Cultural evolution: a Darwinian perspective on patient safety in neurosurgery

Simulation of complex, high-risk procedures is critical to the education of medical trainees. A protocol for simulator-based endovascular neurosurgery training in a controlled academic environment is described. The protocol includes stepwise guidelines for trainees of varying levels, with a discussion of the advantages and limitations of this...

In the ever-changing marketing landscape, the evolution of marketing concepts has mirrored the shifting tides of consumer preferences, thereby unveiling a myriad of business opportunities.
The Production Concept: Relevant in price-conscious markets, it assumes that customers prioritize product availability and affordability. Focusing on large-scale production, cost-efficiency, and wide availability remains crucial for businesses catering to them.
The Product Concept emphasizes product quality,...

Before the 20th century, marketing, as seen today, was virtually nonexistent. Over time, it evolved from a production-centric to a customer-centric philosophy, adapting to changing consumer needs.
Production Concept (Early 20th Century): During industrialization, companies were primarily concerned with production efficiency, resulting in standardized and undifferentiated goods.
Product Concept (1920s - 1950): After the World Wars, due to intense competition, companies focused on improving...

Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.

Source: Jian, X., et al., Automated Microbial Cultivation and Adaptive Evolution using Microbial Microdroplet Culture System (MMC). J. Vis. Exp. (2022).This video demonstrates the use of a microbial microdroplet culture system to drive adaptive evolution of bacteria toward methanol tolerance. By mixing engineered bacterial cultures with a high-methanol stress medium and segmenting them into microdroplets, the system selects for mutants that exhibit improved growth under methanol stress. Through...

Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure leads to the rise of similar but unrelated adaptations in organisms with no recent common ancestors, a process known as convergent evolution.