Science Etcetera, Jupiterday 20090723

Posted in Science Etcetera on July 23rd, 2009

Take a moment to vote on what you think the Seven Wonders of the Natural World should be.

Fundy Bay, NB. Hopewell Rocks
Credit: Five-two

Although not as effective as condom use, should children be taught the withdrawal method of birth control, which is effective, but also somewhat reckless?

The Araliaceae is a tree in New Zealand that evolved camouflage in defense against an extinct relative to the ostrich, the Moa, taking on the appearance of dead leaves until the tree was too tall for the Moa to reach, and then turning green.

The American Medical Association backs the America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, arguing that the bill isn’t perfect, but the status quo is unacceptable.

“Ancient trees can be thought of as the cathedrals of the natural world,” according to Ray Hawes, head of the Woodland Trust, an organization looking for historic trees, like the apple tree that inspired Newton’s theory of gravity and the yew tree that inspired Wordworth’s poem.

Newton’s Apple Tree, Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire
Credit: dexter_mixwith

Fascinating article on the history of sea shell collecting, and how shells inspired art, were valued more than art that sells for millions of dollars today, were considered works of art made by god–but no thought was given to the creatures inhabiting them, which have fascinating survival mechanisms and will sometimes come back to life in a museum when the humidity is right.

62-year-old NASA Administrator Charles Bolden Jr. says he will extend the life of the ISS beyond 2016 and that he will be very disappointed if we don’t put a person on Mars in his lifetime.

Despite Energy Secretary Chu cutting it from the budget, it appears Congress may restore funding for hydrogen-powered vehicles with impressive bipartisan support.

Pioneering New Frontiers in Tumor Angiogenesis (The Scientist 2009 Video Awards)

2 comments to “Science Etcetera, Jupiterday 20090723”

THREE tree links in one post! Those Hopewell Rocks look awesome!
by Vicky July 23rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
[...] (Hat Tip, Ryan Somma) [...]
by Survivor Trees: Bay of Fundy « TGAW July 28th, 2009 at 6:04 am