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Welcome to Ask A Biologist. This site has a large collection of biology learning materials that includes stories, games, activities, videos, and a podcast.
Coronaviruses can cause the common cold, or worse infections, like COVID-19. Brenda Hogue studies how these viruses replicate and infect, and uses this information to try to make vaccines and other medicines.
Why do peanuts, pollen, or pet dander make some of us sneeze or swell up—but not others? In this episode, Dr. Biology talks with immunologist Esther Borges Florsheim from Arizona State University to explore how allergies start, why they’re becoming more common, and what’s really…
There are many types of relationships that exist in the living world. This episode dives into one special relationship that an insect has with some tiny microbes. It is a life and death story that microbiologist John McCutcheon has been exploring. Dr. Biology gets the…
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to hold a baby Giant Panda in your lap? Listen in while Dr. Biology talks with two scientists who have gotten up close and personal with Pandas. Andrew Smith is a returning guest and WEI Fuwen is a visiting scientist…
Going where no one has gone before sounds exciting, but are we ready to go to Mars? Traveling long distances, and living on another planet is going to be a challenge. You could say an extreme challenge because of the conditions in which we will have to live. Dr. Biology learns a bit about the…
An interview with biologist David Pearson, an author and expert on tiger beetles. Did you know that tiger beetles can run so fast that they go blind and just what would it be like to be hunted by these tiny, but ferocious animals? These are a few of the questions that we learn…
Epic Mosquito Quest
Mosquitoes go beyond annoying, to being downright dangerous at times. How can you reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home, to…
Beat the Heat
Staying safe in the heat is more than just a game, it can be a life saver. Luckily, you can see if you have what it takes to…
Give It A Shot
As our lives become more affected by viruses and bacteria that cause disease, how much does wearing masks and…
Venom!
The shape of a molecule is very important. It’s what makes it possible for proteins to interact with other parts of the cell. In…
Monster Maker
Build your own monster by decoding the monster genome in Monster Maker, a DNA game. It is not very different from what…