The US-based Georgia Institute of Technology (Gatech) isn’t just known for undertaking research into lethal weapons systems – far from it – it also investigates, for example, the locomotion and ‘navigation’ abilities of Mexican Jumping Beans. The beans, which are inhabited by the larvae of the moth Laspeyresia saltitans (or sometimes Cydia deshaisiana) have an […]
Year: 2014
mini-AIR (October issue): Monsters at the Royal Society, etc.
The October issue of mini-AIR (our monthly e-mail newsletter just went out. (mini-AIR is a wee little supplement to the magazine). Topics include: Vampires and Rabies Monsters at the Royal Society Dam, Bloodsucking Blackflies Limerick Competition and more It also has info about upcoming events. Mel [pictured here] says, “It’s swell.” mini-AIR is the simplest way to keep informed about […]
A complicated way to say: ‘Flip a coin’
Considerable expense and effort are thrown at the question: What will people choose? Which cell phone? Which features? Which dinner entrée? Which school? Which local political candidate? Which stock or bond? Which financial advisor? Which job candidate? Which job? Which hole to stick your nose in, if you’re offered a choice? BUT BUT BUT sometimes, maybe […]
The swallowed objects amassed by Chevalier Jackson
The Mutter Museum has, among its protected treasures, one of Philadelphia’s largest collections of swallowed (and eventually retrieved, by medical personnel) objects. (Thanks to Paige Williams for bringing this to our attention.) The museum explains: Chevalier Jackson Collection Chevalier Jackson, MD (1865-1958), was a renowned Philadelphia otolaryngologist and Fellow of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. […]