To Brains, Even Common Gestures Unfamiliar

To Brains, Even Common Gestures Unfamiliar

What's more universal in culture than a "thumbs up"? To our brains, whether we seem to have a cultural familiarity or not, it isn't familiar at all, says new research in Human Brain Mapping.…
The Bible In ... Legos?

The Bible In ... Legos?

Everything is LEGOs these days.  My kid has played some game that is LEGOs but is based on all three Star Wars movies.    25 years ago LEGOs were almost out of business, today they are…
The Bible In ... Legos?

The Bible In ... Legos?

Everything is LEGOs these days.  My kid has played some game that is LEGOs but is based on all three Star Wars movies.    25 years ago LEGOs were almost out of business, today they are…
No evidence for Clovis comet catastrophe

No evidence for Clovis comet catastrophe

New research challenges the controversial theory that an ancient comet impact devastated the Clovis people, one of the earliest known cultures to inhabit North America. The comet theory first emerged…
No evidence for Clovis comet catastrophe

No evidence for Clovis comet catastrophe

New research challenges the controversial theory that an ancient comet impact devastated the Clovis people, one of the earliest known cultures to inhabit North America. The comet theory first emerged…
GMOs could help counter global warming

GMOs could help counter global warming

Genetically modified organisms have existed for thousands of years but more recently an anti-science contingent has been concerned, perhaps with reason, about their impact on the environment. But…
GMOs could help counter global warming

GMOs could help counter global warming

Genetically modified organisms have existed for thousands of years but more recently an anti-science contingent has been concerned, perhaps with reason, about their impact on the environment. But…
Why Physicists Are Smug

Why Physicists Are Smug

Over at Cosmic Variance Sean Carroll is fighting an interesting battle. In a series of recent blogs that started under the title "The Laws Underlying The Physics of Everyday Life Are Completely…
My experience in the Church of Scientology

My experience in the Church of Scientology

I saw a cool program on the Church of Scientology a few days ago, and I meant to post this review here but forgot until just now when a Google Ad unit linking to their site appeared on the sidebar…
The Robust Clubhook Squid Is Also Quite Large

The Robust Clubhook Squid Is Also Quite Large

Humboldt squid have gotten so much press off the west coast of the Americas that pretty much any big squid found in these waters is immediately labeled a Humboldt. For example, a Mr. Anderson and his…
But is it so obvious?

But is it so obvious?

Geoffrey Lean, the hard-pressed environmental correspondent of the Telegraph, has comein for some stick again.  He publishedRubbish saves birds, a major study finds And this was typical of…
Impact factor or research what is more important

Impact factor or research what is more important

During a meeting a senior person said he does not need extension any more as he has been asked to publish in a journal with a high impact factor This statement is not from any real situation but…
Carbonated Drinks Spark Pain Circuits

Carbonated Drinks Spark Pain Circuits

When you drink a soda, you may not think it has much in common with horseradish or peppers, but your body does.  New research from USC says the carbon dioxide in fizzy drinks triggers the same…
Venus Lightning Strikes Our Interest

Venus Lightning Strikes Our Interest

Despite vast great differences between the atmospheres of Venus and Earth, it turns out very similar mechanisms produce lightning on the two planets. The rates of discharge, the intensity and the…