My mother will get the joke. About 10 years ago, after a trip to Europe when my mother lost her luggage, I bet her a slice of decadent European cake that she’d get the suitcase back. She did. Though the stars haven’t aligned so that I can get my cake (in Europe, of course!), this…
For the remaining Saturdays in the blogathon, I’m featuring creative and fun science videos. This one made the online rounds a few years ago, but it’s still one of the best general explanations of the Large Hadron Collider that I’ve seen. And, it’s catchy, too. Check out the rapper, alpinekat, also known as Kate McAlpine.
No, I’m not riffing on 10 squared, or even the the discovery that DNA sequences called genes are combined into packets called chromosomes (100 years ago). No, today marks this blog’s 100th post. I’ve offered my own version of how to become a science writer (in 10 not-so-easy guidelines) and the cultural divide between my…
I tend to think of bees in hives, but three out of four species of these pollinators strike out on their own. A newly discovered species, O. avosetta, lines its underground nests with flower petals. Two teams of researchers found these unusual nests in Turkey and in Iran. From the American Museum of Natural History…
I can’t imagine not being awed by massive air-breathing creatures that move through the water. Whales are smart creatures that live in a dark, alternative Earth-world, where sound is the dominant sense. This weekend I got a chance to see this wonderful exhibition from New Zealand— complete with two sperm whale skeletons and a life-size model…
As I promised, I’m posting a list of my fellow blogathoners, more than a hundred strong. I’m inspired to be in such a large group, but it’s also a little daunting. (Thanks again to Michelle Rafter, our fearless organizer). Here’s to day 4– More science tomorrow. Rebecca I. Allen – 356 No More, A journey from couch…
Mars, the many missions to study the planet, and the question: is there or was there some kind of life on the planet? When I was working on a Mars-related story recently, a researcher pointed me to this hilarious Dutch commercial. Not a bad way to pass the time while we wait.
Webb of Science has been on the road this weekend, celebrating a Ph.D. commencement in the family. Congratulations to my sister, the most recent Dr. Webb. To get to the commencement ceremony, we’re having to dodge the marathon (scheduled for the same day?). But outside of the inconvenience, it’s actually pretty symbolic. I often characterize…
I’m back for the WordCount May Blogathon again this year. Daily blogging each day in May was both challenging and fun last year, and I’m hoping that I’m up to the challenge again this year. More details about my partners in posting soon. This time last year I wondered if I’d manage to post each…
I’m participating in Ada Lovelace Day, saluting women in technology and science. I thought about writing about a particular researcher, but I decided instead to single out the often anonymous heroines (and heroes) of science and technology, the teachers who inspire young minds to pursue science careers. Though their names aren’t remembered by Nobel or…