Last December we had a rather detailed discussion of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs). The occasion for this was an important announcement of cosmic ray observations from the Pierre Auger Observatory. Science magazine ranked this result as the third...
Resveratrol and cancer
I suppose some readers here may be getting tired of the news flow on resveratrol. The substance may not actually live up to all the hype. But it surely does seem to have quite a variety of beneficial properties. (Most recent previous note is here.) The...
"Consumers" are well-programmed robots
Brand Names Subconsciously Afftect People's Shopping Goals (7/17/08)Even 60 milliseconds of exposure to a brand name such as Wal-Mart or Tiffany can alter consumers’ subconscious goals, according to new research.Authors Tanya L. Chartrand, Joel Huber...
BDNF transcription puzzles
There's more news out about BDNF, a neural growth factor that plays a large role in the development of the brain, and in the operation of various brain processes, such as learning. (Previous discussion here.)To begin with, there is the curious fact that...
Hydrogen economy?
Here's a little more discussion of the prospects for a "hydrogen economy". I'd welcome it if it were practical, but I'm still skeptical. (Some previous discussion of hydrogen here).Hydrogen economy sustainable in 15 years (7/17/08)Hydrogen would be most...
Choanoflagellates II
No sooner than we do an article on a topic that may seem esoteric to some – namely tyrosine kinase signaling in choanoflagellates – than new information comes along to add to the picture. The previous discussion was about how remarkable it is that a...
Urban Wildlife Watch: Winged Ants
The other day, I was swatting away in the kitchen at flies. For some reason, flies have been getting into my house - big flies...and some small ones. But one fly looked a little different. After I swatted in dead and it landed in the tub, I realized,...
High-temperature superconductivity
"Normal" superconductivity is a phenomenon that has been known to physicists since 1911, when it was discovered by Heike Kamerlingh Onnes. The phenomenon involves the essentially total loss of electrical resistance in certain materials – mostly metals...
Resveratrol is getting rather confusing
Here, have another glass of this great Cabernet...But hold on about jumping to conclusions. The resveratrol story keeps getting more complicated, according to the most recent research. This is in addition to what we just discussed here.To begin with,...
Choanoflagellates
Choanoflagellates are single-celled eukaryotic organisms – like amoebae, yeasts, or slime molds, as opposed to prokaryotic organisms like bacteria. Eukaryotic cells are different from prokaryotic ones in having a variety of internal and external structures,...
Urban Wildlife Watch: Fireflies
About a week ago, the backyard was newly cut and it was filled with fireflies. I mean, lots of them. My friend and I sat and recollected our adventures catching fireflies as children. I would catch them and hold them in my hand. He would collect them...
Altruism and economics
Another shocker: even economists may have to take into account that altruistic behavior, not just selfish behavior, can be rational, while selfishness can be suboptimal. Gordon Gekko, the Republican Party, and the Chicago School of Economics may not...
Selfish genes
News flash: "selfish" genes actually exist. They aren't simply a metaphor.New Discovery Proves 'Selfish Gene' Exists (6/20/08)A new discovery by a scientist from The University of Western Ontario provides conclusive evidence which supports decades-old...
Mirror neurons control erection response to porn
Does anyone find this surprising? Isn't it exactly the effect one would expect mirror neurons to have? (Past discussion here.) However, it is welcome to note basic research that has practical applications...Mirror neurons control erection response to...
Comb jellies, again
Comb jellies were in the news back in April, and I discussed that here. They're a lot like jellyfish, only different. In particular, they are now thought to be the closest living relatives of the earliest animals on this planet.The most recent news is...
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