Uncategorized
- Archaeology
Neandertals used tools with versatility
Microscopic data from artifacts found at two Ukrainian sites indicate that Neandertals used stone tools in flexible ways that allowed them to maintain a broad diet for nearly 50,000 years.
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I’ve just read your account of the “ekpyrotic model” of the universe. Although descriptive, “ekpyrotic” seems rather contrived and is hard to pronounce. Certainly it lacks the pizzazz of “Big Bang.” And “Big Crunch” has been used previously to refer to the “anti-Big Bang” catastrophe thought to be awaiting the universe. How about the “Big […]
- Astronomy
When Branes Collide
A controversial new theory proposes that our universe existed as a cold, featureless void for eons, until a parallel universe floating through a hidden fifth dimension crashed into it, igniting the Big Bang.
- Animals
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme!
Hungry chicks cheeping in their nest have inspired a whole branch of scientific inquiry.
- Math
Sand Drawings and Mirror Curves
To accompany the telling of a story or recounting of a fable, men of the Chokwe people in south-central Africa traditionally made sand drawings, called sona, to illustrate the tale. These highly stylized geometric illustrations also served as memory aids. Sand drawing. Paulus Gerdes Plaited mat designs. Mark Schlatter Lion’s stomach design. Mark Schlatter Example […]
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From the September 19, 1931, issue
ORCHIDS THAT LOOK LIKE GIRLS Plucked from their stems and stood on the table, they are the daintiest little dancers imaginable–dancers in the latest fashionable costumes at that. Their skirts are long and concealing, tight over the slim hips and flaring widely at the bottom. The dancers stand poised, their arms thrown up and out, […]
- Chemistry
Web Elements
Want to know more than just selenium’s symbol, atomic number, and atomic weight? Created by chemist Mark Winter of the University of Sheffield, WebElements provides information on each chemical element’s history, uses, reactions, bulk and thermal properties, and more. Go to: http://www.webelements.com/
- Earth
Dusty workplace may cause change of heart
Occupational exposure to fine dust can trigger adverse changes in the hearts of even strong, healthy workers.
- Health & Medicine
Two drugs may enhance recovery from stroke
Two drugs, levodopa and dextroamphetamine, may help stroke patients to recover the ability to move and speak.
- Ecosystems
Fierce invader steals nests from a native fish
The round goby, a Eurasian fish that has invaded the Great Lakes, is causing the decline of the mottled sculpin by displacing the native from its spawning sites.
- Materials Science
Materials use nitric oxide to kill bacteria
A novel coating may offer a new way to fend off microbial buildup on catheters, artificial hips, and replacement cardiac valves.
- Materials Science
Speed demon gets hooked on silicon
A method for coating silicon with high-performance semiconductors such as gallium arsenide may make faster, low-power microcircuits both cheaper and more widespread.
