Human World

Humans and nature are connected.  Via dwhd
Apr 25, 2012 Interviews 1 Comment

Peter deMenocal: Climate change might drive human evolution

How climate change might have driven turning points in human evolution.

Image via NASA's Terra satellite
Apr 23, 2012 Blogs Leave a comment

Higher heavy metal concentrations in Gulf oysters since oil spill

Comparisons show that post-Gulf oil spill oysters have more vanadium, chromium, cobalt, and lead concentrations in shells, gill, and muscle tissue.

Mona Lisa shows us her left side
Apr 23, 2012 Blogs 16 Comments

Which side of your face looks better? The left, research says

Scientists say the left side of our faces is most appealing, because we show more emotion on that side.

Jacqueline Barton. Photo courtesy Caltech.
Apr 23, 2012 Interviews 1 Comment

Jacqueline Barton: DNA like wire for signaling within a cell

Dr. Barton received a National Medal of Science after learning that cells use the double strands of the DNA helix like a wire for long-range signaling.

Book image via Shutterstock
Apr 22, 2012 Blogs Leave a comment

What causes paper to yellow as it ages?

Researchers sampled manuscripts from 15th century France and Italy to learn what molecular structures arise in paper as it ages.

Meteor April 17, 2012 via Ken Christison
Apr 21, 2012 Blogs 1 Comment

EarthSky 22: Lyrid meteor shower!

Deborah Byrd talks about Lyrid meteor shower, peaking April 21-22. Song of the week Jesse Wood’s Neon Rose from his Moon Rocks EP.

Image via Facebookcraze.com
Apr 20, 2012 Blogs 4 Comments

Want to look good on Facebook? Have attractive friends

Scientists in The Netherlands studying students find that the attractiveness of your friends might affect how you are perceived on Facebook.

Jacqueline Barton via the LA Times
Apr 15, 2012 Blogs 2 Comments

EarthSky 22: DNA wired for life

Jorge Salazar speaks with Dr. Jacqueline Barton about how DNA can act like two telephone repairmen trying to fix a line. Song of the week from The Heartlanders.

music_video_550
Apr 13, 2012 Blogs 3 Comments

Video: Alive inside! Man in nursing home listens to music

Alive inside! Watch this wonderful video of an elderly man in a nursing home reacting to music.

friday_13_cropped
Apr 13, 2012 Blogs 1 Comment

2012 has three Friday the 13ths. What are the odds?

Scary coincidence or super unlucky? Neither. Here’s the story behind why 2012 has three Friday the 13ths.