The “reference kilogram” is a lump of metal in France — the kilo being the only metric measurement not based on some objective standard. A project is underway to replace the kilo with something independently reproducible: perfectly spherical balls of based onCarbon-12. Incidentally, these new kilos would also be “the roundest objects in the world.”
Sexual reproduction is likely to be impossible in space due to cosmic radiation bombarding the human body.
Researchers at the agency’s Ames Research Centre in California found that without effective shielding on spacecraft, powerful proton particles would probably sterilize any female embryo conceived in deep space.
Researchers propose new planet “Tyche” on distant fringe of solar system.
If you grew up thinking there were nine planets and were shocked when Pluto was demoted five years ago, get ready for another surprise. There may be nine after all, and Jupiter may not be the largest.
Around the world there are signs that for some people who consume these drinks, there are side effects.
With Americans chugging energy drinks like never before, fears are growing among doctors that the ingredients might be putting some consumers at risk. The beverages contain a hodgepodge of caffeine, sugar and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbal extracts, whose effects aren’t well understood.
Continue reading… “Doctors Warn Energy Drinks Putting Consumers at Risk as Sales Soar”
Women with high levels of the sex hormone oestrogen have prettier faces, research suggests. The findings make evolutionary sense – men are attracted to the most fertile women, the University of St Andrews team told a Royal Society journal. (pics)
The mining industry requires significant amounts of water, and the water used becomes polluted with toxins including arsenic, mercury and sulfates. Typically, the water is cleaned with microbes which do their job by adding or removing electrons from the soup, but they need to be supplemented with chemical additives. But a new process could change that, feeding microbes with electric charges instead, and cutting the need for chemicals by half, or possibly even more…
Continue reading… “Zapping Microbes With Electricity Could Cut Chemical Use in Wastewater by 50%”
Behold the many digits of Lei Yadi Min.
A one-year-old girl from China has set a new world record for having the most fingers and toes on any living person…
Continue reading… “Girl’s 26 Digits Breaks World Record for Most Fingers and Toes”
A Valentine’s Day To Remember.
That’s the advice offered by the Bronx Zoo in conjunction with their limited-time Valentine’s Day offer:
How better to express your appreciation for that special someone than to name a Madagascar hissing cockroach after them?
Continue reading… “For Valentine’s Day, Name a Roach After Your Loved One”
Gravity is not always your friend. Especially on Mondays!
“Ah, yes, divorce, from the Latin word meaning to rip out a man’s genitals through his wallet.” – – Robin Williams
Many Russians are a little off on their science.
Does the sun revolve around Earth? Is radioactivity a human invention? Did humans ever live side by side with dinosaurs? A surprising number of people in Russia answered those and other questions with a resounding “yes.”
Continue reading… “32 Percent of Russians Think the Sun Revolves Around Earth”
About 1 in 2.5 adults under the age of 40 has been inked. The Washington Postpresents an interactive infographic illustrating the major styles of tattooing that can be found in the United States today. At the link, hovering over any area on the statue’s body shows a closer view of each style.
Technology and the present generation of kids go hand in hand. No matter how hard you try you cannot take the technological aspect out of a child. Taking advantage of this factor Lim Hojoon, the designer from South Korea, has come up with an educational gadget especially for children.
Kidget, as the name suggests, is a combination of two words – kid and gadget. This kid friendly gadget has various uses. When your child is in a mood to read it takes the form of a storybook. When the mood is to draw and color this wonder gadget turns in to a perfect canvas. Your child can freely give color to all his/her imaginations. Should s/he wish to have some fun, see this device convert into a musical instrument. You too would enjoy doing activities with your loved one using this gadget. This multi-touching touch screen device will definitely prove to be an ideal friend for your budding genius.