Benchmark Essay: Scientific Conversations With The Public

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Conversations with the public Search for knowledge, and elucidation of the fundamental workings of life, the universe (and everything), are the hallmarks of science. Knowledge shared adds to our collective comprehension, knowledge that is not disseminated is however at best worth naught, and at worst harmful. Scientists have built up a system for dissemination of examined and acquired knowledge with the scientific community in the publication of peer-reviewed research. That is only part of our duty to the society that has fostered scientific advancement, the more often overlooked and underestimated service we can provide is to engage the public in scientific conversations. Research on domestic animals is particularly well suited to conversations with the public, as farmers, pet owners, breeders and …show more content…

The studies presented in this thesis are all good examples of some of the different ways that the knowledge gained by scientific inquiry can be of benefit to animal breeders. As Rose-comb is a sought after trait by many a chicken-fancier, it could be of interest to chicken breeders to attempt to introduce the R2 allele into their stocks, to counteract the fertility issues associated with the R1 allele, and thereby aid their efforts to establish populations that breed true for Rose-comb. Greying with Age is a well-known phenotype, and much sought after in certain breeds. It does however come at a cost, as homozygotes are more likely to develop melanomas, and their melanomas could potentially be more prone to become aggressive due to expansion of the Grey duplication. Breeder and owner awareness of this could lead to either altered breeding practices, or increased health monitoring of Grey homozygotes, hopefully resulting in improved wellbeing, and longer and healthier lifespans of Grey

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