WEIRD SCIENCE

 

A Brief History of Peanut Butter

The bizarre sanitarium staple that became a spreadable obsession. Veteran food critic Florence Fabricant has called peanut butter “the pâté of childhood.” (Dan Saelinger) – By Kate Wheeling Smithsonian Magazine 2021 Jan/Feb – North Americans weren’t the first to grind peanuts—the Inca beat …

How Venetians Invented Health Care 

Venice’s small footprint, dense population, unusual governmental structure, and its devotion to trade was a unique combination that fostered innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity.  – By Meredith F. Small 2020 Dec 06 – When Venetians invented quarantine in 1348, the government proclamation was based …

The science behind snowflakes

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 …