Unanswered Questions
4,948 questions with no upvoted or accepted answers
25
votes
1answer
2k views
Additive genetic variance components from LMER in R
I've set up some dummy data in R which makes 40 genetically related lines, they are all siblings within a line so are genetically related by a factor of ½ thus additive genetic variance should be ...
18
votes
0answers
316 views
Effect of Aging on SA node's sympathetic fibers
I am trying to understand the effect of aging on the sympathetic fibers of SA node.
I know that aging shifts the vagal curve to left in frequency due to aging.
However, I am interested if aging has ...
15
votes
1answer
311 views
At which step should I apply a detection filter when preprocessing microarray data? (Before/After normalization, batch effects removal)
What is the best practice when preprocessing microarray data using a detection filter (on scanner p-value)?
Suppose I have a microarray dataset that I have to normalize with Loess and correct with ...
13
votes
0answers
83 views
Why do we use an autoclave at 121°C (250F)? (Origin)
Let me start by saying I know why, but I am inquiring more about the origin.
My question is more related to literature that I cannot seem to find.
I've found some helpful papers and information on the ...
12
votes
0answers
392 views
Identifying Some Kind Of Fossil
This was found off the coast of Ireland by a friend of mine. The running gag is it's some kind of fetish or totem and should be immediately discarded, but we're interested in whether it's perhaps a ...
11
votes
2answers
4k views
How does the immune system fight scabies mites?
After a distressing episode involving my elderly mother and a nursing home, I've been reading up on scabies. It seems that in healthy people, the immune system limits the mite population to around 10 ...
11
votes
2answers
230 views
Are there certain symmetric-pair muscles that are slightly bigger and NOT due to handedness?
Ok, hear me out, I was just thinking about an article in Nature I read in the past titled "Scrotal asymmetry in man and in ancient sculpture"$^{\dagger}$ and more recently an entire medical textbook ...
10
votes
0answers
87 views
How do the biophysics of how cerebrospinal fluid mechanically protects the brain work?
The two mechanisms I've seen mentioned are the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) acting as a hydraulic cushion or shock absorber, and how CSF creates a micro-gravity environment through buoyancy.
I have very ...
10
votes
0answers
368 views
Anatomical Angle Made by the Fingers of an Extended Palm
Does the angle made by the fingers (excluding the thumb) of an extended palm (as shown in the figure below) have a name (such as the Lovibond or Cobb angle, for instance) ?
I have already checked ...
10
votes
1answer
1k views
Deliberately choosing one nostril to breath through
James Nestor, on pp. 41-42 of his book Breath: the New Science of a Lost Art, claims the following.
The right nostril is a gas pedal. When you're inhaling primarily through this channel, circulation ...
9
votes
0answers
179 views
ID request ~2mm insect monstrosity
This tiny monstrosity (~2mm in length) was inside of some kind of "flat tent cocoon" on a pepper plant leaf in Washington state, USA.
Not sure what's going on here. Is it malformed or infected?
9
votes
1answer
381 views
What percentage of the genetic variance is explained by the 'n'- most important loci?
Introduction
Standard models in population genetics look up at the evolution of few loci which impact fitness. The variance in fitness is determined by the genetic variance and the environmental ...
8
votes
0answers
120 views
Where does Darwin state his “principle of multiple utility”?
I have never heard of Darwin's 'principle of multiple utility', but several papers refer to it. For example, from Darwin at the molecular scale: selection and variance in electron tunnelling proteins ...
8
votes
1answer
124 views
What species is this aromatic plant found in a mountainous region of Greece?
This plant was found in the Taygetos mountains, Greece, and had a lemony smell.
Small plant about a foot high.
The shiny recurved leaves are reminiscent of rosemary, and the dry seed-heads seem ...
8
votes
0answers
181 views
I am trying to identify this plant
I am trying to identify this medium arching shrub growing to about 1.5m high x 2m wide in the subtropical climate of the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens in Brisbane, Australia. Unfortunately there was no ...
