Biology continues to prove itself weird almost (but not quite) beyond imagining. A press release from the University of Gothenberg, Sweden, quotes scientist Sam Dupont [pictured here, with two eyes] as saying: “We argue that the entire adult sea urchin can act as a huge compound eye, and that the shadow that is cast by […]
Tag: biology
Not just another krill sex video
At last comes an animated video about krill sex that’s understated and tasteful, and informative: (Thanks to investigator Barbara Keough for bringing it to our attention.)
All hail Professor Bedbug!
With bedbugs much in the news [and see the the EPA/CDC joint statement on bedbug control], let us not forget the Ig Nobel Prize-winning life’s work of Prof. Dr. Johanna E.M.H. van Bronswijk of Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands. She was awarded the 2007 Ig Nobel Prize in entomology for doing a census of […]
A snail clad in graffiti
Biology and art join almost as one, in this example of graffiti on the shell of a living, city-dwelling snail. It appears in the blog Inner City Snail. (Thanks to investigator Norma Inman for bringing it to our attention.) BONUS: The artist, named Slinkachu, has a blog called “Little People“, filled with artificially (thus the […]
Ig Nobel acceptance speech: Panda feces
A highlight from the 2009 Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony [AIR 15:6]: Biology Prize acceptance speech [for demonstrating that kitchen refuse can be reduced more than 90% in mass by using bacteria extracted from the feces of giant pandas] Fumiaki Taguchi: “Chair, respectable Nobel Laureates, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: Firstly, let me tell you that I […]
Bio demo: Sperms & egg under glass
A science demonstration item, as described by the purveyor: Sperm Snow Globe. Come on SHAKE IT! You know you want to! A great visual for you teachers trying to explain the reproductive process. This globe is not only a teaching tool but a conversation piece as well. makes a great gift! Ages 13-99 (Thanks to […]