The Bush administration’s “ban” on federal funding of stem-cell research apparently has led innovators and scientists to find paths of private funding, with “firewalls” to protect other federal grants in the same research facility. Yes, firewalls. This means a much higher cost to research since a whole new redundant infrastructure is required, without any of … Continue reading The ticking cell clock
I agree with Cosmic Variance that there should be an international Stanislav Evgrafovich Petrov Day to celebrate human reasoning. Those with the most compassion and experience (call it intelligence, if you must) seem the least likely to jump to false conclusions, and therefore are worthy of recognition for the hugely beneficial role they play in … Continue reading Stanislav Evgrafovich Petrov Day
Delicious stuff, but the word Kvass (Russian word for leaven?) seems more like a sound of exasperation than a delectible treat. I highly recommend it, not least of all because the ingredients are just so darn simple. Rye, sugar, water. Either some Ukranians have found a way to make real food for real people, or … Continue reading Kvass
You’ve heard of the pet rock? Russian intelligence is accusing the British of using one to spy on them, according to the BBC. The article has a fun Q&A format, with answers like this: from what we know it appears that those who allegedly stole the confidential information walked close to the rock and then … Continue reading Spy Rock