the Year of the rabbit has already started, but I wanted to post Karla's cute drawing!
Here is what I am reading today:
“Most male mammals wield a penis covered with spines made of keratin, the same material that forms fingernails, to sweep out competitors’ sperm and irritate a female into ovulating. You can add humans’ lack of penile spines to the list of ways we are misfits among primates, along with our absence of tails and fur. Even chimpanzees, our closest relatives, have penile spines. A new study suggests that this feature disappeared due to a chunk of DNA that went missing after our evolutionary divergence from chimps. The researchers have identified another DNA deletion that may have contributed to humans’ bigger brains.”
“A chemical analysis of the bones of ancient Nubians shows that they were regularly consuming tetracycline, most likely in their beer. The finding is the strongest evidence yet that the art of making antibiotics, which officially dates to the discovery of penicillin in 1928, was common practice nearly 2,000 years ago.”
“To every nap lover’s delight, it turns out that sleeping may play a larger role in learning than previously thought, according to a new study featured in the journal Current Biology. Researchers at the University of California-Berkeley studied 44 college-aged participants at two different times of day — once at noon and again at 6 p.m. Half the group was allowed to take a nap from 2 p.m. to 3:40 p.m., while the rest stayed awake throughout the day.”
“With a flip of a switch, researchers can make a mouse can shed its anxious, shy demeanor. The scientists can dial mouse anxiety up or down by lighting up a very specific connection between two parts of the brain.”
“The 2011 edition of the Daytona Bike Week Biker Fusion will feature an abundance of custom bikes, art and bike builders but will also be dedicated to those serving overseas. to welcoming home returning soldiers and sending aid and well-wishes to those who are still actively serving. The 4th annual event will be held on Thursday, March 10th starting at 7 PM and will recognize currently enlisted and returning active soldiers. In addition, funds raised during the vent will be given to Soldiers’ Angels. Serving others according to the mantra, “May No Soldier Go Unloved”. This year’s guest hosts will be custom motorcycle builders Paul Yaffe and Dave Perewitz.”
