SCUBA GEAR FOR BACTERIA
Job 21:22
Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.
Biotechnology may be a new word to you. It’s a relatively new science. Biotechnology is the science of engineering custom-made life forms. For example, biotechnologists can add to a bacterium the gene that makes fireflies glow. This procedure gives the bacterium the ability to glow.
Today, many engineered bacteria have been designed. They make medicines, hormones, enzymes and even food products. As biotechnologists are learning more about how to custom-design bacteria, they are able to make bacteria that are better able to do their assigned jobs. The efficiency of bacteria in doing their jobs can be affected by how efficiently they use their food and how much oxygen they need. Getting enough oxygen to bacteria growing in vats is often a challenge.
Biotechnologists have now discovered a bacterium that does well in low-oxygen situations. It can get by with periods of lower oxygen because it makes hemoglobin, the same molecule that carries oxygen in our blood. The bacterium uses the hemoglobin much like scuba gear to help it breathe. Biotechnologists have successfully added the hemoglobin gene to bacteria to make an enzyme used in the commercial production of high-fructose corn syrup. As a result of their increased efficiency, these bacteria are now able to make twice as much enzyme.
Even so-called “simple” living things are a symphony of carefully designed abilities. Modern science is revealing that they are intelligently designed by our Creator.
Dear Lord, I thank You that You have allowed us to learn some of the secrets of how You designed life to work so that we may improve life here on earth. I pray that You would prosper the positive use of this knowledge and discourage any possible misuse. Amen.
Fackelmann, Kathy. 1991. “‘Scuba gear’ for biotech bugs.” Science News, v. 140, p. 334. Photo: Firefly illuminated by self-emitted light. (CC BY 3.0)
Job 21:22
Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.
Biotechnology may be a new word to you. It’s a relatively new science. Biotechnology is the science of engineering custom-made life forms. For example, biotechnologists can add to a bacterium the gene that makes fireflies glow. This procedure gives the bacterium the ability to glow.
Today, many engineered bacteria have been designed. They make medicines, hormones, enzymes and even food products. As biotechnologists are learning more about how to custom-design bacteria, they are able to make bacteria that are better able to do their assigned jobs. The efficiency of bacteria in doing their jobs can be affected by how efficiently they use their food and how much oxygen they need. Getting enough oxygen to bacteria growing in vats is often a challenge.
Biotechnologists have now discovered a bacterium that does well in low-oxygen situations. It can get by with periods of lower oxygen because it makes hemoglobin, the same molecule that carries oxygen in our blood. The bacterium uses the hemoglobin much like scuba gear to help it breathe. Biotechnologists have successfully added the hemoglobin gene to bacteria to make an enzyme used in the commercial production of high-fructose corn syrup. As a result of their increased efficiency, these bacteria are now able to make twice as much enzyme.
Even so-called “simple” living things are a symphony of carefully designed abilities. Modern science is revealing that they are intelligently designed by our Creator.
Dear Lord, I thank You that You have allowed us to learn some of the secrets of how You designed life to work so that we may improve life here on earth. I pray that You would prosper the positive use of this knowledge and discourage any possible misuse. Amen.
Fackelmann, Kathy. 1991. “‘Scuba gear’ for biotech bugs.” Science News, v. 140, p. 334. Photo: Firefly illuminated by self-emitted light. (CC BY 3.0)
SEPPHORIS
Matthew 6:2
Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Nazareth, the town in which Jesus grew up, is often portrayed as a tiny backwater town. As a result, Jesus is often portrayed as an unsophisticated man. He has been painted many times as someone who could more easily relate to farmers and shepherds than to the city dweller. Biblical researchers point out that this is not an accurate picture of Jesus of Nazareth.
It is true that Nazareth was only a small village of 400 people in Jesus� time. However, only four miles away stood Sepphoris, the main city and capital of Galilee and Perea. Today, Sepphoris is nothing but ruins. But in Jesus� day, it was a bustling city of 30,000, fully linked to the trade routes of the empire. It was the royal residence of Herod Antipas. It also boasted a 4,000-seat theater, public baths, archives, gymnasium, water works, and other public buildings. In other words, rather than a tiny backwater town, Nazareth was a suburb of a major Roman capital!
Researchers have concluded that Jesus lived in a more urban and sophisticated culture than many have believed. This explains why many of Jesus� parables talk about the policies of kings, tax collectors, wealthy landlords, and even actors. Yes, actors. In His teaching, Jesus often referred to hypocrites. The word �hypocrite� comes from the Greek word for stage actor. Stage actors, of course, pretend a role or play a part.
Not all scientists challenge Scripture. In this case, archaeology is helping us better understand the context of our Lord�s earthly life.
I thank You, Lord, that there are scientists who are working to help us better understand the Bible rather than to discredit it. Bless and prosper such work and those who do it so that Your Name may be more greatly glorified among us. Amen.
Biblical Archaeology Review, May/June 1992, p. 52. Photo: Aerial view of Sepphoris in 2013. Courtesy of AvramGR. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Matthew 6:2
Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Nazareth, the town in which Jesus grew up, is often portrayed as a tiny backwater town. As a result, Jesus is often portrayed as an unsophisticated man. He has been painted many times as someone who could more easily relate to farmers and shepherds than to the city dweller. Biblical researchers point out that this is not an accurate picture of Jesus of Nazareth.
It is true that Nazareth was only a small village of 400 people in Jesus� time. However, only four miles away stood Sepphoris, the main city and capital of Galilee and Perea. Today, Sepphoris is nothing but ruins. But in Jesus� day, it was a bustling city of 30,000, fully linked to the trade routes of the empire. It was the royal residence of Herod Antipas. It also boasted a 4,000-seat theater, public baths, archives, gymnasium, water works, and other public buildings. In other words, rather than a tiny backwater town, Nazareth was a suburb of a major Roman capital!
Researchers have concluded that Jesus lived in a more urban and sophisticated culture than many have believed. This explains why many of Jesus� parables talk about the policies of kings, tax collectors, wealthy landlords, and even actors. Yes, actors. In His teaching, Jesus often referred to hypocrites. The word �hypocrite� comes from the Greek word for stage actor. Stage actors, of course, pretend a role or play a part.
Not all scientists challenge Scripture. In this case, archaeology is helping us better understand the context of our Lord�s earthly life.
I thank You, Lord, that there are scientists who are working to help us better understand the Bible rather than to discredit it. Bless and prosper such work and those who do it so that Your Name may be more greatly glorified among us. Amen.
Biblical Archaeology Review, May/June 1992, p. 52. Photo: Aerial view of Sepphoris in 2013. Courtesy of AvramGR. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
SMART LOBSTERS
Proverbs 21:24
Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
Do spiny lobsters know that they are a delicacy to many, if not most, of the carnivores on earth? New research into the social habits of spiny lobsters shows that much of their interaction with each other is based on the fact that they have learned to cooperate in order to survive their many predators.
Logic told researchers that a lobster would have a better chance of escaping predators by hiding in a small hole all by itself. Yet, lobsters are often found in groups of ten or more. Researchers wanted to know if the lobsters knew something they didn�t.
They found that a lobster that was all alone would indeed hide in the smallest and most secure enclosure it could find. When more lobsters were present, however, they preferred to gather in larger enclosures. Lobsters that were not under threat from a predator would seek out roomier lairs. When a threat was present, they would still congregate, only in the smallest possible hiding place. This still made them more accessible to predators than if each was alone in a small hole. Researchers soon discovered that this disadvantage was outweighed because the larger group could more easily spot danger and alert the others. When threatened, the lobsters would face their attacker and try to fend it off by swatting it with their spiny antennae. The lobsters� combined strategy was more effective than the strategy that seemed logical to the scientists.
This example shows us the limitations of science. The Creator made lobsters even smarter than scientists when it comes to lobster self-protection.
Dear Father, there is much pressure today to accept what science says, even when it disagrees with Your Word. Help me to see where and how this pressure affects me so that I may identify the problem and have a stronger, more informed faith. In Jesus� Name. Amen.
Ezzell, Carol. 1992. �Spiny lobsters: there�s safety in numbers.� Science News, v. 141, May 30, p. 357. Photo: California spiny lobster. Courtesy of Magnus Kj�rgaard. (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Proverbs 21:24
Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
Do spiny lobsters know that they are a delicacy to many, if not most, of the carnivores on earth? New research into the social habits of spiny lobsters shows that much of their interaction with each other is based on the fact that they have learned to cooperate in order to survive their many predators.
Logic told researchers that a lobster would have a better chance of escaping predators by hiding in a small hole all by itself. Yet, lobsters are often found in groups of ten or more. Researchers wanted to know if the lobsters knew something they didn�t.
They found that a lobster that was all alone would indeed hide in the smallest and most secure enclosure it could find. When more lobsters were present, however, they preferred to gather in larger enclosures. Lobsters that were not under threat from a predator would seek out roomier lairs. When a threat was present, they would still congregate, only in the smallest possible hiding place. This still made them more accessible to predators than if each was alone in a small hole. Researchers soon discovered that this disadvantage was outweighed because the larger group could more easily spot danger and alert the others. When threatened, the lobsters would face their attacker and try to fend it off by swatting it with their spiny antennae. The lobsters� combined strategy was more effective than the strategy that seemed logical to the scientists.
This example shows us the limitations of science. The Creator made lobsters even smarter than scientists when it comes to lobster self-protection.
Dear Father, there is much pressure today to accept what science says, even when it disagrees with Your Word. Help me to see where and how this pressure affects me so that I may identify the problem and have a stronger, more informed faith. In Jesus� Name. Amen.
Ezzell, Carol. 1992. �Spiny lobsters: there�s safety in numbers.� Science News, v. 141, May 30, p. 357. Photo: California spiny lobster. Courtesy of Magnus Kj�rgaard. (CC BY-SA 2.5)
STONE MAKERS
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Modern sophisticated laboratories have produced many specialized materials with amazing qualities. Yet, many creatures make ceramic materials that are stronger and tougher. If a crack starts in a piece of our ceramic, over time it grows. The same crack will not grow in ceramic made by the oyster.
Human and animal bodies custom-form teeth for a variety of purposes. When science makes such materials, it uses heat, chemicals and high pressure. One scientist noted that it would take experts in five or six scientific disciplines to figure out how living things form these materials.
Scientists have been trying to learn how creatures that make stony materials do it. Most of what they have learned has left them astonished at the quality of the materials, even if they have learned little about the process. They believe that special cells in the body use proteins and other large molecules to form non-organic molecules into stony materials. It appears that many creatures can control the formation of crystals. For example, in the abalone shell, crystals and glue are stacked in brick-and-mortar fashion in such a way that they become stronger under pressure. At the same time, the structure allows them to be formed into intricate shapes.
Our best human efforts cannot match God�s gifts. Our best human behavior cannot make us good enough for God. Only the forgiveness of sins that comes by grace through faith in Christ can do that.
Our dear heavenly Father, I thank You that You have sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to work out my salvation. I thank You for Your forgiving grace that assures me of the forgiveness of my sins and Your love. In Jesus� Name. Amen.
Pennisi, Elizabeth. 1992. �Natureworks: making minerals the biological way.� Science News, v. 141, May 16, p. 328. Photo: Abalone shell. Courtesy of Kowloonese. (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Modern sophisticated laboratories have produced many specialized materials with amazing qualities. Yet, many creatures make ceramic materials that are stronger and tougher. If a crack starts in a piece of our ceramic, over time it grows. The same crack will not grow in ceramic made by the oyster.
Human and animal bodies custom-form teeth for a variety of purposes. When science makes such materials, it uses heat, chemicals and high pressure. One scientist noted that it would take experts in five or six scientific disciplines to figure out how living things form these materials.
Scientists have been trying to learn how creatures that make stony materials do it. Most of what they have learned has left them astonished at the quality of the materials, even if they have learned little about the process. They believe that special cells in the body use proteins and other large molecules to form non-organic molecules into stony materials. It appears that many creatures can control the formation of crystals. For example, in the abalone shell, crystals and glue are stacked in brick-and-mortar fashion in such a way that they become stronger under pressure. At the same time, the structure allows them to be formed into intricate shapes.
Our best human efforts cannot match God�s gifts. Our best human behavior cannot make us good enough for God. Only the forgiveness of sins that comes by grace through faith in Christ can do that.
Our dear heavenly Father, I thank You that You have sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to work out my salvation. I thank You for Your forgiving grace that assures me of the forgiveness of my sins and Your love. In Jesus� Name. Amen.
Pennisi, Elizabeth. 1992. �Natureworks: making minerals the biological way.� Science News, v. 141, May 16, p. 328. Photo: Abalone shell. Courtesy of Kowloonese. (CC BY-SA 3.0)
TAKING A BITE OUT OF STRESS
Psalm 130:4
But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
Research has repeatedly shown that dogs can be an effective sedative. Continued research has now shown that dogs can relieve more stress and promote better health than even the presence of a close friend will do.
A 1980 study showed pet owners who had been hospitalized for heart disease had a better survival rate and were healthier than heart patients without pets. Another study showed that elderly pet owners had fewer visits to their doctors than those with no pets.
New research shows that dogs lower blood pressure and other bodily responses to stress even better than the presence of a good friend. Researchers subjected volunteers to stress by asking them to count backwards by threes, then sevens, then thirteens and seventeens. As they counted, their stress levels were measured. The tests were done in volunteers� homes. Some volunteers had dogs, others had a friend sitting nearby. Those with friends nearby did their mental arithmetic more rapidly, but less accurately, than those with dogs. Those who had earlier performed well in the presence of their dog did more poorly when the dog was removed and a friend was nearby.
Researchers explained these findings by pointing out that dogs provide unconditional support. God offers us the unconditional forgiveness of our sins, by grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. That�s why Scripture connects the forgiveness of our sins with peace in this life and forever.
I thank You, my dear heavenly Father, for Your unconditional forgiveness of my sins. If it had been up to me to earn Your forgiveness, I would be lost forever. Grant me a greater faith and a more full realization of Your peace. In Jesus� Name. Amen.
Bower, Bruce. 1991. �Stress goes to the dogs.� Science News, Vol. 140. Nov. 2, p. 285. Photo: Courtesy of Steve Schwartz. (Used with permission)
Psalm 130:4
But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
Research has repeatedly shown that dogs can be an effective sedative. Continued research has now shown that dogs can relieve more stress and promote better health than even the presence of a close friend will do.
A 1980 study showed pet owners who had been hospitalized for heart disease had a better survival rate and were healthier than heart patients without pets. Another study showed that elderly pet owners had fewer visits to their doctors than those with no pets.
New research shows that dogs lower blood pressure and other bodily responses to stress even better than the presence of a good friend. Researchers subjected volunteers to stress by asking them to count backwards by threes, then sevens, then thirteens and seventeens. As they counted, their stress levels were measured. The tests were done in volunteers� homes. Some volunteers had dogs, others had a friend sitting nearby. Those with friends nearby did their mental arithmetic more rapidly, but less accurately, than those with dogs. Those who had earlier performed well in the presence of their dog did more poorly when the dog was removed and a friend was nearby.
Researchers explained these findings by pointing out that dogs provide unconditional support. God offers us the unconditional forgiveness of our sins, by grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. That�s why Scripture connects the forgiveness of our sins with peace in this life and forever.
I thank You, my dear heavenly Father, for Your unconditional forgiveness of my sins. If it had been up to me to earn Your forgiveness, I would be lost forever. Grant me a greater faith and a more full realization of Your peace. In Jesus� Name. Amen.
Bower, Bruce. 1991. �Stress goes to the dogs.� Science News, Vol. 140. Nov. 2, p. 285. Photo: Courtesy of Steve Schwartz. (Used with permission)
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