Fourteen animal “life artists” and their special talents are the focus of the book of the same name by Russ Hodge, science journalist and communicator at the Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin.
When the Axolotl, a Mexican cock lurch loses body parts, they grow again. The Antarctic ice fish survives bitter cold using anti-frost molecules in the blood. It serves the author as the starting point for the evolution of the fish. Hodge tells of Rochen, who use special receptors, the Lorenzinian ampoules, electrical fields. Of squids that camouflage the chromatophores, i.e. pigment -containing cells, are perfectly camouflaged. From the veil that locates its prey thanks to asymmetrical arrangement of the ears. Using the example of the bats, Hodge explains the importance of the so-called Hox genes for the body’s blueprint. Thanks to their millions of years of evolution, these animals are perfectly adapted to their habitats.
Hodges also applies to the comparison between animal and human abilities as well as the differences and similarities in the genetic construction plans. What knowledge from animal research can be transferred to us humans and human medicine? Could we not regenerate damaged cells such as the Axolotl or the sting mouse? Feel less pain like the nude mull? Many of these mechanisms are still being researched.
Why are these animal species so exciting? In addition, Russ Hodge interviewed researchers from all over the world. He chatted with them about their career and motivation. About the design of experiments and the tricky work in the laboratory. At the same time, we learn something about the current state of research, for example in behavioral biology, genetics and regeneration research.
The entertaining, large -format book also captivates with the magical drawings by the Berlin illustrator Kat Menschik. In her pictures she takes up many aspects from the stories of Russ Hodge, enriched by small infographics. A successful co -production. Petra Wiemann
Russ Hodge, Kat Menschik:
Life artists – from frost -resistant fish, radioactivity -resistant beards and self -healing amphibians
Galiani Verlag, 240 pages, € 42, –
ISBN 978-3-86971-309-0
