Hi Biologists,

You mentioned some interesting things this week in your discussion board posts such as:

• Documentaries/movies: Unnatural Selection, Afflicted, and Pandemic
• CRISPR Cas-9
• I also saw a cute little baby!

One of the first things to come to mind with the mention of Pandemic is the current rapidly rising cases of Coronavirus.  Now, a virus is not considered a living thing, it needs a host to  reproduce. The host is typically a cell or the cell's of a living  organism.  Here is a article I found in the NY Timesthat talks about the potential of this virus to become a pandemic: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/02/health/coronavirus-pandemic-china.html

I saw in the news this weekend that 4 people are being monitored for Coronavirus in Charlotte. SCARY!!!! So close to home! Direct Link to Charlotte Observer: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article240100413.html

If  you are wondering, I am working to have all of your discussion and lab  assignments graded as soon as possible. Assignments that are not  submitted in Blackboard by the due date will not be accepted.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

C. Dixon