April 2011
How human eggs woo sperm →
fuckyeahdevelopmentalbiology:
When a human egg is ready to be fertilised, it releases a chemical that signals “come hither” to nearby sperm. Now we know how this signal whips sperm into shape, which might make it possible to develop non-hormonal contraceptives that turn the signal off.
Although biologists have known for decades that egg cells provide sperm with a little chemical ...
Evolution: 24 myths and misconceptions →
‘If you think you understand it, you don’t know nearly enough about it.’
It will soon be 200 years since the birth of Charles Darwin and 150 years since the publication of On the Origin of Species, arguably the most important book ever written. In it, Darwin outlined an idea that many still find shocking - that all life on Earth, including human life, evolved through natural selection.
Most...
Stem cells from menstrual blood save limbs →
fuckyeahdevelopmentalbiology:
Stem cells derived from human menstrual blood have, in mice, prevented limbs with restricted blood flow from withering. Trials in humans facing amputations are expected to start next year.
Now Thomas Ichim, of MediStem, and his team have published a proof-of-principle study in mice, showing that the endometrial stem cells revitalise damaged limbs in much the...
March 2011
"Hell" Explained by a Chemistry Student →
karasutra:
“The following is an actual question given on a University of Washington chemistry mid term. The answer by one student was so profound that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well:
“Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?”
Most of the students...
Best Post Archive: 10 things to learn from Japan →
bestpostarchive:
1. THE CALM Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated. 2. THE DIGNITY Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture. 3. THE ABILITY The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall. 4. THE…
20 Things You Didn't Know About Kissing →
Sense of scale for Biogeeks and people who like... →
Missing Mom
“The death of a mother is the first sorrow wept without her”
