Category Archives: science

amusements, arts, environment, history, links, medical, science

Monthly Links

And so to this month’s collection of links to items you dodn’t know you din’t want to miss! Let’s start, as usual, with the tough science stuff.

Science, Technology, Natural World

Some scientists have been thinking about how life would have started and self-assembled. [LONG READ]

alien life

Turning the tables round, will we actually know alien life when we encounter it? [LONG READ]

While we decide that, how likely is it that alien life is eavesdropping on our mobile phone calls? [££££]

Staying with the cosmological … Observers have detected the largest cosmic explosion ever seen.

Meanwhile the James Webb telescope has found asteroids in the Fomalhaut star system.

And it gets weirder, as astronomers think they’ve seen live-action of a star swallowing one of its planets.

Coming back a little nearer to sanity … hare’s a look at Alan Turing and the most important machine that’s never been built. [LONG READ]

After which, riddle me this … How do you find a new species of Demon Catshark? By reading it’s eggs, of course. [££££]

But then again, genetics turns up many surprises, including the mutation which turned ants into parasites in one generation. [LONG READ]

More strangeness on genetics … it turns out strawberries have eight sets of chromosomes, which have contributed to their domestication and survival. [££££]

Deeper and deeper into plants, photosynthesis actually requires four photons to complete the transfer of sunlight into chemical energy but the details of the final step are only now coming to light. [££££]

And so back into the (almost) real world. Clever palaeontologists have been able to recover the DNA of the wearer of a 25,000-year-old pendant.

Health, Medicine

How accurate are all those old-wives tales – you know like “chocolate causes acne” and “carrots help you see in the dark”?

So just what are puberty blockers and how do they work? Side issue: should we be using them? [££££]

Medics now seem to have decided that removing just the Fallopian Tubes will significantly reduce the number of women with ovarian cancer. [££££]

Meanwhile, deciding whether to have HRT treatment for the menopause is a difficult decision for many women. [LONG READ]

Sexuality

Here’s the usual, and regular suggestion of ten ways to improve your sex life.

Environment

All the rubbish buried along the Thames estuary is coming back to the surface to bite us. Why do we think we can treat the place like a trash can? [LONG READ]

Japanese knotweed

There’s one thing you do not want in your garden (or anywhere): Japanese Knotweed. [LONG READ]

Social Sciences, Business, Law, Politics

Historian and headmaster Sir Anthony Seldon has been writing book-length report cards on British prime ministers for 40 years. His latest is on Boris Johnson, and he’s not impressed.

Art, Literature, Language, Music

Oh dear. Some of the southern Italians are upset. They’ve decides that a mermaid statue is too provocative. Judge for yourself …

mermaid statue, front

mermaid statue, rear

London’s Courtauld Gallery has released almost a million rarely seen photographs from their collections online anf free.

History, Archaeology, Anthropology

The Mediterranean keeps producing ancient shipwrecks. Now one off Sicily has been found to contain ingots of a rare alloy called orichalcum.

A look at the Port of London in Roman times.

A large Roman temple in France could have been used for the worship of many gods.

So what was the Medieval attitude to cats?

Food, Drink

Emma Beddington asks why we’re unable to give up salt – but doesn’t come up with a good answer.

Lifestyle, Personal Development, Beliefs

This is Local London website runs a series of thoughtful articles by senior school pupils on various topics. One recent such looks at attitudes to gender identity.

Here are yet another ten reasons to embrace everyday nudity.

normal nudity

normal nudity

Shock, Horror, Humour, Wow!

A study – surely a contender for an Ig Nobel Prize – has discovered that it is “barely possible to identify a beautiful scrotum“. [££££]

conker balls

memes, science

Ten Things: May

This year our Ten Things column each month is concentrating on science and scientists.

Where a group is described as “great” or “important” this is not intended to imply these necessarily the greatest or most important, but only that they are up there amongst the top flight.

Surprising Facts

  1. There are more trees on Earth than stars in galaxy
  2. Once there were 2½ billion T. rex on Earth – but not all at the same time
  3. Vanilla flavouring can be made from plastic
  4. We’ve no idea what most of the universe looks like
  5. An individual blood cell does a complete circuit of the body in under one minute
  6. Only hummingbirds can fly backwards
  7. If you removed all empty space from the atoms in your body the residue would be the size of a sugar cube
  8. Eiffel Tower is up to 15cm taller in summer
  9. Humans are one of the few species with no baculum
  10. Your spit contains your entire genetic blueprint
arts, history, links, medical, science, sexuality

Monthly Links

In keeping with everything springing back to life and growing we have a blossoming collection of links to items you may have missed this month.

Science, Technology, Natural World

First off, here’s a Twitter thread from astrophysicist and science communicator Katie Mack assessing future technology.

Looking the other way, at the consequences of the universe’s origins, there appear to be four possible types of multiverse.

Weirdly it seems that the majority of planets in the Galaxy are in orbit around stars we cannot see. [££££]

And to “homemade” stars … the first atomic bomb (the Trinity Test) created a “forbidden” quasicrystal.

Meanwhile some evolutionary innovations wait millions of years for their chance to shine. [LONG READ]

Wasps complicated social lives can illuminate the evolution of animal societies.

Palaeontologists have recently found the oldest bat skeleton on record.

At the other end of the accessible world scientists have spotted an unknown fish at a record depth of 8300 meters off Japan.

Talking of unknown life in unexpected places … oceanographers have found a massive river and cavern beneath a West Antarctic glacier which is teeming with life. [LONG READ]

Finally in this section of the unexpected, scientists are reporting that plants emit rapid bursts of ultra-sound when stressed – although it isn’t clear if this is an artefact of their structure or a “deliberate” act.

Health, Medicine

Here’s a review of Kate Clancy’s new book Period, which aims to change we understand menstruation.

Sexuality

According to a recent survey Britain is a lot sexier than thought.

In an unsurprising finding it seems sexual wellness and talking about sex helps us flourish.

All of which makes sense when you consider that someone, somewhere, thinks we all need to learn the dos and don’ts of kissing.

Social Sciences, Business, Law

So are coincidences real, or are they merely us spotting patterns which should be expected? [LONG READ]

Art, Literature, Language, Music

Researchers have looked at the science underlying why some Renaissance artists used egg in their oil paints.

History, Archaeology, Anthropology

Let’s start this long section of history with the Ancient Egyptians … They seem to have been creating automata 4000 years ago.

Also in Ancient Egypt, archaeologists have found a collection of severed hands and suspect it is evidence of trophy-taking.

Across the globe in Mexico archaeologists have found what they believe is a scoreboard for the ancient Mayan ball game pelota (above).

Iceni Queen Boudicca who led a revolt against the Romans is enjoying a resurgence as a symbol of rebellion and a feminist icon.

New dendrochronology shows the Vikings really did live in Newfoundland around 1021, but we don’t know how long for.

A building archaeologist asks “what is a castle?“. [LONG READ]

In a surprise twist Pink Floyd have inspired research into medieval monks and volcanology.

Going Medieval takes a look at nobility, courtship, moral justification, and sexy tapestries. [LONG READ]

In another round of medieval myth-busting our building archaeologist looks at why the historic records may not tell you the date of your house. [LONG READ]

Etchings of the Coronation of Charles II in 1661 by Wenceslaus Hollar have been found hidden in the back of a cupboard.

Temple Bar was once an historic boundary to the City of London – and the site still is. [LONG READ]

They’re digging underneath the Palace of Westminster, and one recent discovery is an 18th-century fish token gaming counter.

London

Over 300 old London street signs are up for auction next month (18 May).

Lifestyle, Personal Development, Beliefs

In a break with tradition, King Charles will use a new coach for the Coronation procession to Westminster Abbey – and it has electric windows and air con.

Some people absolutely cannot abide being in the same room as some of their hated foods.

People

And finally, the 40-year mystery of three abandoned children and two missing parents.

memes, science

Ten Things: April

This year our Ten Things column each month is concentrating on science and scientists.

Where a group is described as “great” or “important” this is not intended to imply these necessarily the greatest or most important, but only that they are up there amongst the top flight.

Earth Science Discoveries

  1. Internal structure of Earth
  2. Continental Drift
  3. Seafloor Spreading
  4. Plate Tectonics
  5. Troposphere and Stratosphere
  6. Magnetic Field Reversal
  7. Dating using radioactivity
  8. Seismology
  9. Super volcanos
  10. The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary marking the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs
history, links, medical, science, sexuality

Monthly Links

Here are this month’s links to items you may have missed.

Science, Technology, Natural World

Baffled by black holes? Confused by quantum theory? You’re not alone, so here are some simple explanations of various mysteries of the universe. [LONG READ]

An ancient, giant insect has been rediscovered outside a Walmart store in Arkansas. And no, that isn’t a euphemism!

In another discovery, a new gecko species (above) has been discovered on a rugged Queensland island. And it does indeed look like a tiny, rather cute, dragon.

So just how do animals manage to follow their nose to find food or mates? [LONG READ]

We’re learning more and more about the microbes that live in and on us. Here scientists are uncovering what lives in our mouths. [LONG READ]

Meanwhile scientists are also looking at the strange microbes inhabiting an abandoned uranium mine.

And still at the microscopic level, scientists have discovered a completely new and unexpected group of aquatic and predatory microbes, which might be a whole new biological kingdom.

There are even more new discoveries: it has also been found that Japan’s most familiar wild orchid is actually two closely related species.

Health, Medicine

OK, so H5N1 bird flu which is causing the deaths of thousands of birds (especially seabirds) can jump to mammals. But how much do we need to worry about it? [LONG READ]

Here’s one for the “I never knew that” file … Lemon juice can combat kidney stones.

As those of us with depression are probably aware there has long been a debate about the involvement of serotonin as a causative agent. Here’s a layman’s summary of what we think we know about depression treatments. [LONG READ]

Sexuality

Men report reliably having far more orgasms during straight sex than do women. But we should be more open about what constitutes sex to find ways of closing the orgasm gap.

Environment

It is quite surprising what washes up on our beaches.

Art, Literature, Language, Music

A rare painting by Brueghel the Younger has been found behind a door in French house.

A Ming dynasty Buddha has been found in the sand near a north Australian beach, and it is being suggested this is evidence of Chinese visits to Australia much earlier than previously known. Hmmmm …

History, Archaeology, Anthropology

Ancient cave paintings often feature hand impressions, and many appear to have mutilated fingers. This is now being suggested as deliberate concealment of fingers as part of a Stone Age sign language. [££££]

One day we’re going to realise that ancient peoples moved around quite a lot, and European prehistory is not what we thought. [££££]

I don’t understand why it is thought “startling” that Roman gladiators fought in Britain.

A supposed Roman altar has been found at Leicester Cathedral, supporting a long-held legend.

On the other side of the world on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) an apparently unfinished Moai statue has been found in a volcanic crater.

Coming back to home, researchers have finally managed to decipher a batch of Mary Queen of Scots’ letters from her incarceration.

Come forward another 100 years or so … renovation at a flat in the centre of York had revealed unknown 17th-century friezes.

London

London has about 40 pairs of peregrine falcons who feed largely on the feral pigeons and starlings. But what happened during lockdown when the pigeons dispersed along with the humans? They upped their predation on the Ring-Neck Parakeets – but subsequently returned to dining on pigeons.

Lifestyle, Personal Development, Beliefs

Zen Master Brad Warner has offered a Buddhist perspective on transgenderism.

Teenagers are well known for being moody, but here are eight ways to nurture teenage minds.

And finally, a designer shares her love for the tiny things which enable the world.

memes, science

Ten Things: March

This year our Ten Things column each month is concentrating on science and scientists.

Where a group is described as “great” or “important” this is not intended to imply these necessarily the greatest or most important, but only that they are up there amongst the top flight.

Great Physicists

  1. Isaac Newton
  2. Richard Feynman
  3. Galileo Galilei
  4. Archimedes
  5. Johannes Kepler
  6. Werner Heisenberg
  7. Lise Meitner
  8. Louis de Broglie
  9. James Clark Maxwell
  10. Wolfgang Pauli
history, medical, science

Monthly Links

Here’s this month’s collection of links to items you may have missed. But oh dear, there are a lot of long reads.

Science, Technology, Natural World

We were recently buzzed by an unannounced asteroid.

Quaoar, a dwarf planet out in the Kuiper Belt, is host to a dust ring which really shouldn’t be there.

Confounding things a bit further, astronomers think they’ve spotted the Universe’s first stars. [LONG READ]

Meanwhile cosmologists are wondering if they can untangle the universe’s most elusive mysteries. [LONG READ]

Not to be left out the SETI alien hunters are beginning to use AI to analyse signals. [LONG READ]

Back on terra firma there’s been a recount which has doubled the number of Japan’s islands.

Archaeologists are also using new LIDAR technology to scan huge areas from the air; with years of fieldwork possible in an afternoon!

A fossil “crocodile” found on the Jurassic Coast at Charmouth, Dorset turns out to be a new genus of ancient croc-like animal.

Researchers have finally been able to work out how fingerprints form, and it follows a model proposed in 1950s by mathematician Alan Turing.

Health, Medicine

Misophonia, otherwise known as “sound rage”, is a markedly decreased tolerance to certain sounds and it can be truly debilitating.

Scientists have discovered albicidin, a plant toxin which uses a previously unknown method to kill bacteria, and so could be a route to new antibiotics.

Leprosy is an ancient disease, but one which scientists still don’t properly understand.

And here’s another puzzle: the anti-TB vaccine BCG is 100 years old; the puzzle is that it can also be active against a number of other diseases including some cancers and even Covid.

So, really, how does caffeine affect our bodies? [LONG READ]

It is being increasingly recognised that depression is not caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but the jury is still out on the actual cause. [LONG READ]

Is it possible for our brains to be taken over, turning us into zombies?

Sexuality

We all look for that elusive spark, but what really does ignite a long-lasting relationship? [LONG READ]

Research into intimacy challenges popular notions about sexual fulfilment and a great sex life.

Environment

Planting more trees in cities could cut deaths from summer heat.

History, Archaeology, Anthropology

Palaeontologists have discovered apparently 3 million year old stone tools in Kenya. But who made them?

Fast forward to ancient Egypt and a gold-covered mummy found in newly discovered tombs at Saqqara.

Also at Saqqara scientists have analysed the residue in various pots to thrown more light on Egyptian embalming techniques.

Roll forward a bit more in time and across to Britain where archaeologists have found a trove of lost jewellery in a Roman bathhouse drain near Hadrian’s Wall.

And so to Spain, where a lost medieval synagogue has been revealed in a former Andalusian bar.

Back in Britain, a metal detectorist has unearthed a stunning gold pendant and chain associated With Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon.

There’s a shipwreck just off the south coast of England, near Eastbourne, which turns out to be an important 17th-century Dutch warship.

London

London has a surprising number of abandoned tube stations; here are the stories behind eleven of them.

Lifestyle, Personal Development, Beliefs

Dowsing has long been controversial, but one journalist is brave enough to try it out.

Calmness is important, so here are a few ways in which we can try to achieve it.

And that goes hand-in-hand with meditation without meditating!

Having mastered that here are ten rules of philosophy to live by. [LONG READ]

And finally three items on one of my pet subjects: naturism.
First, how can we normalise naturism in modern society? [LONG READ]
Having done that let’s indulge in Work Naked Day.
Then we can use conscious nudity for enchantment and reconnection with the earth. [LONG READ]

memes, science

Ten Things: February

This year our Ten Things column each month is concentrating on science and scientists.

Where a group is described as “great” or “important” this is not intended to imply these necessarily the greatest or most important, but only that they are up there amongst the top flight.

Dangerous Elements

  1. Fluorine
  2. Polonium
  3. Plutonium
  4. Arsenic
  5. Mercury
  6. Francium
  7. Beryllium
  8. Chromium
  9. Caesium
  10. Strontium