Fifteen hundred years ago everybody knew the Earth was the center of the universe. Five hundred years ago, everybody knew the Earth was flat, and fifteen minutes ago, you knew that humans were alone on this planet. Imagine what you'll know tomorrow. - Men in Black In the film, Tommy Lee Jones' Kay wants to make Will Smith's Jay consider what else he might be wrong about (beyond the existence of aliens). In doing so, Kay reinforces two related ideas: knowledge only ever accumulates, and by extension those who came … [Read more...] about Science Corner: You’ll Kill More S. aureus with Honey AND Vinegar
microbiology
Science Corner: Size Matters Not
Last week we got to see from the perspective of a dog exploring in the woods. This week I'm even more excited about the possibility of seeing the world from a beetle's perspective. We already know that at least some insects can see in the ultraviolet spectrum and some flowers have patterns we cannot see to attract pollinators who can them. We also know that the compound eyes of insects offer a very different view than our binocular vision. But with new miniature self-powered cameras, we can hook a camera up to beetles … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Size Matters Not
Science Corner: The Demon (And the Angel?) in the Permafrost
Recently, we discussed the possibility of bring the woolly mammoth back to life. One of the more ambitious plans involved raising herds of new mammoths to roam the Arctic and punch holes in the upper layers of ice. Those holes would expose deeper permafrost layers to cold air that will reduce thawing. The thermodynamics are plausible for the same reason igloos work as shelter; the air temperature is below freezing, which means that the insulating ice is actually keeping the ground underneath warmer than if it were … [Read more...] about Science Corner: The Demon (And the Angel?) in the Permafrost
Science Corner: It’s a Micro, Micro, Micro, Micro World
I've seen quite a few interesting microbiology stories in the news recently and I couldn't pick just one, so we'll take a little survey of what's happening. Most relevant to your immediate future was the recent FDA ban on certain anti-microbials in soaps and other hygiene products. Don't worry, the bacteria aren't celebrating; washing with regular soap and water will get rid of just as many of them, and products like alcohol-based hand sanitizers will remain available because they have demonstrated utility. The FDA is … [Read more...] about Science Corner: It’s a Micro, Micro, Micro, Micro World