Category Archives: Science

When It Comes to Hearing Words, It’s a Division of Labor between Our Brain’s Two Hemispheres – ScienceBlog.com

Posted on March 5, 2019 by

Scientists have uncovered a new “division of labor” between our brain’s two hemispheres in how we comprehend the words and other sounds we hear—a finding that offers new insights into the processing of speech and points to ways to address … Continue reading →

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What is consciousness?

Posted on February 24, 2019 by

Patient P.S. suffered a stroke that damaged the right side of her brain, leaving her unaware of everything on her left side. If someone threw a ball at her left side, she might duck. But she wouldn’t have awareness of … Continue reading →

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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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