I’ve got your missing links right here (2nd October 2010)
News
I’m tellin y’all it’s sabotage! Brendan Maher discusses the fascinating case of Vipul Bhrigu, a postdoc who “destroyed the experiments of a colleague in order to get ahead. It took a hidden camera to expose a surreptitious and malicious side of science.”
Prompted by my post on masturbating squirrels, Daniel Engber at Slate republished an entire feature on animal masturbation.
“Surprisingly, the pattern of homicides resembled an exchange of gifts.” A fascinating Vaughan Bell piece on the social side of murder.
“So cheer up and take it from us that even if we kicked you in the pants it was between friends.” An amusing series of exchanges between DNA pioneers Crick, Watson, Wilkins and Franklin.
“I feel that we are all mad.” A disturbing look at water politics in the Nile valley and the conflicts between the upstream countries that control the water and the downstream countries that need it.
Jonah Lehrer, aged, 10, spells out his wisdom about how to practice 50 percent less but still get the same benefits.
“About 350 million years ago, evolution took one small step for fish, and a giant leap for every terrestrial animal since. According to a new study, it was all made possible by plants.”
It’s okay. Contrary to popular assertions, the UN has not yet selected an alien ambassador. The post is obviously still open.
Most Earth-like planet yet spotted in a habitable zone. Already has a Starbucks on it. Probably. Phil Plait discusses the story.
Hey, good news! We won’t have to saw off the top of your skull! cough*we’llgothroughtheeyeinstead*cough*
I really like the concept of this New Scientist piece celebrating the vast improbability of human existence – the 10 cosmic accidents that allowed us to happen. Soaring stuff.
Look into my eyes. “No longer a mere vaudeville routine, hypnosis is being used in labs to cast light on the innermost workings of the brain”
“Imagine being violated by masses of dynamic and powerful net-like pseudopodia and torn to pieces from the inside.” If you ever find yourself really small, do not f**k with forams.
Carl Zimmer discusses the monkey in the mirror – a potentially important new paper on monkey self-recognition.
More after the jump…
Go Further
Animals
- Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them?
- Animals
- Feature
Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them? - This biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the AndesThis biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the Andes
- An octopus invited this writer into her tank—and her secret worldAn octopus invited this writer into her tank—and her secret world
- Peace-loving bonobos are more aggressive than we thoughtPeace-loving bonobos are more aggressive than we thought
Environment
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?
- Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security, Video Story
- Paid Content
Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security - Will we ever solve the mystery of the Mima mounds?Will we ever solve the mystery of the Mima mounds?
- Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet?Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet?
- This year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning signThis year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning sign
History & Culture
- Strange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political dramaStrange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political drama
- How technology is revealing secrets in these ancient scrollsHow technology is revealing secrets in these ancient scrolls
- Pilgrimages aren’t just spiritual anymore. They’re a workout.Pilgrimages aren’t just spiritual anymore. They’re a workout.
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- This ancient cure was just revived in a lab. Does it work?This ancient cure was just revived in a lab. Does it work?
- See how ancient Indigenous artists left their markSee how ancient Indigenous artists left their mark
Science
- This 80-foot-long sea monster was the killer whale of its timeThis 80-foot-long sea monster was the killer whale of its time
- Every 80 years, this star appears in the sky—and it’s almost timeEvery 80 years, this star appears in the sky—and it’s almost time
- How do you create your own ‘Blue Zone’? Here are 6 tipsHow do you create your own ‘Blue Zone’? Here are 6 tips
- Why outdoor adventure is important for women as they ageWhy outdoor adventure is important for women as they age
Travel
- Slow-roasted meats and fluffy dumplings in the Czech capitalSlow-roasted meats and fluffy dumplings in the Czech capital
- Want to travel like a local? Sleep in a Mongolian yurt or an Amish farmhouseWant to travel like a local? Sleep in a Mongolian yurt or an Amish farmhouse
- Sharing culinary traditions in the orchard-filled highlands of JordanSharing culinary traditions in the orchard-filled highlands of Jordan