And What are you making this season?
Here are some of the things I am reading today:
“Winter is the perfect time to crack open and leaf through the pages of a new book, while you sip hot cocoa by the fireside. With the advent of e-books, this seasonal image may soon be due for an upgrade. E-books have exploded in the online scene, libraries are beginning to shift their emphasis to e-books, and teachers are starting to favor the “e-convenience” of online textbooks. The e-book revolution seemed almost as sudden and unexpected as Paris Hilton’s singing career.
In reality, it was years in the making.”
“Contrary to the ideal of a completely engaged electorate, individuals who have the least interest in a specific outcome can actually be vital to achieving a democratic consensus. These individuals dilute the influence of powerful minority factions who would otherwise dominate everyone else, according to new research published in the journal Science.”
“The mould fungus Penicillium crustosum occurs relatively frequently in food and animal fodder stored in temperate conditions. This mould produces powerful neurotoxins, for example penitrem A, which causes symptoms that are difficult to distinguish from those of other neurological diseases. Angel Moldes-Anaya’s doctoral research has shown that penitrem A is capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier and has unveiled the mechanisms behind the neurological effects of the toxin.”
“Your parents were right: Hard experiences may indeed make you tough. Psychological scientists have found that, while going through many experiences like assault, hurricanes, and bereavement can be psychologically damaging, small amounts of trauma may help people develop resilience.”
