term … Continue reading
Larry Moran has provided a good discussion of complexity and genome size, and of the confusions that surround their relationship — rather, their lack of a relationship — to one another [Genome size, complexity, and the C-value paradox]. He links … Continue reading
There is a story on Science News Online entitled “Genome 2.0“. The author has certainly done a lot of legwork and has tried to present a detailed discussion of a complex topic, and for that he deserves considerable credit. (He … Continue reading
“It seems as though ‘junk DNA’ has become a legitimate jargon in a glossary of molecular biology. Considering the violent reactions this phrase provoked when it was first proposed in 1972, the aura of legitimacy it now enjoys is amusing, … Continue reading