As far as humanity goes, we live in a whopper of a different world than our ancestors did. Want something to eat? Chances are pretty darned good that it's only a few steps away in the refrigerator or…

The science blogosphere is shrinking and growing at the same time. Today, the Public Library of Science (PLoS) starts a new network called PLoS Blogs.   Consisting of 11 blogs by scientists and…

The science blogosphere is shrinking and growing at the same time. Today, the Public Library of Science (PLoS) starts a new network called PLoS Blogs.   Consisting of 11 blogs by scientists and…

A "cat state" is a curiosity of the quantum world, where particles can exist in "superpositions" of two opposite properties simultaneously. Cat state is a reference to German physicist Erwin…

The Public Library of Science has responded to various new networks cropping up in the wake of the Scienceblogs Pepsigate scandal by recruiting keen writers and putting their brand behind them.…

Want to make people healthier?  Put more goof stuff in beer.  And don't count out the smarts of ancient people in fun ways to stay healthy. While antibiotics officially date to the…

It’s been almost a year since I wrote about how I like Skype, and I noted some legal problems between the Skype founders and eBay, which bought Skype in 2005. Shortly after I wrote that, eBay…

Atami, Japan, once popular with honeymooners, is turning to a new breed of romance seekers—virtual sweethearts, in a dating simulation called Love Plus.   Since the marriage rate among…

Atami, Japan, once popular with honeymooners, is turning to a new breed of romance seekers—virtual sweethearts, in a dating simulation called Love Plus.   Since the marriage rate among…

With his new book, Danish scientist Bjørn Lomborg has become an unlikely advocate for huge investment in fighting global warming. But his answers are unlikely to satisfy all climate change…

With his new book, Danish scientist Bjørn Lomborg has become an unlikely advocate for huge investment in fighting global warming. But his answers are unlikely to satisfy all climate change…

The IPCC's head should quit to avoid harming the global warming cause further, says Geoffrey Lean.

The IPCC's head should quit to avoid harming the global warming cause further, says Geoffrey Lean.

Okay, today's the big day I dive into the world of blogging alongside a bunch of other science type bloggers, most of whom I would probably nod at blankly if we were involved in a deep conversation…

Personalized energy systems, where instead of huge nuclear plants (or worse, even larger windmills or solar farms) powering air conditioning for homes or gas stations fueling cars, individuals can…

My son thinks science is cool. He loves biology.  My daughter used to like science, now she says she hates it - she hates math too. She's just started middle school. That's the age when girls…

String theory was originally developed to try and describe the fundamental particles and forces that make up our universe.  Over the last 25 years, string theory has become some physicists'…

It’s an 80-year-old illustration showing the largest animals and plants in the world. The ugly little secret is item no. 10, that totally unnoticeable line in the middle of the picture just below the…

It’s an 80-year-old illustration showing the largest animals and plants in the world. The ugly little secret is item no. 10, that totally unnoticeable line in the middle of the picture just below the…

One month to go before the Physics Department closes!  And I have the job of classifying and disposing of unwanted and waste chemicals.  This year, when “everything must go”, this is…