Category Archives: Science

The Case For Leaving City Rats Alone – Nautilus

Posted on February 19, 2019 by

A Vancouver rat study is showing us how pest control can backfire. BY BECCA CUDMORE ILLUSTRATION BY JIA SUNG FEBRUARY 14, 2019 Kaylee Byers crouches in a patch of urban blackberries early one morning this June, to check a live trap … Continue reading →

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Ultrasound gel does amazing things to sound waves

Posted on February 14, 2019 by

I was curious about the purpose of ultrasound gel. It’s really interesting so I built this wave machine to explain how it affects sound.

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Gene editing can now change an entire species — forever

Posted on February 12, 2019 by

CRISPR gene drives allow scientists to change sequences of DNA and guarantee that the resulting edited genetic trait is inherited by future generations, opening up the possibility of altering entire species forever. More than anything, the technology has led to … Continue reading →

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How 1960s Mouse Utopias Led to Grim Predictions for Future of Humanity

Posted on February 1, 2019 by

What does utopia look like for mice? According to a researcher who did most of his work in the 1950s through 1970s, it might include limitless food (of course!), multiple levels and secluded little rodent condos. These were all part of … Continue reading →

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That Time a Guy Tried to Build a Utopia for Mice and it all Went to Hell

Posted on February 1, 2019 by

In 1968, an expert on animal behaviour and population control called John B. Calhoun built what was essentially a utopia for mice that was purpose built to satisfy their every need. Despite going out of his way to ensure the … Continue reading →

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Bird immune systems reveal harshness of city life

Posted on January 29, 2019 by

They may peck greedily at feeding tables – and have it easier than country birds do in the warmer urban winters – but city birds, it turns out, are in turmoil on the inside. Researchers have found that many internal … Continue reading →

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Sleep, Mood Affect How ‘In Control’ Older Adults Feel – ScienceBlog.com

Posted on January 29, 2019 by

Psychology researchers have found another reason that sleep, mood and stress are important: they affect the extent to which older adults feel they have control over their lives. The findings can inform efforts to improve an individual’s sense of control, … Continue reading →

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You are your microbes

Posted on January 29, 2019 by

From the microbes in our stomachs to the ones on our teeth we are homes to millions of unique and diverse communities which help our bodies function. Jessica Green and Karen Guillemin emphasize the importance of understanding the many organisms … Continue reading →

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Re-Enchanting Science: Mystery and Interconnectedness within Nature | Hila Tzipora Chase | TEDxCUNY

Posted on January 28, 2019 by

How do we understand the relationship between our bodies and nature? What are the unknown and untouched forces that connect us all with the natural world? Join Hila as she weaves in and out of our conscious understanding of ourselves … Continue reading →

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Why scientists are still fascinated by Phineas Gage

Posted on January 13, 2019 by

Phineas Gage is considered to be Patient Zero for traumatic brain injury. The story of Gage at the time was that his damaged brain rendered him a different, monstrous person. This wasn’t true. Recent studies demonstrate that an injured brain … Continue reading →

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