I’ve got your missing links right here (3 August 2013)
Top picks
In the struggle to save the orange, some farmers are turning to genetic modification. Amy Harmon brings us a thoroughly reported, nuanced and insightful piece into the issues around GM—a refreshing sight in a cloudy area.
Is ethical research possible on orphans w/ disabilities in a politically unstable country? Astonishing Virginia Hughes story.
The 60 foot long jet powered animal you’ve probably never heard of. Amazing video, and I love Megan Garber’s analysis.
Tamsin Edwards argued that climate scientists shouldn’t be advocates for particular policies, and kickstarted a huge debate. I liked Doug McNeall’s contribution, which includes lots of links.
“What seems to be missing is an applied science of science communication.” Spot on, by John Timmer. Note: applied. Biomedical sciences have basic, translational and clinical research. Sci-comm only has 1 and 3.
The Hole in Our Collective Memory: How Copyright Made Mid-Century Books Vanish. By Becca Rosen.
A history of pale blue dots–photos of Earth, taken from space. By Amy Shira Teitel.
“I have become enamoured with reality.” Lovely meditation on autism, parenting & finding science.
“Let no one mourn this extinction.” – Mark Siddall on the loss of the guinea worm
Zoos have a hell of a time getting cheetahs to breed. Clues from cat social lives might explain why. By Jason Goldman.
A large meta-analysis finds strong link between changing climate & conflict at all levels, from assault to civil wars. By me.
Scientists find genetic associations for a number of smells, opening the prospect of personalised recipes for food
The face of brain-eating amoebas will give you nightmares
“When a single genetic mutation first let ancient Europeans drink milk, it set the stage for a continental upheaval.”
Archaeopteryx’s Evolutionary Humiliation Continues. By Carl Zimmer.
Spiders are gorgeous. Here are the most exquisitely weird ones you’ll ever see.
News/science/writing
RIP David Dickson, respected science journalist and founder of Scidev.net
Cool story about the ancient DNA rush of the 1990s, as precipitated by Jurassic Park.
Scientist plans on eating a lab-grown burger in front of journalists. Quote from this story: “The spectacle could eclipse the science.” You. Don’t. Say. Does he get to become Khaleesi if he keeps it down?
A 38% drop in AIDS deaths in Africa, 2005-11
Taking a sock off in space is revolting.
Faecal transplants need a facelift.
Amid Sensationalist GMO Swamp, Stellar Journalism Rises.
Newly discovered dwarf lemur has skin flaps that look like green felt gloves. Oh wait…
Alice Bell on being “pro” or “anti-science”.
Nice to see Bob Paine getting more recognition for his life’s work. (Here’s my profile of his dynasty.)
Mike Russell’s thoughts on the origin of life are always worth listening to.
Spiders May Have Personalities, and Some Are Bolder Than Others. Featuring colour-coded spiders.
Naked lady crocus infected by smut fungus.
Sounds horrific; actually beautiful: the gastric rainbow
When young damselfish are exposed to predator smells, they grow bigger fake eyes on their backs!
Ugh. Exciting new duelling dinosaurs headed for auction, not museum.
Seen from above, humans travel almost everywhere on Earth’s surface. Amazing video.
The “lake” at “the North Pole” no longer exists. Why context matters when you talk about climate change.
Forensic science has revealed the grisly details of Inca child sacrifice: sedated for weeks with cocaine and alcohol.
The misunderstood butcher bird just wants to hug you with some thorns
NASA on how they prevent bacterial contamination of other planets.
Two papers come out on the evolution of monogamy, and they contradict each other. Carl Zimmer and Seth Borenstein did good takes.
New potential solution to problem of snakebites in remote areas
Remember that technique that makes brains transparent? Another group published a cheaper, simpler method a little later
The creepy real-life tale of a neuroscientist, cyanide, and a murder most foul.
“We need a 21stC definition of cancer instead of a 19th-century definition”
More wolves –> fewer elk –> more summer berries –> more grizzly bears.
How Ferris Jabr became a master swardsman.
Optogenetics implants “false memories” into mouse neurons.
Scientist whose work was used to prevent ban on pesticides that harm bees joins company that makes them. Uh-huh.
History Mystery! How did a walrus end up in an old London cemetery?
Moms, Are Your Autoantibodies Causing Autism? Good analysis by Emily Willingham.
Personal genomes may help students learn genetics
So, some flies can spread eye diseases.
Parasitic wasp gets a free ride on a damselfly
Heh/wow/huh
Breathtaking photos document the construction of the world’s largest self-anchored suspension bridge
A robot that does parkour. Well, a fair amount of face-planting but it’s still pretty cool.
When 408 hot-air balloons took off from the same field at the same time.
Wow, these explosive wall murals are amazing
The dexterity of the osprey
X-rays of spacesuits.
Paper birds? That doesn’t sound that impressivHOLY CRAP.
Journalism/internet/society
Congrats to Bug Girl, who’s moving her excellent blog to Wired.
A more informed news media: The need for “knowledge-based reporting”
The journalist who started the petition to put Jane Austen on the £10 note was rewarded with rape & death threats.
I like the idea of the “Triangle of Responsibility” in this chat on sci-comm and physics w/ Sean Carroll
It Now Appears Possible to Hack a (Fancy, Japanese) Toilet
“He periodically ran for president of the world, always unopposed”
Wanna learn how Robin Henig crafted her superb end-of-life care story? Support the Open Notebook’s crowdfunding campaign
An interesting debate on whether science journalism in newspapers is stuck in a ghetto. See my comment.
How to get a job via Twitter
“-bag” insults have to be the silliest in common usage. Here’s a post about their etymology.
Interesting discussion of assigning credit in science writing, following a cock-up of mine. My response in comments
Tips for breaking into science writing by six top science writers, at Open Notebook.
On the etymological origins of the word “dongle“. There are seven leading theories!
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
- Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io has been erupting for billions of yearsJupiter’s volcanic moon Io has been erupting for billions of years
- 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
- This royal city lies in the shadow of Kuala LumpurThis royal city lies in the shadow of Kuala Lumpur
- This author tells the story of crypto-trading Mongolian nomadsThis author tells the story of crypto-trading Mongolian nomads
- Slow-roasted meats and fluffy dumplings in the Czech capitalSlow-roasted meats and fluffy dumplings in the Czech capital