In the May 10th issue of Phosphorus plays a crucial role in life chemistry. Phosphates serve as the backbone for all nucleic acids and are the major repository of chemical energy for metabolism. The human body contains about 11,000 parts per million of phosphorus by weight.
Biochemical Design30% Inefficiency by Design
By Fazale R. Rana Cells use a highly wasteful process when producing proteins. Roughly 30 percent of all newly synthesized proteins must be degraded (broken down) by the cell immediately after formation because they are improperly made. A Biochemical Watch Found in a Cellular Heath
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana, Ph.D. Kai ABC Proteins Re-invigorate the Watchmaker Argument for God’s Existence A Couple of Tasty Morsels
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana, Ph.D. A sampling of new research uncovers more function for junk DNA, undermines one of the best arguments for biological evolution AAA+ Biomolecular Motors Provide A-1 Evidence for Design
When I was a little kid, my dad used to insist I... Are Pseudogenes Junk?
Posted by Fazale 'Fuz' Rana, Ph.D. Evolutionary biologists regard “junk” DNA as one of the most potent pieces of evidence for biological evolution. Often identical (or nearly identical) segments of junk DNA occur in a wide range of related organisms. Award-Winning Protein Discovery Reveals Design
by Fazale Rana, Ph.D. Each year the Nobel Foundation gives awards for accomplishments that benefit humanity. The 2004 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to biochemists Aaron Ciechanover and Avram Hershko (from Israel) and Irwin Rose (America) for ground-breaking work in understanding the molecular basis of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's.1 Bacteria: Ordered and Organized
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana, Ph.D. Latest Discoveries Highlight the Exquisite Molecular Arrangement of Simplest Life Biochemical Synonyms Optimized, Part 1of 2
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana, Ph.D. New Study Uncovers More Evidence for Biochemical Optimization and Intelligent Design Biochemical Synonyms Optimized, Part 2 of 2
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana, Ph.D. New Study Uncovers More Evidence for Biochemical Optimization and Intelligent Design Biochemistry and the Bible: Collaborators in Design An Interview with Dr. Fuz Rana
By Joe Aguirre Fazale (Fuz) Rana is vice president for science apologetics at Reasons To Believe, a regular guest on RTB’s weekly television and radio programs, and a contributing editor to Facts for Faith. Fuz earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Ohio University. Biochemists Ask, "How Low Can Life Go?"
Fazale (Fuz) R. Rana, Ph.D. "How low can you go?" This familiar call challenges limbo dancers to maneuver their way under a stick held ever closer to the ground. Some biochemists have taken part in a stick dance of their own. Advances in molecular biology make it possible for scientists to take up the challenge of determining "How low can life go?" as they assess life's minimal complexity. Bombarded by Design
David H. Rogstad, Ph.D. “Biology is the study of complicated things that give the appearance of having been designed for a purpose.” — Richard Dawkins, atheist biologist, in The Blind Watchmaker Book Reviews: Unmasking Misconceptions
Reviewed by Fazale ("Fuz") Rana, Ph.D. The Human Genome Project (HGP) and affiliated technologies, such as cloning and stem cell research, elicit both confusion and concern. Advances in biotechnology may promise cures for many horrible diseases, but they also seemingly place scientists in the position to play God. Bringing Order to the Case for Intelligent Design, Part 1
As a junior in college I experienced love at... Bringing Order to the Case for Intelligent Design, Part 2
Last week I mentioned that in graduate school I... Changing Gears
The intricate design present in biological systems never ceases to amaze. A few months ago I wrote about molecular motors present in biological cells and how they are giving insight to researchers in Déjá vu—Again, Part 1 of 2
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana, Ph.D. Newly Discovered Example of Convergence Challenges Biological Evolution Deviant by Design, Part 1 (of 2)
Acid rain has a devastating effect on the environment. It also destroys national treasures like the Statue of Liberty. Tragically, this... Deviant by Design, Part 2 (of 2)
Last week I made the point that the forces of nature–in addition to corroding national treasures like the Statue... Dinosaur Genome Size Estimates: Lagerstatten of Design
Posted by Fazale 'Fuz' Rana, Ph.D. Study of Fossil Remains Identifies another Function for Junk DNADisposing the Cell's Trash, Part 1 of 2
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana, Ph.D. New Insight into the Cell’s Quality-Control Systems Provided Added Evidence for Design Disposing the Cell's Trash, Part 2 of 2
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana, Ph.D. New Insight into the Cell’s Quality-Control Systems Provided Added Evidence for Design DNA Barcodes Used to Inventory Plant Biodiversity
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana, Ph.D. New Research Substantiates DNA as an ‘Information Harboring’ Molecule DNA Soaks Up Sun's Rays
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana, Ph.D. DNA Optimized for Photostability, Adds to the Evidence for Design Error Control Coding in Biology Implies Design, Part 2 (of 5)
Keith McPherson In part 1 of this series we learned how the genetic system is an information-processing system, and outlined several reasons why we could expect to find coding techniques in play to protect the genetic data. Such coding techniques are known and used by engineers to protect the data processed by many modern digital communications systems. Error Control Coding in Biology Implies Design, Part 3 (of 5)
Keith McPherson Parts 1 and 2 of this series observed that biological genetic systems function as information-processing systems, and a case was made for coding techniques that protect the genetic data. As a specific example, the genetic code appears designed to minimize the effects of errors in a way that is directly analogous to Gray codes. Error Control Coding in Biology Implies Design, Part 4 (of 5)
Keith McPherson Anyone up for tic-tac-toe and genetics? It’s not exactly a game, but grab a cup of coffee and let’s explore the intriguing design in genetic systems. Error Control Coding in Biology Implies Design, Part 5 (of 5)
Keith McPherson Parts 1 through 4 of this series described such features as information-processing systems, Gray codes, even parity codes, and error-minimization techniques in biological systems. A fifth feature (not part of this series) observed an analogy of a feedback control system found in dairy cows. Error-Control Coding in Biology Implies Design, Part 1 (of 5)
Keith McPherson It’s no secret that we are highly dependent on electronic devices. We use them for managing schedules, communicating, staying “connected,” and storing, managing, and using various media such as music, photographs, and videos. Faster by Design, Part 1 of 2
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana, Ph.D. Scientists Create Enzyme from Scratch Faster by Design, Part 2 of 2
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana, Ph.D. Scientists Create Enzyme from Scratch Feedback Control in Biology
by Keith McPherson Calcium levels of pregnant cows in Iowa may not be the first image that comes to mind when Christian apologists invoke supernatural design, but that appears to be the case based on a recent feedback control study. Functional DNA amid Piles of Junk
by Fazale "Fuz" R. Rana, Ph.D. Sometimes my daughters' bedrooms are unbelievably messy. Junk everywhere. It often looks like a clothes bomb detonated. I have no idea how they can find anything in the aftermath of such devastation. FYI: I.D. IN DNA Deciphering Design in the Genetic Code
By Fazale Rana A pilot flying his plane over the South Pacific sees an uncharted island in the distance and circles downward to take a closer look. As the plane descends, the pilot spots large rocks on the island's shore arranged to spell out SOS. Beyond the reach of waves, he notices a grass hut. Without hesitation, the pilot radios for help. Getting Ready for Fun in the Sun
It's that time of the year when everyone starts thinking about having "fun in the Sun." Unfortunately, I am not one of them. Instead I am ... iDNA: The Next Generation of iPods?
Fazale (Fuz) R. Rana, Ph.D. Inability to Repeat the Past Dooms Evolution
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana, Ph.D. Experimental Support for Historical Contingency Challenges Biological Evolution Increasing the Torque on Intelligent Design
Some people are so well known they need no introduction. That's also the... Is Junk DNA Evidence for Biological Evolution?
Posted by Fazale 'Fuz' Rana, Ph.D. Long Terminal Repeats Function as Promoters for the NAIP Gene in Mammals Junk DNA Regulates Gene Expression
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana, Ph.D. Junk DNA Plays an Important Role in DevelopmentJunk DNA: A Problem for the Evolutionary Paradigm?
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana New Discoveries Raise Questions about Molecular Evolution Kidney Stones- Evidence for Divine Design
by Fazale (Fuz) Rana, Ph.D. "It's the closest that a man will ever come to experiencing the pain of childbirth," the attending nurse proclaimed with a noticeable glee in her eyes. Her comment only added to my misery as I writhed in pain on a stretcher in the emergency room, waiting to pass a kidney stone. Lightest Element, Heaviest Load
A quick survey of the world around us makes it pretty clear that we just can’t live without hydrogen... Little Motors, Big Designer
David H. Rogstad, Ph.D. As a student I came across the humorous definition of a nuclear physicist as one who was “learning more and more about less and less, until finally he knew everything about nothing.” In today’s world More on the Nucleoskeletal Hypothesis
Posted by Fazale 'Fuz' Rana, Ph.D.
Study of Sexual Parasite Reveals Function for Junk DNAMutations Exceed Expectations
by Hugh Ross assisted by Guillermo Gonzalez Ironically, modern "advances" could serve to hasten humanity's demise. For the first time, geneticists have measured the proportion of harmful mutations arising in one generation of advanced species. The numbers are staggering. 10,11 Nanodevices Make Megascopic Statement
By Fazale R. Rana The “Watchmaker” argument asserts that as the intricacy of a watch implies the mind and work of a watchmaker, so the complexity of an organism also implies the work of an Intelligent Designer. Skeptics, in attacking the Watchmaker argument, challenge the necessity of a Creator’s existence from the study of nature, saying that at best, only a weak analogy exists between a watch and nature. Natural Nucleobase Synthesis?
by Hugh Ross The replicating molecules of life (DNA and RNA) are composed of different nucleobase molecules linked together by phosphates and five-carbon sugars.
New Clues to a Genesis Mystery
By Hugh Ross, Ph.D. The biblical record of patriarchs who lived 900+ years has raised questions and doubts for centuries. In the context of current life expectancy (which places me on the brink of “senior citizen” status), some Bible readers assume the “years” in the Genesis 5 and 11 chronologies must have been shorter than the familiar 12-month whirl around the Sun. But there’s nothing in the text or in other ancient records to support such a view and much to contradict it. New Discovery Pumps Up Evidence for Design
by Fazale (Fuz) R. Rana, Ph.D. Nobody likes an infection. Most illnesses caused by bacteria present little more than a nuisance easily treated with a few doses of antibiotics. But some infections can be life-threatening and require carefully controlled administration of drugs. In such cases, physicians sometimes make use of a small, portable medical device powered by a peristaltic pump (see sidebar) to deliver the right amount of drugs through an IV to the patient. Opossum Genome Leaves Evolution’s Best Argument Dead in the Road
First Marsupial Genome Indicates that Junk DNA Has Function
Overlapping Genes Evince Intelligent Design
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana, Ph.D. DNA Researchers Uncover Evidence that Overlapping Genes Are Widespread in Mammal GenomesPairing Up on the Dance Floor
by Fazale "Fuz" R. Rana, Ph.D. Imagine jostling and bumping your way around a crowded dance floor. The lights are low and the music is loud. You are trying to connect with a blind date. And all you have to go on is the person's name. It might take you most of the evening to find your companion. Protein Structure Reveal More Evidence For Design
By Fuz Rana Recent research on three proteins (RNA polymerase II, thioredoxin reductase from E. coli, and chloroplast F1-F0 ATPase) provides new evidence for design at the subcellular level.1, 2, 3 These three proteins possess, as part of their architectural make-up, components that are literally machine parts, responsible for cellular movement and other functions. They must now be added to the growing list of “molecular motors” that are direct analogs to man-made devices.4, 5, 6 Protein Structures Reveal Even More Evidence for Design
By Fazale (Fuz) R. Rana, Ph.D. Recent structural characterization of three proteins, RNA polymerase II, thioredoxin reductase (from E. coli), and chloroplast F1-F0 ATPase, provides exciting additional evidence for Design at the subcellular level. Protein Structures Reveal More Evidence for Design
By Fuz Rana Recent research on three proteins (RNA polymerase II, thioredoxin reductase from E. coli, and chloroplast F1-F0 ATPase) provides new evidence for design at the subcellular level.1, 2, 3 These three proteins possess, as part of their architectural make-up, components that are literally machine parts, responsible for cellular movement and other functions. Proteins Made by Design, Part 1 (of 3)
New Discoveries about Ribosomes Add to the Case for Intelligent Design Several years ago I worked in research and development for a Fortune 500 company. As part of my job, I occasionally visited our manufacturing operations. I always found these visits to the plants fascinating. It was hypnotizing to watch... Proteins Made by Design, Part 2 (of 3)
As I mentioned last week, several years ago I worked in research and development for a Fortune 500 company. As part of the job, I occasionally... Proteins Made by Design, Part 3 (of 3)
Several years ago a famous ad campaign for one of the big three automakers announced their commitment to the principle that "quality is job 1." As I discussed last week, quality control appears... Restricted by Design
Rational Design of Novel Enzyme Highlights Biochemical Design In 1978, three scientists (Hamilton Smith, Werner Arber, and Daniel Nathans) were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of restriction enzymes and their applications... The Genetic Code: Simply the Best
by Fazale (Fuz) R. Rana, Ph.D. What was the best movie of the past year? Who is the best-dressed celebrity? What is the best university in the country? Many people are fascinated by lists of “the best.” And apologetics is no exception. I am often asked what I think to be the best argument for intelligent design. From my vantage point as a biochemist, it's the genetic code. Recently published research adds to my conviction. The Nobel Prize, Ribosomes, and Evidence for Intelligent Design
In the mid-19th century Alfred Nobel discovered... Those Amazing Molecular Motors
by David H. Rogstad, Ph.D. In my undergraduate course in biology at Caltech in the late 1950s, a cell was understood simply as a variety of chemical reactions going on inside a tiny test tube.1 Now, 50 years later, scientists know that the structure inside a cell is far more complex and exhibits elegant organization suggestive of a Designer. Traffic Signals in the Cell
David H Rogstad, Ph.D. I saw a film a while back where a key part of the plot involved the main characters establishing control over the traffic lights in a major city. By slightly “adjusting” the action of the lights, they What is a Code?
by David H. Rogstad, Ph.D As kids we had great fun passing handwritten notes to each other across the classroom. The challenge was to avoid the teacher’s detection. The more "sophisticated" among us would convert them into secret messages by writing them in code. Unfortunately, the teacher was no dummy and easily figured out the code—each letter was a number, in sequence—and embarrassed us in front of the class by reading aloud our secret message. Why Shorter Life Spans?
By Hugh Ross None of the explanations offered in the accompanying article imply that God randomly selected the life span of early humans or that He simply reacted to natural disasters in shortening human life. Winding Up Paley's Watch, One More Time
Posted by Fazale ‘Fuz’ Rana, Ph.D. New Discovery adds to Evidence for Biochemical Design Biochemical DesignBiochemical Design |