Technology
Bunker Bats
Posted by Dr. Dolittle on May 9, 2013 Scientists in Maine have converted two Cold War bunkers at Loring Air Force Base into winter havens for bats in an effort to protect the animals from the fungus that causes white nose syndrome. What is nice about using a man-made space is that they can actually clean up the area as opposed to trying to kill…
The Bottleneck Years by H. E. Taylor – Chapter 39
Posted by coby on May 8, 2013 The Bottleneck Years by H.E. Taylor Chapter 38 Table of Contents Chapter 40 Chapter 39 A Walk in the Park, April 26, 2056 I got a bit of a surprise when I got home. Edie caught me just as I was entering and asked, “Do you think we are descending into a New Dark Age?”…
NASA Astrobiology Roadmap 1: Solar System Exploration
Posted by Steinn Sigurðsson on May 8, 2013 It is critically important that the community participate in the current ongoing discussion for the NASA roadmaps. Particularly if you are an early career researcher. This is your opportunity to make the case for what you think is interesting and important. NASA is going through a series of Roadmap exercises by the different directorates, trying…
Clinging tightly
Posted by Dr. Dolittle on May 7, 2013 Live Science posted a story recently on the sticking power of clingfish. Northern clingfish, like the one shown in the image above, live in turbulent waters off the Pacific Coast of North America. In order to cling to surfaces, the animals have what are called adhesion discs on their bellies that they use to hold…
Weekend Diversion: An 8-bit mashup, reimagined
Posted by Ethan on May 5, 2013 
“I don’t understand how super mario can smash blocks with his head but dies when he touches a turtle.” -Unknown The past few weekends have been far too serious around the internet, and it’s time to kick back and enjoy something nice and simple. I’d like to introduce you to the little-known indie band The…
The Bottleneck Years by H. E. Taylor – Chapter 38
Posted by coby on May 1, 2013 The Bottleneck Years by H.E. Taylor Chapter 37 Table of Contents Chapter 39 Artificial Biology, April 19, 2056 I was beginning to feel like things were slipping out of control. I don’t know that they had ever been in control, but before Edie started Neurolin, before the Group 2 disaster and before Rhamaposa started talking…
The Bottleneck Years by H. E. Taylor – Chapter 37
Posted by coby on April 24, 2013 The Bottleneck Years by H.E. Taylor Chapter 36 Table of Contents Chapter 38 Chapter 37 UNGETF Reacts, March 24, 2056 The public reaction after the Group 2 disaster was muted in North America. Not so in the USSA. A huge crowd rioted in Brasilia and burnt down the DCS building. The police just stood around…
Experimental Biology – Tuesday
Posted by Dr. Dolittle on April 23, 2013 Today’s symposia included a session on “Integrative Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology of Non-model Organisms” as well as the August Krogh Distinguished Lecture. This year’s Krogh lecture was given by Dr. Stan Lindstedt from Northern Arizona University. Dr. Lindstedt is arguably best known for publishing work showing that the metabolic rate of an animal is negatively…
How A Barack Obama Hug Led to the Harlem Shake
Posted by Jeff on April 23, 2013 It was an unexpected journey, from the George W. Bush Shake, the Barack Obama Hug to the Harlem Shake. Appreciation from the President of the United States is one of the highest honors any American can receive. No, it wasn’t me, but the best part is that it was one of our students. I have…
The Bottleneck Years by H. E. Taylor – Chapter 36
Posted by coby on April 17, 2013 The Bottleneck Years by H.E. Taylor Chapter 35 Table of Contents Chapter 37 Chapter 36 Neurolin, March 17, 2056 Edie was changing. I didn’t know how, but she was no longer the shy retiring mouse of a woman she had been. A week later I happened across a clue. As a matter of course, we…
