Visiting the Local 'Nature in a Box' Display

So, to enjoy the weather this past weekend, I went to my local ‘nature in a box’ display. It's close by, on an expanse of seventy two acres. Unfortunately, instead of a day of joy and wonder (as I distinctly remember it ;) this day brought me discomfort. The animals did not seem to be in enough natural space, or to be particularly comfortable in their habitats. Nor did they seem particularly well cared for. Granted, the expense of such care must be significant. But, a free, short lived life -- is better then a long confined one, don't you agree? I did still enjoy the rare ability to see such creatures up close. But, I do not think that the Zoo kept applicable space for such worthy living forms.

On a related note; I watched coverage of a small black panther trying to get into a residence last night on the news. The lady called the cops and the cops (did the only thing they know how to do, other than being prejudice and corrupt) shot the panther. Sigh… is it but with carelessness our species try’s?

In better news; the Humpback Whale is growing in numbers and almost ready to be taken off the endangered list. Hopefully, this will not be... off the list of endangered species, only to be added to a menu :(

KAS

Apathetic Humanity

It is with fervor and tolerance that I embrace the humility of life
Sufferers who exude apathy and selfishness collide;
In a life of only experiences and a death of likely none,
time is of the essence.

Do not waste understanding through lethargy and laziness.
Knowledge is founded on many, many minds.
We are each only granted one.
And with it, only one chance to add to that knowledge.

H2O behaving badly

This article from Scientific American, on waters' molecular behavior when compromised by opposing influences, is of particular interest. For a behavior to be attributed to an element, entices colorful connotations, however unreasonable they might be.

Extinction, Madagascar and the intriguing Fossa

The Fossa, a unique type of species, is one of a number of subspecies that only exist in Madagascar.

Mako Sharks!

I found this fascinating article over on Not Exactly Rocket Science about mako sharks remaining primarily in sexual segregation throughout their lives; literally swimming separately, traveling in a horizontal highway of males in one lane and females in the other. Most interesting piece being, the aggression and risk in the mako sharks mating. The female's are often seriously injured and it is proposed in the article that the female's segregate for protection, only mingling when absolutely necessary.

Trypanosoma cruzi, Western blot ~ My first lab walkthrough :)

I watched a man carrying a framed window off street to Huntington Ave while I sat pensively reflecting on my day and how a lack of smiles took my joy (likely frowning in my sunglasses as I peered at him.) Early thirties, clearly focused on the difficult task at hand that had him walking lengthily with an awkward square framed piece of glass -he wasn't distracted. And I thought, how strange windows are. How odd to build thick walls and chained metal doors, but to carve out squares in walls as designated area's where light is allowed to pass un-thwarted, where air is controlled by this minute, delicate, volatile piece of glass that offers no defense whatsoever to a building... Glass does nothing but imply solidity. So where was this poor man heading, tasked awkwardly, in order to install this translucent illusion? It distracted my thoughts successfully, offering only moments of relief from my own mind, until the subway pulled along...

But, anyway, back on topic. So, last week a wonderfully inviting and friendly co-worker whom I meet in my orientation about four months back, offered me a walk through in his lab. I leave his name out, except that his first name is David, as well as the scientist he works for, out of respect for privacy -not disrespect. Let me begin by saying that I have never been in a lab. Being that I have pursued administration and not science, this is not unusual. I am, however, at a science school for more intentional reasons than to be an executive assistant (however much I enjoy this work and whom I am fortunate enough to work with.) I only mention such, as to explain my utter fascination and gratitude for this unique opportunity.

Lagrangian Points ~ Parking Lots in Space!

There are (5) Lagrangian Points in the Earth & Sun system. Lagrangian Points (also known as Lagrange Points) exist within allocations of space between two bodies of mass and their respective gravitational influence. So, the Earth/Sun system includes the area that the Sun effects with it's gravitational pull on the Earth as well as the Earths area of gravitational effect. Another... If you draw a circle around the Sun including the Earth within it; drew another circle around the Earth as far out as the effect on Mass exists and then converged the two with a third all encompassing circle- that is the system.

The two masses interaction and influence over one another, effect all additional objects that occupy any space within the final circle. As with general relatively and space curvature, all objects orbit if influenced to do so. So, within this system of massive influences on things in orbit; opposing orbits and lines of three interacting orbits exist. When two masses encounter a third as an interference to the balance of the two; both of the massive objects relinquish force, as they are in perfect balance, over the third object. As such, the object is not pulled in an orbit because there is no definitive superior force either way and it will stay 'parked' within this location.

Willy Wonka in Space?

Basic sugar molecules were recently found in space; near a ripe star birthing location in space that could host life due to the fact that Glycolaldehyde is a componant of RNA (Ribonucleic Acid consists of a nitrogeneous base, a ribose sugar and a phosphate)

Click title to read article source.

KAS

Mars Electromagnetic Field

Interesting article on MSN News (title linked) about a theory explaining the demise of Mars electromagnetic field (i.e. an electromagnetic field, as is charged by the core of an active planet, protects the surface from harmful solar wind particles~ without the protection, organic life is near impossible.) The theory says that a bombardment of massive asteroids was so destructive (by the act of pushing so much energy through the planet) that it affected the planet's core in such a manner that it was never able to recover its electromagnetic field.

KAS

Not Exactly Rocket Science : Stem cells created from ALS patient and used to make neurons

Fantastic summarization or breakdown of Stem Cell research and news.

KAS

Not Exactly Rocket Science : Stem cells created from ALS patient and used to make neurons

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New WorldWide Telescope download from Microsoft

This is awesome!! If you have a computer that can handle it :)


KAS

Dr. X's 'Off the Grid' Amish

awesomely entertaining post on Dr. X's Free Associations about the term 'off the grid' and the Amish.

KAS

Unexplained Tremors off Oregon Coast

Ah… how little we know... The ocean is the majority of our earth and life's origin as we know it, who wouldn't want to know more? I do love to learn of new and exciting changes of our earths tectonic plates; one of the most fascinating occurrences on our planet (or is it that I find it all fascinating?) Check out this article about unexplained tremors off the Oregon Coast. Of planets in general (what we know anyway); the differences between the terrestrial solidity and the gas accumulations that create these great masses, thrills me beyond belief!

I was reading some wonderful articles and watching You Tube video's this weekend (I forget to write, as I become too far engrossed in the reading and watching) about magnetic fields and magnetar planets comprised of condensed mass and their eventual contribution to the formation of black holes Check out this video about it. Black holes always lose me in the space/time bending analogy portion of it's complex physics - but, that's for another post. I believe I heard black holes as the result of the ultra-condensed mass that is a magnetar; described as; 'gravity finally winning over mass'. Wow!