Just Plain WEIRD #2
– By Megan Marples, CNN Updated 2021 Jan 19 – Bioluminescent insects have long fascinated scientists, but little is known about how these animals got their light abilities. A 99-million-year-old beetle recently discovered by researchers, however, unlocks a piece of the evolutionary puzzle, …
For 10 consecutive days, from 1/20/21 to 1/29/21, the days are all palindrome dates. – By Leah Asmelash, CNN 2021 Jan 20 – The next ten days are sure to be historic, and it’s not just because of the inauguration. Wednesday marks the …
Moose, a mixed-breed dog from the Nebraska Humane Society, trains in odor-detection work. Bill Cotton/CSU, CC BY-ND – By Glen J. Golden, Research Scientist/Scholar I, Colorado State University 2021 Jan 13 – Editor’s note: As COVID-19 continues to spread worldwide, scientists are …
If you stop a random person on the street in China, there’s a pretty good chance their surname would be either Wang, Li, Zhang, Liu or Chen. – By Jessie Yeung, CNN 2021 Jan 16 – That’s because those are the five most …
Once in production, the Snoek should sell for about €8,000 (US$9,663). Velomobiel.nl View 5 Images – By Ben Coxworth 2021 Jan 15 – Although velomobiles are known for being faster than bicycles, some of the more “practical” models can be rather ungainly. That doesn’t …
Biologist Bruce Jayne holding a brown tree snake, which have now been discovered climbing in never-before-seen ways. Joseph Fuqua II/UC Creative + Brand View 3 Images – By Michael Irving 2020 Jan 11 – Scientists have observed snakes using an entirely unknown way of …
Here’s why Bill Watterson’s masterwork enchants us still. The final “Calvin and Hobbes” strip, by Bill Watterson, published 25 years ago this week — departing in peak form. (Bill Watterson/Andrews McMeel Syndication) – By Michael Cavna 2020 Dec 31 – “A new year…a …
New Atlas revisits some of 2020’s strangest science stories. prometeus/Depositphotos View 9 Images – By Michael Irving 2020 Dec 26 – Curing cancer is a noble goal and all, but sometimes scientists just want to see what happens when you give octopuses ecstasy. From …
A snowflake is a small weather feature that can pack a big punch. – By Allison Chinchar, CNN meteorologist 2020 Dec 23 – Many are made up of just one single ice crystal while some, more elaborate snowflakes are comprised of as many …
Rocki is remotely controlled over the internet, by pet owners viewing real-time video from the robot’s camera. Rocki – By Ben Coxworth 2020 Dec 21 – Earlier this year, we heard about a pet-entertaining/treat-dispensing robot known as Pumpkii. Although its crowdfunding campaign was cancelled, …
