Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A break in bone at the base of the skull. About a half of basilar fractures are caused by bicycle or motor vehicle accidents, about a quarter by falls, and a tenth by recreational activities, particularly by diving accidents. The balance are due to other causes. No matter what cause, the risk of death with a basilar…

Located at or near the base of a structure, especially the base of the skull. For example, a basilar fracture is a break in the bone at the base of the skull and can be life-threatening.

Abbreviated BLAST. A computer program that identifies homologous genes in different organisms (such as worms, the fruit fly, mice, and humans). Homologous genes are genes in different species that share similar structures and functions.

A thin membrane that is composed of a single layer of cells.

Information or data gathered at the beginning of a period from which variations that subsequently develop are compared.

A process of DNA repair in which an altered base is excised (removed) by a DNA glycosylase enzyme, followed by excision of the resulting sugar phosphate. The small gap left in the DNA helix is then filled in by the sequential action of DNA polymerase and DNA ligase. Abbreviated BER.

A pressor base is a substance chemically classified as a base (or amine) that is capable of raising the blood pressure. “Pressor” refers to causing a rise in blood pressure. The word comes from the French verb “presser” meaning “to exert pressure” or “to squeeze.”

A method for determining the order of nucleotide bases in DNA.

The particular order of nucleotide bases in a DNA molecule.

Two DNA bases that are complementary to one another (A and T, or G and C) and join in strands to form the double-helix that is characteristic of DNA.