Taxonomy Gone Wild
We dive into the weirdest, funniest, and most unhinged names in science, from unfortunately named minerals to genes that sound like metal bands. Because scientists are clever, chaotic, and occasionally need adult supervision.
Yes it's a real geological term, this one just describes when rocks and minerals vibe in Earth's basement.
Punk Rock
CHEAP DATE Gene
Luciferase
Orogeny
In honor of Valentine's day, here is a gene that made fruit flies looser when exposed to alcohol.
A molecule that glows and that is literally named after the devil.
A geological process that describes mountain building.
A sugar alcohol that is found on cells and definitely almost sounds like what you say at the end of a bad day.
Fucitol
Creedite
Agra Beetles
Cadaverine and Putrescine
Can you take me higher? Here's a mineral that shares a name with an awesome band.
This genus of beetles embodies the Taxonomy gone wild spirit.
The compounds that give rot its smell are named after cadavers.
Deinococcus radiodurans, the unkillable bacteria that is teaching us a lot about radiation recovery.
Conan the Bacterium
Arsole
Lord of the Snails
Christmas Disease
Yes it is a legitimate aromatic compound used in semiconductors and light-emitting materials.
Two new snail species were actually named after Eowyn and Merry from Lord of the Rings.
It's a real disease and it is not festive, caused by a defect in Clotting Factor IX.
Dickite Mineral
Definitely a real mineral, Kaolonite to be specifity - a type of flaky white clay mineral.
I'm Not Dead Yet Gene
INDY stands for “I’m Not Dead Yet.”
It’s a real longevity gene — and a solid reminder that scientists watch too much Monty Python.
cummingtonite is a real mineral — not a prank. Magnesium-iron silicate, unfortunate name, endless giggles.
Meet Sonic Hedgehog, a protein that guides early development in humans. Yes, it’s really named after that blue hedgehog.