Science

What happened to the Neanderthals?

It was originally believed the Neanderthals were killed by humans that migrated out of Africa.  However, recent evidence from genetic studies prove humans and Neanderthals were interbreeding.

Researchers at National Geographic discovered, “the Neanderthal linage disappeared, because it was absorbed into the much larger human population.”  They found Neanderthal DNA in humans, especially in those with a strong European heritage.

Basically, the Neanderthals intermingled with humans until they were breed out of existence.

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Source:  Genographic Project:  nationalgeogrpahic.com

 

Floating Flag Football

Astronauts spend large amounts of time in space.  I wonder what they do for fun.  I would recommend floating flag football.

I can see it now.  An astronaut is sailing toward the guy with the ball, but just before he grabs the flag the guy with the ball starts spinning and rolls out of the way.

This not only sounds like a fun game to play, it also sounds like a fun game to watch.  NASA could use floating flag football to teach people about the space program and capture the interest of children all over the world.

Aging by Design

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According to Theodore Goldsmith he wrote Aging by Design because, “We cannot hope to understand or most effectively treat and prevent age-related diseases without understanding aging.”

The author covers two modern theories for why we age.  He discusses the pros, cons, and implications for each theory.

  1.  In the programmed aging theories, organisms purposely self-limit their lifespans and processes what amount to suicide mechanisms to accomplish this function.
  2. Aging is the result of the body’s inability to better combat deteriorative processes that affect all organized systems, such as wear-and-tear, oxidation, other molecular damage, or accumulation of toxic byproducts.

Before, reading this book I never considered the benefits of age related research or how that research could help find cures for common diseases that plague mankind.  This book  was eye-opening and put medical research in a whole new light for me.

I highly recommend this book.

Wonder Works Museum

Wonder Works Museum is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  The building looks like an upside-down house, which makes the museum a bit unique.

Wonder Works is filled with interactive exhibits for children and adults to enjoy.  It also has rides and games that are fun, educational, and challenging.

My favorite thing at the museum was the flight simulator.  I am sad to say that I crashed my spaceship while trying to land.  Oh well, it was till fun.

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Age of Enlightenment

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I enjoyed reading this book.  It is well written, easy to read, and interesting.

Here are a few of the main points:

  • Enlightenment was born of the idea that all human beings share the same basic needs and as such should enjoy the same rights and privileges.
  • Enlightenment began around the 1680s and lasted until the early 1800s.
  • Enlightenment was the direct result of the Renaissance and the Reformation.
  • The Scientific Revolution would never have taken place had it not been for the philosophical groundwork of the Enlightenment.
  • Enlightenment was simply an idea; the idea that a better understanding of our world and the people who occupy it, could lead to the progression of our species and the betterment of the human condition on earth.
  • While the leading figures of the Enlightenment were considered philosophers rather than scientist, many of these figures had backgrounds in science.  Scientific advancement is only possible through empirical processes and rational thought, as such became strongly associated with the reason-based philosophies of Enlightenment thinkers.