CARTA Glossary

A Latin adverb meaning “from the new.” A new genetic variant that is the result of a mutation in a germ cell (egg or sperm) of one of the parents, or a variant that arises in the fertilized egg during embryogenesis. (See Novel)

A procedure (often medically performed) to partially open an infibulation for easier passage of urine and menses, intercourse, and childbirth.

Study of population size over time.

A severe form of Dengue Fever, which includes bleeding and blood platelet and blood plasma leakage.

The cause of Dengue Fever. It is a mosquito- borne, single positive-stranded RNA virus of the genus, Flavivirus. Origin: Africa and Asia.

Calcified dental plaque, provides information on diet, disease, health, microbiome and protects the genetic information within the tooth from degradation.

Latin for “things desired.”

Spreading effects over time across systems or domains of function that result from interactions in dynamic systems and cumulatively alter development.

Psychosocial milestones or accomplishments expected of people of different ages in a given cultural and historical context; Common developmental tasks include bonding with caregivers, walking, talking, learning to read, getting along with other people, and caring for one’s children.

The organs of the body that are involved in the breakdown and absorption of food, and elimination of wastes. This includes the mouth, pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and accessory digestive organs such as the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Change in genetic content or phenotype between isolated populations or species.

A process by which methyl groups are added to the DNA molecule. Methylation can change the activity of a DNA segment without changing the sequence. When located in a gene promoter, DNA methylation typically acts to repress gene transcription.

The process of artificial selection by humans for desired traits of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. This implies the complete control of the reproduction of those species.

An incision to the male foreskin above the glans. Synonymous with superincision.

A gene that encodes the dopamine receptor D2 protein, a receptor targeted by many antipsychotic drugs.

A theory that human behavior is a product of two different and interacting evolutionary processes: genetic evolution and cultural evolution. Genes and culture continually interact in a feedback loop.

A class of endogenous opioid peptides that have been shown to play a role in the complex molecular changes in the brain that result from cocaine addiction.

A state of unease or general dissatisfaction.

A person who pierces using an ear-piercing gun. Sometimes referred to as a technician by the device manufacturers.

A crowd-sourced effort to characterize microbial life on Earth founded by Jack Gilbert (UC San Diego), Janet Jansson (PNNL), and Rob Knight (UC San Diego).

A type of secretory gland found in the skin. These glands are found throughout the body of humans and other primates. In response to neural stimulation, these glands secret water (sweat) onto the skin. In humans, eccrine sweat glands are the most abundant glands in the skin and are essential for the main mechanism of cooling in our species, which occurs when water (sweat) secreted by these glands causes evaporative cooling.

The outermost of the three primary germ layers formed in embryonic development and develops into the nervous system and skin.

Swelling caused by excess fluid in the circulatory system or the tissues between the body’s cells. Edema can be from a chemical reaction, an infection, trauma to the area, or other causes.

The relationship between the work performed to move a certain distance to the energy cost of transport.

The use of individualized machine learning applied to functional MRI data to measure diverse mental states during meditation.

The inner cell mass of the human blastocyst, the rapidly dividing fertilized egg at four to seven days post fertilization. ESCs are pluripotent, meaning they can differentiate into all cell types of the three embryonic tissue layers.

A species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future, either locally or worldwide.

Substances that interfere with the normal function of the endocrine system. These can be present in the environment (air, soil, or water supply), food sources, personal care products, and manufactured products.

The innermost of the three primary germ layers formed in embryonic development and develops into some of the body’s internal organs, including the gastrointestinal tract, the urinary tract, the respiratory tract, endocrine glands, and the auditory system.

A transcription factor involved in the response to changes in oxygen concentration, such as hypoxia, through the induction of oxygen regulated genes.

Viruses that possess an outer lipid membrane formed by cell membrane of the host cells from which the virus buds. The envelope protects the virus as it travels between hosts and cells.

The rapid spread of a disease to a significant percent of a given population.

A term first coined by the developmental biologist, Conrad Waddington, in 1942 to explain how a singular genotype might produce variations in phenotype across development. He argued that some level of regulation must exists “above” or “over” genes to determine when and where they are expressed. Today the term refers to stable alterations in gene expression without changes to the underlying DNA sequence.

The cell type that lines the surfaces of the body, including skin, mucus membranes (airways, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive tract), urinary tract, and organs to provide protection.

The most common type of blood cell and the vertebrate’s principal means of oxygen delivery from lungs or gills to all tissues of the body. Erythrocytes of most mammals do not contain a nucleus with chromosomes.

The category of sex hormones that includes estrone, estradiol, and estriol that are involved in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.

A methodological and analytical process by archaeologists for reconstructing features of a prehistoric society and culture that leaves no direct archaeological imprint.

An intravenous agent used for general anesthesia and sedation for short procedures that suppresses corticosteroid synthesis.

Organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes.

A form of social structure featuring cooperative brood care, overlapping generations of adults, and a reproductive and non-reproductive division of labor. Eusociality is observed in ants, bees, wasps, termites, the naked mole-rats, and some shrimp. Humans may engage in a weak form of eusociality but this is still debated.

The EvoDevo approach stresses that evolution yields biological mechanisms for both development and adult function of members of a species. The EvoDevoSocio framework adds that development is shaped not only by the genome but also by the physical and (especially in humans) the social environment in which the individual develops. To close the loop, humans in turn shape the environment and so cultural evolution has played a crucial role in changing the social, physical and increasingly symbolic and technological environments in which most humans now develop.

A theoretical approach to psychology that seeks evolutionary connections to human psychological traits such as cognition and language.

The cutting and removal of some of the tissues of the female genitalia (clitoral glans and labia minora). Excision is more extensive than clitoridectomy.  Also called Type 2 female genital modification and is another term for ‘female circumcision.’

A type of extracellular vesicle that contain constituents (protein, DNA, and RNA) of the cells that secrete them. They are taken up by distant cells, where they can affect cell function and behavior.

The structural network of enzymes, glycoproteins, and collagen that support surrounding cells.

The ability to recognize that others can have beliefs about the world that are diverging. An important component of Theory of Mind.

A molecule composed of a long chain of lipid-carboxylic acid, which is either saturated (single bonds between the components of the fatty acid chain) or unsaturated (at least one double bond within the fatty acid chain).

Medical plastic surgery of the female genitalia, such as labiaplasty.

The relative numbers of individuals capable of having children. In female-biased situations, males face less competition for mating opportunities. In male-biased situations, these opportunities are lower, thus greater male-male competition for each one.