Great News, 19 November 2010

My sincere apologies for the missed posting last week. I don't know what happened exactly. To make up for it, here is some really exciting (some may say GREAT) news for you:

1. An exoplanet (a planet that orbits another star) was discovered, and it is from a DIFFERENT GALAXY: Found: An Exoplanet From Another Galaxy
2. Microbiology is cool, just ask researchers from Integrated Ocean Drilling Programme. They found bacteria capable of surviving in the most extreme environments in the deepest part of the earth's crust: Life Found in the Deepest, Unexplored Layer of the Earth’s Crust
3. Who doesn't love a good square dance? How about square dancing fun with an educational element? Here is some Friday fun for you.
4. How could I end the week without at least mentioning the royal engagement? Yahoo.

Now go have a great weekend.

Great News, 05 November 2010

Where does a whole week go? I swear when I got to my desk this morning that it was Wednesday. Now that I am back from our traditional Friday lunch, I have realized that I am a couple days short of a week. Here is great some news for the week:

1. So, this isn't exactly Great News, but the final mission of the Space Shuttle Discovery has been postponed until November 30th (the launch was delayed because of a leak in the hydrogen tank). This mission will be taking the Robonaut 2 into orbit:  http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/discovery_final_flight.html
2. Is it even possible? In an article published this week in Nature, scientists at Laval University have discovered that they can immunize bacteria, essentially preventing them from building resistance to antibiotics: http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/11/05/antibiotic-resistance-bacteria.html
3. Using a new drug-engineering technology used at Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, researchers have developed a nanobioconjugate to treat a notoriously difficult form of brain cancer, Glioblastoma multiforme: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-11/cmc-ch110410.php.

Have a terrific weekend everyone, and as always - let me know what's on your mind. 

I am a Scientist

Researchers develop a device for plants to send text messages.

Upon first glance of this article, my usual inner rage over useless studies/research began to build.
First thought - if you are too stupid to not water your plants, then you shouldn't have them.
Second thought - instead of paying $99 for a device to remind me to water, I could just buy new plants. Or better yet, silk ones.

And then I watched the video...
The rage was soon replaced with hysterical laughter.
Hearing what sounds like either a possessed leprachaun or a drunken bloke named Angus MacGregor translate the plants needs for me was hilarious!

I would definitely consider buying this device, but for entertainment purposes only. Imagine the fun you could have! A couple of possiblities:
-Scaring your children into doing whatever you say.
-Convincing dumb people that your plants really talk.
-Even better, convincing them to talk back to the plants.

I am still a scientist. A scientist with a sense of humor.

I am a Scientist

Well, here we go again. New university study shows that heterosexual male students are more comfortable kissing their male friends than ever before.

Hmm...

first thought - time and money well spent.

second thought - is hanging out in a club "researching" who is kissing who really research?

third thought - if it is really research, then I'm in.

And once again, I declare myself a scientist