From Sciencebase: Irish and German researchers have discovered that the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida can eat polystyrene. This polymer, instantly recognisable in its expand form is a key component of disposable cups, and in “plastic” plates and utensils. This is potentially good news for the environmentally friendly disposal of these things, but it reminds me …
Here’s a wonderful story about a Mexico City grandpa who has built and flown his own rocket belt. Weren’t we all supposed to have one of these things by now? (Via Defense Tech.)
Quantum mechanics is weird. I give you Exhibit B.
I’m not sure where the story originated (I got it from a listserver post), but it sounds exciting: ABC Orders Masters Of SF ABC has given a green light to the SF anthology TV series Masters of Science Fiction, which will present works of well-known authors such as Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov, Variety reported. …
There’s a contest underway to choose an illustrator for a new edition of Yann Martel’s great book The Life of Pi. You can read about it and view some of the contest illustrations here. (Via Drawn.)
My science column goes out via e-mail to a couple of hundred subscribers around the world. However, they get it for free, whereas the Regina Leader Post and Red Deer Advocate and (every two weeks) CBC Saskatchewan’s Afternoon Edition actually pay for it, so my e-mail subscribers get the version I write for Canadian consumption. …
Check out this fabulous online collection of drawings by Leonardo da Vinci. (Via Drawn.)
Quantum mechanics is weird. I give you Exhibit A.
…a.k.a. Coffeyville, Kansas: at least, according to Google.
Not yet, but encouraging results have been reported in a Phase I trial.
… both versions: quantum teleporter creates laser beam clones, reports New Scientist.
We all have interests which seem odd to those who don’t share them. Maybe it’s stamp collecting. Maybe it’s science fiction. Maybe it’s watching NASCAR races. Whatever our interest, when we are called upon to defend it, we’re usually reluctant to give the real reason, which is generally no more complicated than, “Because I enjoy …
