Archive for the ‘Science’ Category

Calling Indiana Jones


24 May

Some of the most fascinating archeological work currently being done is in Central and South America. One of the major sites is Pachacamac, outside of Lima, Peru. It’s currently under review to receive World Heritage status, which is only given to sites judged to have outstanding universal value.

Just recently there was a new find at Pachacamac- a massive burial tomb containing over 80 bodies, including a many infants, adults, and even some animals. The reasons for this tomb are still unknown, with many more questions than answers.

I am completely jealous of those working on finding out the answers.

A First and Final Mission


22 May

This morning, a private spacecraft was launched out ofCape Canaveral. Its mission is to deliver supplies to the International Space Station. It is the first every private vessel that will be allowed to dock with the space station. A new era is beginning.

Besides giving things cool names (the capsule is called Dragon, the rocket that launches it Falcon-9), SpaceX did one more thing right this morning. In the rocket, set for one final mission to space, are the ashes of Mercury astronaut Gordon Cooper and our favorite engineer, James Doohan- “Scotty” from Star Trek. Rest in peace, gentlemen.

Even Dinosaurs Got Old


16 May

After a certain age, it seems like almost every day we “discover” a new creak in our joints, new stiffness or maybe even arthritis pain. We lament that we are not as young as we used to be. Well, it is not just those of us living in modern times who have suffered from the pains of old age. Even dinosaurs got arthritis.

Scientists studying a pliosaur (think Loch Ness monster) from the Mesozoic era have discovered that the reptile suffered from a degenerative disease much like arthritis, and that a bone that could heal eventually led to its death.

Faster Than Light Travel


15 May

We’re not there yet, but we are getting closer. A rocket powered by smashing matter and antimatter together could get us to about 70% the speed of light. I know that doesn’t make it seem like we are close to faster than light travel, but please note that the previous top speed was 33% the speed of light. That’s a jump of 37%. Another jump of that magnitude takes us over.

Still, I think my favorite thing about this is that the pair of people who did the research were a senior research fellow and a senior in high school.

#MythBusters (ep188)


14 May

I know the MythBusters love guns and gun myths, but if they are now able to get the rights to do Burn Notice myths, why was this the first one? I was not surprised the bullets through the undercarriage myth was busted, even though the components looked good.

The most important part of the surfing a shockwave myth came at the end, in their attempt to make it work. They coated a blanket in bed liner. Now I want to know if a blanket coated in bed liner would protect me from a blast. Exactly how strong is bed liner?

#MythBusters (ep 187)


07 May

I love the water heater myths, though they do make me really wish I had gas heat at my house so I could switch to a tankless water heater. (They have them for electric, too, but they aren’t very energy efficient.). And I know I shouldn’t speculate, but given the absolute elaborate setup they had for stopping the water heater cannon, what do you want to be this was the myth where they sent a cannonball into a neighborhood and through houses?

I don’t know that I’d call rocket man confirmed. Survivability was pretty much a zero in that scenario.

Science Links


06 May

Four things:

Living near volcanoes myself, it’s good to have a reminder that a eruptions do not pose the only danger. A mudflow that is like a wall of concrete coming at you is not something to be dismissed.

Like me, you’ve probably always pictured robots as being made of metal, but think of the possibilities for biodegradable robots- mechanisms that could be released into the ocean to help with oil spills and such.

You know I love space. Information has recently been gathered that challenges the current dark matter theory.

The Astronomy Picture of the Day website is awesome.

#MythBusters (ep186)


30 Apr

Shoes do not make a difference in how you drive, but a full bladder does. While I agree, it is definitely not as bad as driving intoxicated, a lot more people are likely to drive with a full bladder than do drunk. Given that, I think it is important to show people that they are not as good of drivers when they are that distracted by discomfort. Remember when you were a child and your parents made you go to the bathroom before getting in the car, even if you did not have to go? Everyone should remember that lesson.

#MythBusters (ep 185)


23 Apr

I don’t disagree with the methodology or even any of the experiments conducted last night. However, I’m not certain that in most cases what the MythBusters were testing was the result of those differences. Maybe the emotional recognition and maybe the special recognition result from the physiological differences. But driving or map reading or grilling? Not so much.

They may have been a social construction. Women are worse drivers because we’ve heard comments all of our lives about “women drivers”. Men may have a harder time recognizing emotion because they are not raised with the belief that it is important.

#MythBusters (ep 184)


16 Apr

The thing I liked the least about Pirates of the Caribbean 2 was the preponderance of hamster ball scenarios, so I wasn’t certain what I was going to think of last night’s Jamie and Adam myth. But overall, I enjoyed it, and the reminder that professional trapeze artists are freaky strong. I’m not certain Adam helped the climb at all.

The build team built a rocket powered barrel- kind of. I liked that they had to go to an expert to replicate the results of the myth.

Am I the only person that misses the myths where everyone worked together?

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