Plenty of Hominids

The world is full of Homo sapiens, human beings, the last species of hominid. We have approximately 20,000 genes and a vast diversity in our gene pool. It is exciting and terrifying what our species has achieved. Exciting because we can create amazing things. Terrifying because our individual voices can be lost in the noise. This website belongs to just one hominid, a place for me to share my creativity and voice. And that’s enough.

All in genetics

Jun 17

Jun 17 Godzilla vs. Biollante and the Moment Genetic Power Overtook Nuclear Power as the Scariest Thing On Earth

Michael California

genetics, Science, film

Godzilla vs. Biollante! This week I am joining Derek and Charlotte on the Castle Bravo podcast (all about Godzilla films!) to discuss this fabulous film. Watching it for the first time in over 20 years, I had a lot of thoughts about how the film comments on the theme of genetic engineering and especially the historical context—how genetic engineering was a major fear in society in the 1980s, and how the United States was wielding that genetic power to get a leg up on more technologically advanced adversaries like Japan. I also wanted to discuss the concept of a “chimera” a bit and clear up something I think the film gets wrong here.

Jan 22

Jan 22 Hyperlinear Hands and the Big Vampire Lady

Michael California

genetics, video games

This week, I wanted to talk about the latest video game sensation: Big Vampire Lady from Resident Evil VIllage. Lady Dimitrescu has been drawing a lot of attention for her incredible height and incredible bust, but as high resolution images of her started to spread this week, people also noticed her skin seemed a little odd. But it turns out… she’s not the only one with unusual skin. I talk about my own skin as I discuss the genetics of a condition I have called ichthyosis and how it may relate to the design of Lady Dimitrescu’s skin and also revisit how I feel about that kind of representation in games.