From the flu to COVID-19, viruses are a major threat in our everyday lives. In today’s episode of Crash Course Biology, we’ll learn why viruses are like genes in a box, and how they invade and spread between cells. We’ll also discover...

Searching for a cure for rickets led to the discovery of vitamin D. Fortifying foods with vitamin D led to another disease, and a whole new way to view genetic disease in general.

The FDA recently approved two mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, but it was a challenge to make this type of vaccine work. And it took decades of research to get us to the point where scientists could make those vaccines as quickly as they did.

With their squishy bodies and color-changing abilities, octopuses and other cephalopods already look like our planet’s resident aliens. But researchers have discovered yet another thing that separates them from most other animals on...

You've probably heard that theres a fungus among us—but how much of fungi are helpful vs harmful? Turns out there's quite a grey area! Join Stefan Chin for a new episode of SciShow and learn more about the multipurpose world of fungi!

Humans have had a soft spot for these furry little mutants ever since our friendship with dogs began, but why is it that Corgi mixes often just look like a Corgi that’s wearing a costume?

Paul Andersen reviews the major concepts within the fifth unit of the new AP Biology framework. He starts with a description of both DNA and RNA. He explains how DNA is copied during the S phase of mitosis. He explains how...

In this video Paul Andersen explains the importance of models and visual representations in an AP Biology class. Science practices are overarching skills and knowledge required to be successful in an AP Biology classroom. Models for...

Two of the vaccines we have for COVID-19 have the distinction of being the first mRNA vaccines to see widespread use in humans. But how do they work, and how are they different from the litany of immunizations you probably got as a kid?

The FDA recently approved two mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, but it was a challenge to make this type of vaccine work. And it took decades of research to get us to the point where scientists could make those vaccines as quickly as they did.

The secret behind medicine that uses messenger RNA (or mRNA) is that it "teaches" our bodies how to fight diseases on our own, leading to groundbreaking treatments for COVID-19 and, potentially one day, cancer, the flu and other ailments...

There’s no denying that fungus is all around us all the time. And not all of it is helpful, but neither is all of it harmful. Here are some of the many functions of fungi.

In this video Paul Andersen explains the importance of DNA is organisms. DNA contains the blueprint for each organisms. The DNA codes for the mRNA which creates proteins. The DNA also is the unit of inheritance which is...

Along with a crew of technologists and scientists, Jorge Soto is developing a simple, noninvasive, open-source test that looks for early signs of multiple forms of cancer. Onstage at TEDGlobal 2014, he demonstrates a working prototype of...

Paul Andersen describes the structure and function of the major organelles in a eukaryotic cell. The endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, and golgi complex produce and store proteins in the cell. Lysosomes dissolve broken and invasive...

Paul Andersen explains how viruses reproduce using the lytic cycle. He also shows how viruses can pick up new genetic material and how retroviruses (like HIV) can enter into the lytic cycle. He also describes the lysogenic cycle and...

When we hear the term symbiosis, we tend to think about a simple partnership between two biological organisms. But in many cases, there are more than two parties involved and it's way more complicated.

To figure out an organism's genome and DNA sequence, field biologists need big, expensive equipment in the labs. But, new high-tech devices help scientists to examine samples on the sites!

Hank imagines himself breaking into the Hot Pockets factory to steal their secret recipes and instruction manuals in order to help us understand how the processes known as DNA transcription and translation allow our cells to build proteins.

Paul Andersen describes the major mutations found in the living world. He starts with an analogy comparing the information in DNA with the information in a recipe. Changes in the DNA can result in changes to the protein, like changes...

In this video Paul Andersen describes the elements of an operon. The promoter allows the RNA polymerase to transcribe the required genes. The operator and repressor regulate the expression of the genes by blocking the RNA polymerase. ...

Mr. Andersen explains the Central Dogma of biology. He shows how DNA is transcribed to form mRNA and how mRNA is translated into a protein.

Paul Andersen explains how the central dogma of biology explains life on our planet. He starts with a brief discussion of common characteristics of all life. He then explains how DNA is used to make proteins which in turn make you. He...

Paul Andersen explains the central dogma of biology. He explains how genes in the DNA are converted to mRNA through the process of transcription. He then explains how ribosomes use this message to convert the mRNA to a functioning...