To look at the evolution of modern bird feathers, we must start a long time ago, with the dinosaurs from whence they came. We see early incarnations of feathers on dinosaur fossils, and remnants of dinosaurs in a bird’s wish bone. Carl Zimmer explores the stages of evolution and how even the reasons for feathers […]
Toothpaste is loaded with a cornucopia of chemicals that add flavors, body, texture, and most importantly, the ability to clean your teeth. One compound in particular, a detergent known as sodium lauryl sulfate is responsible for the suds that you produce when brushing. As it turns out, this compound has an interesting effect on your […]
Atoms and particles are quirky. Therefore we need an equally quirky thought experiment to understand superposition. You may be familiar with Schrodinger’s Cat. However we are going to use a feline friendly thought experiment that is fun and easy to digest. [Comma Niddy]
About 10% of the world population is left-handed. But why does handedness exist and what determines which hand is dominant? Scientists have suggested several theories, but the answer may well lie with evolution. [Scishow]
It turns out that superhuman strength may not be so farfetched… [ASAPScience]
A rather entertaining version of Macklemore’s Thrift Shop by three ladies who decided to take a mathematical approach the song. Check it out! [Miranda Johnson | Via]
I mixed Neil Degrasse Tyson’s audio from the Joe Rogan Experience podcast into a funky rap about the universe. [Andy Greenhaw | Via IO9]
The Supreme court has ruled that human genes can’t be patented. However, synthesized versions of the material can be patented, the judges ruled. In a unanimous verdict, the judges ruled against Myriad Gentics. That’s a firm which registered patents on two genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) which appear to be indicators of women having an increased […]
Watch as the team from the Periodic Videos Youtube channel drop a piece of hot charcoal into liquid oxygen and film the whole process with a high-speed camera. Fascinating. [Periodic Videos | Via IHC]
Check out this amazing picture featuring a boulder that went tumbling down a slope on Mars. The photo was caught by the HiRISe camera located aboard NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. What started it up? A Marsquake, a nearby impact, the erosion of its underpinning due to the relentless Martian winds? You can see the boulder […]