BME and Bioinformatics In Popular Culture
This superhero’s origin story starts by being bitten by a genetically modified spider (genetic modification made this spider stronger and faster).
Who/What is Spiderman?
This coding language is commonly used to create the structure of websites.
What is HTML?
Imaging technique that uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body.
What is a CT scan?
This was the first company in the US to come up with a vaccine for COVID-19.
What is Pfizer?
This technique is used to amplify a specific segment of DNA.
What is PCR?
In this movie, InGen Scientists de-extincted dinosaurs using genetic engineering AND bioinformatics techniques, which involved gene sequencing.
What is Jurassic Park/Jurassic World?
This coding language shares its name with a type of coffee and is commonly used for apps, websites, and enterprise software.
What is Java?
Technology that reads millions of DNA fragments at once, enabling whole genome sequencing.
Next-Generation Sequencing
This company provides lab equipment and reagents widely used in molecular biology and bioinformatics workflows. (Red and White logo)
What is Thermo Fisher Scientific?
In this common wet lab technique, electricity is required in the protocol. (BIO 204)
What is gel electrophoresis?
In Grey’s Anatomy, Dr. Bailey’s lab performed this technique. HINT: Think genetics; think of the “bubble boy” episode
What is genome mapping?
This language is known for being beginner-friendly and is widely used in data science, AI, and automation.
What is Python?
Technique that analyzes individual cells’ gene expression rather than averaging across a tissue sample.
What is a single cell RNA sequencing?
This company is known for producing MRI and CT scanners which are used in hospitals for medical imaging.
What is GE Healthcare?
In this particular magnification of the microscope, you need to use oil immersion.
What is “100x”?
This field of Biomedical Engineering is used for Iron Man’s suit in Infinity War (Think of broader subfield)
What is nanotechnology/nanoparticles?
This language is commonly used to manage and query databases, using commands like SELECT, INSERT, and UPDATE.
What is SQL?
Process that identifies regions of DNA that code for genes and functional elements with a genome.
What is protein structure prediction?
Elon Musk founded this company that develops implantable brain-computer interfaces. (BCIs)
What is Neuralink?
This specific gene is used to detect and study gene expression, specifically through a certain characteristic such as fluorescence.
What is a reporter gene/GFP?
This is the name of the DNA-targeted Nanobot bioweapon in “James Bond: No Time to Die” that uses the concept of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs).
What is (Project) Heracles?
This early programming language is often considered the first high-level programming language.
What is Fortran?
Technology/Practice that uses tiny particles to deliver drugs directly to specific cells, improving treatment efficiency and reducing side effects.
What is nanomedicine/nanobots?
This company applied its Watson AI platform to healthcare for cancer diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
What is IBM?
This enzyme is most common to CRISPR, often known as molecular scissors.
What is the CAS 9 Enzyme?