Backgrounders

Backgrounders provide a more detailed introduction to issues of current interest than the short length of an article permits. Each written by George Johnson, they are intended to allow you to explore topics of particular interest to you in depth, without getting lost in technical jargon or having to wade through a textbook. These twelve topics were chosen by Dr. Johnson because they crop up time and again in his articles. Others will be added in the future as new topics elbow their way into his columns.


Dinosaurs

Cancer

Aids


Genetic Engineering

Cloning

Stem Cells


Human Genome Project

Comparing Genomes

Drug Addiction and Smoking


Bioterrorism

Evolution

Mad Cow Disease