quote:
And if you are really interested, yes the theory of evolution can help sick amoebas get better. They can do this in labs and in the field with real science, just as they help humans will all manner of illnesses.
Here is how:
Some scientists also use evolution to develop drugs to combat disease, an approach called “directed evolution.”
Biologists employing this method generate a large batch of random segments of DNA ” short strips of biological material ” which are then tested to see whether any will perform a useful function inside cells, such as binding to a protein. The DNA segments that fail at the task are eliminated; those that succeed are copied in such a way that new mutations are introduced. These new variants then are tested. The process is replicated many times until an optimal sequence is found.
Read the article in its entirety to see different ways in which the simple principals underlying the ToE are being used in many different disciplines.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and non-believers. -- Barack Obama
We see monsters where science shows us windmills. -- Phat