Uncategorized
- Humans
From the August 30, 1930, issue
alt=”Click to view larger image”> IN COTTON CLOTHING Wolves in the clothing of sheep have been familiar, at least as metaphors, for a couple of millennia. More lately, since we have begun to pay close attention to our trees and shrubs, have we become acquainted with a tiny wolf disguised as a tiny tuft of […]
- Archaeology
Blasts from the Past
Dig into the latest archaeological news reports, updated daily, from around the world at Archaeologica. The site also features links to Web pages on a wide range of archaeological topics, including ancient Egypt and North American rock art, and forums for discussing a variety of issues. Go to: http://www.archaeologica.org/
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The Big Birdcast
Track the autumn migration of birds across the eastern portion of the United States at the BirdCast Web site. The site presents daily analyses of weather radar images to predict migration activity and patterns. Birdwatchers can also report their observations to help scientists refine such analyses and pinpoint the favored resting places of these feathered […]
- Planetary Science
Planets in Autumn
On Sept. 22, Earth joined two other worlds in the solar system where it is northern autumn. At this NASA Web site, learn more about Earth’s September equinox and ponder the bizarre seasons of other planets. Go to: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2000/ast22sep_1.htm?list110076
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Snap, Whistle, Pop at Sea
The depths of the ocean are a noisy place. Sample the sounds of the croaker fish and other denizens of the sea. Listen to the calls of various marine mammals and the racket created by a bed of snapping shrimp. Then ponder the pinging pitter-patter of rain as heard from down under. Go to: http://www.jandaenterprises.com/sounds.htm, […]
- Humans
Quack Gadgets
Have you ever heard of the Battle Creek vibratory chair, the psychograph, or the violet-ray generator ? The Minneapolis-based Museum of Questionable Medical Devices provides information about these and many other items in its large collection. Includes photos, brief histories, and links to related Web sites. Go to: http://www.mtn.org/quack/devices/devindx.htm
- Earth
Past and Future Earth
Curious about what Earth’s continents and oceans might look like 50 million years from now? Geologist Christopher R. Scotese of the University of Texas at Arlington has created a Web site devoted to plate tectonics and Earth’s geography and climate, from the deep past to the distant future. The site features maps of Earth, animations, […]
- Math
Dimensions of Math
A colorful, interactive poster serves as a portal to the realm of dimension, with destinations ranging from Flatland to hyperspace. Meet authors Madeleine L’Engle (A Wrinkle in Time), E.A. Abbott (Flatland), and Michio Kaku (Hyperspace). Ponder Penrose tilings, gravitational lenses, and tic-tac-toe on a torus. Play with geometric shapes. This fascinating Web site was originally […]
- Physics
Bunches of atoms madly morph
While investigating the instability of tiny clusters of atoms, scientists observe ultrasmall salt grains switching shapes at a stupendous rate.
- Astronomy
Ordinary matter: Lost and found
Astronomers believe they have finally found the whereabouts of most of the ordinary matter in the universe.
- Health & Medicine
Abortion-cancer link is rejected
A workshop report concludes that abortions do not increase a woman's chance of developing breast cancer.
- Math
Scrambled Grids
Amazingly simple mathematical operations can lead to intriguingly complex results. Consider, for instance, the iterative geometric process of creating flaky pastry dough. Flatten and stretch the dough, then fold it over on top of itself. Do it again and again and again. Repeating the pair of operations–stretch and fold–just 10 times produces 1,024 layers; 20 […]
