top of page


Whale Evolution: Why These Giants Still Have Hips and Knees
Whales, the magnificent giants of the ocean, are a testament to the wonders of evolution. Despite their fully aquatic lifestyles, whales...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Jul 29, 20243 min read


Inheriting the Past: How Neanderthal Genes Influence Modern Humans
The story of human evolution is a tapestry woven with various threads, one of the most intriguing being our relationship with...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Jul 15, 20242 min read


The Earth Biogenome Project: A Mission to Sequence All Eukaryotic Life
In an ambitious quest to understand the planet's biodiversity, the Earth Biogenome Project aims to sequence the DNA of all known...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
May 1, 20243 min read


Sickle Cell Disease and Malaria: A Tale of Evolutionary Adaptation
The relationship between sickle cell disease and malaria is a fascinating example of how human genetics and disease can intertwine...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Apr 19, 20243 min read


The Tale of Dead Genes: Tracing Evolution through Our Genetic Graveyard
Our DNA serves as a historical record, tracing not only our species but also our ancestors over millions of years. Among the active genes...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Apr 10, 20243 min read


The Unique Blood of Ice Fish: A Marvel of Evolutionary Biology
The Antarctic ice fish, a remarkable creature thriving in the icy waters of the Antarctic Ocean, offers a unique insight into...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Mar 29, 20242 min read


The Puzzling World of Lampreys: Shedding DNA to Unravel Evolutionary Mysteries
Lampreys, one of the oldest surviving vertebrates, exhibit a unique genetic phenomenon: Programmed Genome Rearrangement (PGR). Unlike...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Mar 27, 20242 min read


Octopuses: Masters of RNA Editing and Neurological Complexity
Octopuses are renowned for their intelligence and remarkable ability to adapt to their environment. One key to their extraordinary...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Mar 25, 20242 min read


Human Chromosome 2: A Tale of Evolutionary Linkage with Our Primate Cousins
One of the most striking pieces of evidence for human evolution is found deep within our cells, specifically in chromosome 2. This...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Mar 24, 20242 min read


The Paradox of Genome Size: Why Bigger Isn't Always More Complex
In genetics, a fascinating phenomenon challenges our intuitive understanding of complexity and size. The paradox of genome size, also...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Mar 21, 20242 min read


From Humans to Animals: The Surprising Genetic Similarities Across Species
The natural world is a mosaic of diverse species, each uniquely adapted to their environment. Yet, beneath this diversity lies a...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Mar 19, 20242 min read


The Antifreeze Proteins of Arctic and Antarctic Fish: Surviving Subzero Temperatures
Some fish species thrive in environments that would freeze the blood of most organisms. Their survival in subzero temperatures is a...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Mar 17, 20242 min read


Organ Regeneration and the Adaptive Immune System: A Fascinating Intersection in Model Organisms
The natural ability of certain animals like frogs, salamanders, and zebrafish to regenerate their organs has been a subject of intense...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Mar 15, 20243 min read


Vampire Bats: How Do They Survive on Blood
Vampire bats, the only mammals known for exclusively feeding on blood, have long fascinated scientists and the public. This blog post...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Mar 14, 20243 min read


Evolution of Color Vision in Primates
Imagine a world where you can only see in shades of blue and yellow, but no reds or greens. This was likely the reality for our distant...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Mar 10, 20242 min read


The Color-Changing Chameleons: The Biochemical Secrets Behind Their Remarkable Skin Transformations
Chameleons, a unique reptilian group, captivate scientists and enthusiasts with their remarkable skin color-changing abilities. Far from...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Mar 8, 20242 min read


Evolutionary Biology: Tail Loss in Humans and Apes
In evolutionary biology, the loss of the tail in humans and our closest relatives, the apes, represents a significant anatomical change....
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Mar 5, 20242 min read


Tardigrades: The Tiny Titans of Survival and Their Genetic Secrets
Tardigrades, also known as water bears or moss piglets, are microscopic creatures famous for their unmatched ability to endure extreme...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Mar 4, 20242 min read


Deciphering Our Ancestral Past: Insights from the Genetic Changes in Neandertals, Denisovans, and Modern Humans
A recent publication in the journal Cell titled "The Genetic Changes That Shaped Neandertals, Denisovans, and Modern Humans" by Hugo...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Mar 2, 20242 min read


Hox Genes: Architects of the Fruit Fly's Body Plan
In developmental biology, Hox genes stand out as master architects of body plans, not just in complex organisms but also in the seemingly...
Tommy Aleksander Karlsen
Feb 28, 20242 min read
bottom of page
