Headline of the day
Human hair found in prehistoric hyena poop (Discovery.com/MSNBC)
By Jennifer Viegas
Hairs that likely belonged to humans living 195,000 to 257,000 years ago in Africa have been identified in fossilized brown hyena dung, according to a new study that describes the first non-bony material in the early human fossil record.
Until now, the oldest known human hairs were from a 9,000-year-old Chinchorro mummy from Arica, northern Chile. This latest discovery, made at Gladysvale cave, South Africa, exceeds the mummy's age by about 200,000 years.
Clearly, prehistoric hyenas were no laughing matter.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Making Science More Better For You on 02/09/08
Science finds the secret of a hot kiss (Times On Line)
A meeting of lips can spark a chain of chemical changes that really turn your head
Jonathan Leake
IF you always thought you had a special chemistry with your loved one, you may finally have been proved right.
Researchers have found that a passionate kiss unleashes a complex chemical surge into the brain which makes a lover feel excited, happy or relaxed.
There is also speculation that this hormone release may be triggered directly by an exchange of sexually stimulating pheromones in the saliva.
“This study shows kissing is much more complex and causes hormonal changes and things we never thought occurred,” said Wendy Hill, professor of psychology at Lafayette College, Pennsylvania, in an interview.
We always thought the secret ingredients were lobster and bling.
A meeting of lips can spark a chain of chemical changes that really turn your head
Jonathan Leake
IF you always thought you had a special chemistry with your loved one, you may finally have been proved right.
Researchers have found that a passionate kiss unleashes a complex chemical surge into the brain which makes a lover feel excited, happy or relaxed.
There is also speculation that this hormone release may be triggered directly by an exchange of sexually stimulating pheromones in the saliva.
“This study shows kissing is much more complex and causes hormonal changes and things we never thought occurred,” said Wendy Hill, professor of psychology at Lafayette College, Pennsylvania, in an interview.
We always thought the secret ingredients were lobster and bling.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Making Science More Better For You on 02/06/09
Headline of the day
Couple loves cloned best friend (CNN)
That's only because he always picks up the check.
Bones of first theater critic unearthed
Origin Of Claws Seen In Fossil 390 Million Years Old
ScienceDaily (Feb. 6, 2009) — A missing link in the evolution of the front claw of living scorpions and horseshoe crabs was identified with the discovery of a 390 million-year-old fossil by researchers at Yale and the University of Bonn, Germany.
The specimen, named Schinderhannes bartelsi, was found fossilized in slate from a quarry near Bundenbach in Germany, a site that yields spectacularly durable pyrite-preserved fossils — findings collectively known as the Hunsrück Slate. The Hunsrück Slate has previously produced some of the most valuable clues to understanding the evolution of arthropods – including early shrimp-like forms, a scorpion and sea spiders as well as the ancient arthropods trilobites.
We bet the football team will be called "the fighting robots."
Singularity University Founded by NASA, Google
Google and NASA have partnered to create a school called
Singularity University Founded by NASA, Google
Singularity University. The school, to be headed by Ray Kurzweil, will prepare scientists and others to deal with the effects of technological change. Kurzweil will serve as Chancellor.
Ray Kurzweil is the author of The Singularity is Near, a somewhat controversial book that suggests, among other things, that by the middle of this century computers will outstrip humans and humans will be able to use genetics and nanotechnology to directly affect its own evolution, achieving a kind of physical immortality. The establishment of the Singularity University by a government agency, NASA, and a private company, Google, suggests a growing acceptance of Ray Kurzweil's ideas.
We also think the school cheer will be "John Connor Must Die."
Couple loves cloned best friend (CNN)
That's only because he always picks up the check.
Bones of first theater critic unearthed
Origin Of Claws Seen In Fossil 390 Million Years Old
ScienceDaily (Feb. 6, 2009) — A missing link in the evolution of the front claw of living scorpions and horseshoe crabs was identified with the discovery of a 390 million-year-old fossil by researchers at Yale and the University of Bonn, Germany.
The specimen, named Schinderhannes bartelsi, was found fossilized in slate from a quarry near Bundenbach in Germany, a site that yields spectacularly durable pyrite-preserved fossils — findings collectively known as the Hunsrück Slate. The Hunsrück Slate has previously produced some of the most valuable clues to understanding the evolution of arthropods – including early shrimp-like forms, a scorpion and sea spiders as well as the ancient arthropods trilobites.
We bet the football team will be called "the fighting robots."
Singularity University Founded by NASA, Google
Google and NASA have partnered to create a school called
Singularity University Founded by NASA, Google
Singularity University. The school, to be headed by Ray Kurzweil, will prepare scientists and others to deal with the effects of technological change. Kurzweil will serve as Chancellor.
Ray Kurzweil is the author of The Singularity is Near, a somewhat controversial book that suggests, among other things, that by the middle of this century computers will outstrip humans and humans will be able to use genetics and nanotechnology to directly affect its own evolution, achieving a kind of physical immortality. The establishment of the Singularity University by a government agency, NASA, and a private company, Google, suggests a growing acceptance of Ray Kurzweil's ideas.
We also think the school cheer will be "John Connor Must Die."
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Making Science More Better For You on 01/28/09
Today's headlines
Doc’s confession: We made up ‘cello scrotum’ (MSNBC)
They had no comment, however, on either ‘tambourine testicles’ or ‘bass balls.”
Doc’s confession: We made up ‘cello scrotum’ (MSNBC)
They had no comment, however, on either ‘tambourine testicles’ or ‘bass balls.”
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Making Science More Better For You on 01/27/09
Today's headlines
Blowfish testicles poison 7 diners in Japan (MSNBC)
Balls, you say. Fish balls? Oh so that's where they come from.
Researchers Explore What Contemporary Science Cannot Explain (Science Daily)
That should keep them busy for a week or two.
Dead athletes' brains show stunning damage (CNN)
Yo dude, they are dead after all.
Battling Addiction: Are 12 Steps Too Many? (Time)
Well, that all depends on what's in the fridge, doesn't it?
Quick, get under the cloak of invisibility
New Tactics To Tackle Bystander’s Role In Bullying
ScienceDaily (Jan. 27, 2009) — A new psychodynamic approach to bullying in schools has been successfully trialled by UCL (University College London) and US researchers. CAPSLE (Creating a Peaceful School Learning Environment) is a groundbreaking method focused more on the bystander, including the teacher, than on the bully or the victim.
The study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, shows that an easily implemented school-wide intervention focussing on empathy and power dynamics can reduce children’s experiences of aggression in school and improve classroom behaviour.
...a groundbreaking method focused more on the bystander, including the teacher, than on the bully or the victim.
They focused on the bystanders because the bystanders were too timid to tell the researchers to get lost.
…. CAPSLE made no attempt to focus on helping disturbed children individually or picking them out for treatment. It did not set explicit rules against bullying, nor did it advocate any special treatment for bullying children. Nevertheless, over time the study found that bullies came to be disempowered, initially complaining that the programme was boring and should be stopped until gradually the social system tended to recruit them into more helpful roles…..
No, but they did manage to get some grant money for the research, so it’s not like it was two years wasted. Plus, the thought boredom as an intervention technique that leads to "disempowerment "is really high concept—if only we knew what that meant.
gradually the social system tended to recruit them (bullies) into more helpful roles…..
Yeah, we’re sure they were real helpful. Hope the researchers realize that they're not getting their lunch money back, ever. Don't you just love it when somebody's therapy session gets dressed up as a groundbreaking study?
Blowfish testicles poison 7 diners in Japan (MSNBC)
Balls, you say. Fish balls? Oh so that's where they come from.
Researchers Explore What Contemporary Science Cannot Explain (Science Daily)
That should keep them busy for a week or two.
Dead athletes' brains show stunning damage (CNN)
Yo dude, they are dead after all.
Battling Addiction: Are 12 Steps Too Many? (Time)
Well, that all depends on what's in the fridge, doesn't it?
Quick, get under the cloak of invisibility
New Tactics To Tackle Bystander’s Role In Bullying
ScienceDaily (Jan. 27, 2009) — A new psychodynamic approach to bullying in schools has been successfully trialled by UCL (University College London) and US researchers. CAPSLE (Creating a Peaceful School Learning Environment) is a groundbreaking method focused more on the bystander, including the teacher, than on the bully or the victim.
The study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, shows that an easily implemented school-wide intervention focussing on empathy and power dynamics can reduce children’s experiences of aggression in school and improve classroom behaviour.
...a groundbreaking method focused more on the bystander, including the teacher, than on the bully or the victim.
They focused on the bystanders because the bystanders were too timid to tell the researchers to get lost.
…. CAPSLE made no attempt to focus on helping disturbed children individually or picking them out for treatment. It did not set explicit rules against bullying, nor did it advocate any special treatment for bullying children. Nevertheless, over time the study found that bullies came to be disempowered, initially complaining that the programme was boring and should be stopped until gradually the social system tended to recruit them into more helpful roles…..
No, but they did manage to get some grant money for the research, so it’s not like it was two years wasted. Plus, the thought boredom as an intervention technique that leads to "disempowerment "is really high concept—if only we knew what that meant.
gradually the social system tended to recruit them (bullies) into more helpful roles…..
Yeah, we’re sure they were real helpful. Hope the researchers realize that they're not getting their lunch money back, ever. Don't you just love it when somebody's therapy session gets dressed up as a groundbreaking study?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Making Science More Better For You on 01/26/09
Headlines of the day
Goat starts fire; cat warns family (CNN)
The cheese stands alone.
Early farmers bred different coloured animals for their own amusement (Telegraph.co.uk)
More evidence of the early hemp economy.
Infidelity Produces Faster Sperm, Swedish Fish Study Finds (Science Daily)
Just in case you're thinking of having an affair with a Swedish fish.
No question, they’ve got you coming and going
Frequent Sex And Masturbation In 20s And 30s Linked To Higher Prostate Cancer, But Risks Diminish With Age
ScienceDaily (Jan. 26, 2009) — Men who are very sexually active in their twenties and thirties are more likely to develop prostate cancer, especially if they masturbate frequently, according to a study of more than 800 men.
However the UK research team also found that frequent sexual activity in a man’s forties appears to have little effect and even small levels of activity in a man’s fifties could offer protection from the disease. Most of the differences were attributed to masturbation rather than sexual intercourse.
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars. Rather, like most things, it’s all in the wrist…ours or someone else’s.
Goat starts fire; cat warns family (CNN)
The cheese stands alone.
Early farmers bred different coloured animals for their own amusement (Telegraph.co.uk)
More evidence of the early hemp economy.
Infidelity Produces Faster Sperm, Swedish Fish Study Finds (Science Daily)
Just in case you're thinking of having an affair with a Swedish fish.
No question, they’ve got you coming and going
Frequent Sex And Masturbation In 20s And 30s Linked To Higher Prostate Cancer, But Risks Diminish With Age
ScienceDaily (Jan. 26, 2009) — Men who are very sexually active in their twenties and thirties are more likely to develop prostate cancer, especially if they masturbate frequently, according to a study of more than 800 men.
However the UK research team also found that frequent sexual activity in a man’s forties appears to have little effect and even small levels of activity in a man’s fifties could offer protection from the disease. Most of the differences were attributed to masturbation rather than sexual intercourse.
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars. Rather, like most things, it’s all in the wrist…ours or someone else’s.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Making Science More Better For You on 01/07/09
New Year/New Headlines/Same Old Humans
'Jealous wife' charged after fatal genitals fire (MSNBC)
She said she just wanted to burn his penis so it would belong to her and no one else. Just as well. He probably didn't have much use for it anymore.
Police: Angry Ohio boy, 4, shoots baby sitter (AP)
Hey, I got your "bed time" right here.
Colo. woman accused of cannibalism 'deeply ashamed' (The Denver Post)
So, when did they make a board game out of the Donner Party?
Islamic militants ridicule death of Bush cat (AP)
We're glad they have their political priorities in order.
Porn industry seeks federal bailout (CNN)
We think there's a joke somewhere in here about the government blowing money...somewhere.
Husband Wants Kidney Back from Wife (WCBS)
Sure, we'll say it. This guy must really have some stones.
'Jealous wife' charged after fatal genitals fire (MSNBC)
She said she just wanted to burn his penis so it would belong to her and no one else. Just as well. He probably didn't have much use for it anymore.
Police: Angry Ohio boy, 4, shoots baby sitter (AP)
Hey, I got your "bed time" right here.
Colo. woman accused of cannibalism 'deeply ashamed' (The Denver Post)
So, when did they make a board game out of the Donner Party?
Islamic militants ridicule death of Bush cat (AP)
We're glad they have their political priorities in order.
Porn industry seeks federal bailout (CNN)
We think there's a joke somewhere in here about the government blowing money...somewhere.
Husband Wants Kidney Back from Wife (WCBS)
Sure, we'll say it. This guy must really have some stones.
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