Science & Pop. Culture – Athens Science Observer

Spuds and Science: Digging Up the Origins and Future of the Potato

Dionne Martin — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +0000

The next time you and your friends share some fries, impress them with some knowledge on your favorite side dish. They’ll be amazed to learn that potato is the world’s third most consumed food crop and America’s favorite vegetable (according to the US Department of Agriculture). Strangely enough though, potatoes haven’t always been a fan …

Spuds and Science: Digging Up the Origins and Future of the Potato Read More »

Demystifying sports analytics: how data has changed the game

Riley Thoen — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 18:23:32 +0000

It’s fourth down with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. Your favorite team has the ball on their 40-yard line, with 6 yards to go for a first down. They’re down by a touchdown; it’s an obvious punting situation, so you go to grab some more wings anticipating a commercial break. “They’re going for …

Demystifying sports analytics: how data has changed the game Read More »

Going full worm: an exploration of Shai-hulud and its parallels to the real worms on Earth

Kendall Clay — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:56:20 +0000

Shai-hulud, or the giant sandworm, exists in Dune both as a mode of transportation, a generator of spice, and a key player in the ecological niche of Arrakkis. In the book by Frank Herbert and the movie adaptation (Dune part 1 2021 and Dune part 2 2024 directed by Denis Villenueve), the sandworm plays a …

Going full worm: an exploration of Shai-hulud and its parallels to the real worms on Earth Read More »

The Earth from ET’s Perspective

Sahana Parker — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 13:00:00 +0000

To date, researchers have identified over 5,000 exoplanets in the Milky Way, a small fraction of the billions hypothesized to exist in our galaxy. Among them, researchers catalog so-called “Earth-like planets,” or planets with a similar size, structure, and distance from the Sun as Earth. While of great interest to modern astronomers, no conclusive evidence …

The Earth from ET’s Perspective Read More »

The evolution of Pokémon evolution: 25+ years of Evolutionary misconceptions

Riley Thoen — Fri, 26 May 2023 15:35:27 +0000

Without question, Pokémon is one of the most iconic entertainment franchises ever. In fact, it is the highest-grossing media franchise of all time, coming in at a whopping $76.4 billion in revenue. All franchises come with some form of controversy among media and fans, and although Pokémon has avoided major contention, it has spread misleading …

The evolution of Pokémon evolution: 25+ years of Evolutionary misconceptions Read More »

Looking to the Future

Sayani Roy Chowdhury — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 14:25:39 +0000

As of 2020, the global consumption of energy is 580 million terajoules per year. Of this, 83.1% comes from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, 4.3% comes from radioactive sources, and about 12.6% comes from renewable sources like hydro, solar, and wind. We have currently 50 more years of oil reserves left available, …

Looking to the Future Read More »

Becoming a Lump With Knobs

Meghan Brady — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 15:26:48 +0000

Driving down any rural road around this time of year, you’re likely to see rows on rows of corn blowing in the wind. You might notice that they look like twins of each other, almost exactly the same height and precisely the same color. That uniformity is also why corn lovers can walk into near …

Becoming a Lump With Knobs Read More »

Fighting fire with fire: How microbe farmers use bacteria for self-defense and other survival functions

Benjamin Phipps — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 12:40:05 +0000

Insects comprise over half of all described species excluding bacteria and around 90% of the animals on Earth. They are so prevalent that we encounter them every day without thinking twice, and have evolved to live in nearly every imaginable habitat, from mountaintops to the depths of caves. How do insects survive in such harsh …

Fighting fire with fire: How microbe farmers use bacteria for self-defense and other survival functions Read More »

The rift between us: how jargon isolates scientists

Jen McFaline-Figueroa — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:01:51 +0000

â€œTherefore, the overall objective of this project is to characterize the changes in mitochondrial metabolism in early VML injury and determine how these contribute to the total decline of muscle contractile and oxidative function.â€ This was the sentence I used to describe the purpose of my dissertation project to my advisory committee. To them, it …

The rift between us: how jargon isolates scientists Read More »

The Monsters That Make You: The Spooky Tale of Selfish DNA

Meghan Brady — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 14:39:43 +0000

It’s the spooky season and we’re all anticipating monsters crawling out from under our bed, but did you know that there are monsters living inside our very cells! Every living thing has DNA in its cells. It provides the â€œblue printâ€ for what that living thing is going to be. There can't be any monsters …

The Monsters That Make You: The Spooky Tale of Selfish DNA Read More »

Microsporidia: tiny parasites with big impacts

Benjamin Phipps — Thu, 06 May 2021 04:23:35 +0000

A vessel is harpooned and infiltrated by an enemy, then robbed of its precious cargo â€“ this imagery may call to mind Long John Silver or other fictional marauders, but these events happen every day, all around us, on a scale so small we cannot see it. I'm referring to microsporidia, a group of real-life, …

Microsporidia: tiny parasites with big impacts Read More »

Toxicology and Poisons: a Cat and Mouse Game

Corinne Sweeny — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 14:51:56 +0000

Murder is as old as mankind. Or so the saying goes. Every culture has a history of poisons, from the ironically named â€œelixirs of lifeâ€ eagerly sought after by early Chinese emperors and nobles, to the Poison Damsels (Visha Kanya) of ancient Indian mythology that could kill you with just a drop of the deadly …

Toxicology and Poisons: a Cat and Mouse Game Read More »

Learning Disabled People Are (Metaphorically) Disappearing

Meghan Brady — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 15:27:47 +0000

Growing up in the special education system, I noticed an interesting phenomenon: learning-disabled students become invisible as they age. That isn't to say that they aren't in the building, but that they work hard to make it less and less apparent that they are learning-disabled. By the time learning-disabled students enter college, their learning disability …

Learning Disabled People Are (Metaphorically) Disappearing Read More »

The unexpected silver lining: stress and premature greying

Jen McFaline-Figueroa — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 20:18:51 +0000

The process of hair going grey is a topic that has always fascinated me. Mainly because I cannot remember a time in my life where my Dad's hair was entirely dark. In my earliest memories, where he was a young thirty-something-year-old, I can recall giggling at what he vehemently swore were little droplets of wisdom …

The unexpected silver lining: stress and premature greying Read More »

The Trap of Pseudo-Sustainability

Simone Lim-Hing — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 16:06:45 +0000

Last week, I received an email from Brandless, an online store that specializes in affordable, healthy, and environmentally-conscious products. Their email was advertising their new line of â€œtree-freeâ€ products â€“ paper products that are made from bamboo and sugarcane, rather than trees. I strive to be environmentally conscious, but I am also a person who …

The Trap of Pseudo-Sustainability Read More »

How private companies light up our night sky

Sahana Parker — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 18:00:45 +0000

In late 2019, astronomers across the U.S. began to notice mysterious streaks of light passing through their imagesâ€”clusters of the private company SpaceX's Starlink satellites. With 955 of these satellites launched so far, founder Elon Musk aims to create a â€œmega-constellationâ€ of satellites in the low Earth orbit (LEO), designed to provide global broadband Internet …

How private companies light up our night sky Read More »

From obscurity to everyday use: How basic science changes the world

Meghan Brady — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 13:00:24 +0000

Every holiday season, I've struggled to explain to my family of accountants, firefighters, and lawyers why basic science research is important. They never seem to believe that my work on frog-eating bats is anywhere near as important as applied research aimed at curing disease or addressing world hunger. What they don't seem to understand is …

From obscurity to everyday use: How basic science changes the world Read More »

Your new favorite author is a robot

Max Barnhart — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 23:43:38 +0000

Have you ever wondered if the article you're reading was written by a human? I imagine you probably haven't. After all, why would there be any reason to assume otherwise? What about art or music; are you certain that the works you see and hear are truly human creations? AI is now smart enough to …

Your new favorite author is a robot Read More »

Psychedelics: from poison to antidote

Sahana Parker — Wed, 13 May 2020 16:45:40 +0000

The term psychedelics, or hallucinogens, describes a class of drugs that produce significantly altered perception when ingested. Due to their ability to cause lasting effects on a user's mood and thought, some researchers believe they have therapeutic potential for treating difficult mental illnesses like depression, addiction, PTSD, and Alzheimer's, though only a few institutions currently …

Psychedelics: from poison to antidote Read More »

I'll be back (in 3,000 years)

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 17:51:16 +0000

I still remember my first night in the United States, not due to the long journey, but because of the first question someone asked about my home country. â€œDo you guys really ride camels and live in tents in Egypt?â€ It took me a few minutes to realize the question was genuine. Previously, I had …

I'll be back (in 3,000 years) Read More »

Azure is the New Black: Creating a Blue Rose

Jeremy Duke — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 15:38:12 +0000

Floriography, better known as the language of flowers, doesn't refer to a communication method between plants. Rather, it is the Victorian era practice of gifting arranged flowers to communicate a coded message: a red rose for love, a white tulip for forgiveness–things you may want to be familiar with this upcoming Valentine's Day. Long before …

Azure is the New Black: Creating a Blue Rose Read More »

The Three Funketeers: Saving Beer from Traditional Fermentation!

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 15:51:17 +0000

Welcome back beer fans to the second to last article on the Science of Beer. We've covered water, grain, hops, and traditional fermentation, but now we'll focus on wild fermentation, a process as old as beer itself. A process in which wort is fermented using microbes found in the surrounding environment. These often include our …

The Three Funketeers: Saving Beer from Traditional Fermentation! Read More »

Shining some light on the science of vampires

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 23:14:15 +0000

This Halloween, as you see kids dressed up as zombies or witches, threatening neighbors into giving them candy it's easy to forget that these terrifying creatures once had a less sugary purpose: in the absence of modern science, our ancestors needed a supernatural technique to explain the plagues and diseases that reason couldn't. One of …

Shining some light on the science of vampires Read More »

Last but not yeast, the beer necessities

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 15:36:32 +0000

Fermentation is the process in which sugar is consumed by microbes and converted into another chemical. In the case of brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), the fungus responsible for nearly all alcoholic beverages, sugar is eaten and converted to alcohol, phenols, and esters. Other fungi and bacteria have been in use for centuries, but their use …

Last but not yeast, the beer necessities Read More »

From Social Stigma to Health Sensor: Scientific Tattooing

athenssciencecafe — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 18:03:15 +0000

Tattoos, the artistic insertion of pigment into the skin as a form of body modification, has been around for quite a while, with the earliest preserved example from around 3300 BC. These tattoos comes from Ã–tzi the Iceman, a preserved human found in the Alps between Austria and Italy in 1991. The tattoos were of …

From Social Stigma to Health Sensor: Scientific Tattooing Read More »

Vegetables are a social construct

Tara Conway — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 21:24:44 +0000

My particular confluence of knowledge (a blend of economics, environmental policy, and crop science) tends to leave me completely overwhelmed by the discordance among human nutritional needs, environmental health, and global agricultural systems. So, I let out a tiny gasp of elation when the Lancet, one of the world's most prestigious general medical journals, released …

Vegetables are a social construct Read More »

Does Your Multitasking Spark Joy?

Rebecca Atkins — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 17:09:39 +0000

As a graduate student, I'm fortunate enough to dictate my own work hours. However, with this freedom comes expectations of productivity; I must juggle writing manuscripts, mentoring students, applying for grants and conducting my research. Amidst these tasks, I inevitably find the time to toggle between the 30-something tabs on my internet browser, scroll through social …

Does Your Multitasking Spark Joy? Read More »

Vinyl Pressing: A Lost (and Found) Art

Simone Lim-Hing — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 23:43:36 +0000

From providing a soundtrack for our road trip to elongating an awkwardly silent elevator ride, music finds its way into every niche of our lives. It is a luxury that many of us not only enjoy, but hold a deep emotional connection to. Today, a selection of mediums to listen to our favorite songs is …

Vinyl Pressing: A Lost (and Found) Art Read More »

The Cold Truth About Cryopreservation

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 01:05:17 +0000

Recently, I was in the lab doing some routine work with cells. In order to start growing my own stock of cells I took a small vial out of a tank of liquid nitrogen, where it is stored at around -150°C (-238°F). Then I quickly thawed it to body temperature (37°C, or 98.6°F) and transferred …

The Cold Truth About Cryopreservation Read More »

Frosty the Microbe

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 03:15:36 +0000

â€˜Tis the season for stories of wintery magic. From Elsa and Frozone to their mythical grandfather, Jack Frost, there's no cooler gift than the power to let it snow at will, or shock a pond skate-worthy with a single touch. Little do we realize that these chilly abilities aren't limited to the realm of holiday …

Frosty the Microbe Read More »

Science Behind a Paywall

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 16:12:58 +0000

Science Behind a Paywall Science – Aiming to solve the world's problems and share its knowledge with you, all for the low price of $39.95, per journal article that is. Scientific journal articles are essentially like newspapers for scientists, updating the community on the latest findings, methods, and events happening all over the world. Yet …

Science Behind a Paywall Read More »

As American as Pumpkin Pie

athenssciencecafe — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 04:30:56 +0000

Thanksgiving: an American holiday uniquely focused on food and family. Not grounded in religion, nor patriotic beliefs, it’s distinctly American in the best way. And yet, on this lovely day, we fail to realize the ancestral fruit of our continent right in the midst of our dinner tables. A fruit which has been unjustly usurped …

As American as Pumpkin Pie Read More »

This is What a Scientist Looks Like: Transgender

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 19:25:58 +0000

When you think of a scientist, who do you imagine? If you've been following my #ThisIsWhatAScientistLooksLike series, perhaps you picture a #STEMinist. Right on! But have you considered the multifaceted nature of gender? For this installment, I'd like to introduce you to Lynn Conway and Ben Barres, both world-renowned scientists known for speaking out about …

This is What a Scientist Looks Like: Transgender Read More »

Raising the Dead: The Science of Frankenstein

Max Barnhart — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 02:30:00 +0000

It's that time of year again. The weather is starting to get a little cooler, the leaves are changing color, and flannel shirts are now socially acceptable to wear. It is finally Fall and Halloween is right around the corner. One of the most iconic stars of Halloween parties and the horror fiction genre is …

Raising the Dead: The Science of Frankenstein Read More »

A Warmer Climate Means Stronger Hurricanes

Max Barnhart — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 19:48:20 +0000

The start of the 2018 hurricane season and recent presidential controversy have brought hurricanes back into the public eye. The first major hurricane of the 2018 season, Hurricane Florence, made landfall the morning of Friday, September 14th on the Atlantic coast of the Carolinas. To date, Florence has caused an estimated $38 to $50 billion …

A Warmer Climate Means Stronger Hurricanes Read More »

Social Insurance: Holes in the Safety Net

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 16:56:31 +0000

This article is part of an opinion editorial series on topics under the umbrella of Social Insurance. Topics have been chosen based on common gaps in knowledge of Social Insurance. Part 1 of this series is on the topic of the social safety net and some groups that fall through its holes. The social safety …

Social Insurance: Holes in the Safety Net Read More »

Your Latest [Artificial] Intelligence Report

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 13:11:40 +0000

With the technology introduction of the personal assistant Siri and the promise of a completely self-driving car from Tesla soon, artificial intelligence (AI) is radically changing the modern world. AI is an umbrella term to describe advancements that allow machines to learn from experience, adjust to new inputs, and perform human-like tasks. AI learns and …

Your Latest [Artificial] Intelligence Report Read More »

Maternity Care (Or Rather Lack Thereof) in STEM

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 13:59:34 +0000

In recent decades, we have seen an increase in women holding STEM related careers. Today, 25% of workers in STEM fields are female. It is time to begin the conversation on how policies, whether at the institute level or federal level, are going to affect our growing workforce of women. Although reliant on the growing …

Maternity Care (Or Rather Lack Thereof) in STEM Read More »

Major Red Tide Hits Florida Beaches

athenssciencecafe — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 19:35:54 +0000

Red Tide: Swimming not recommended. Shellfish harvest closed. Signs, such as in the associated picture, can be seen at many of Florida’s Gulf Coast Beaches due to a red tide. An excess of toxic microscopic algae in the water is causing a hazard to wildlife, human health, and local businesses. While the current bloom of …

Major Red Tide Hits Florida Beaches Read More »

Bioterrorism & Chemical Weapons: Part 1

athenssciencecafe — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 00:26:24 +0000

Smallpox blankets given to Native Americans. Gas chambers in concentration camps. Chemical weapons in the Syrian War. Russian spies poisoned by a nerve agent. What do these have in common? Each weaponizes chemical or biological agents. With today's strained political and foreign affairs climate, there is an ever-looming possibility of war and the use of …

Bioterrorism & Chemical Weapons: Part 1 Read More »

Double Take of Ban the Bottle: FOR

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 13:01:08 +0000

This piece is part of a â€œDouble Takeâ€, where two parties argue on either side of a premise. A writer does not necessarily share the view they are arguing; instead, this is an exercise to fully flesh out a discussion. The premise: â€œSingle-serve, plastic water bottles should be banned in the United States.â€ I am …

Double Take of Ban the Bottle: FOR Read More »

Double Take of Ban the Bottle: AGAINST

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 13:00:06 +0000

Double Take of Ban the Bottle: AGAINST Read More »

Insect Riddles

athenssciencecafe — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 23:38:46 +0000

Any true Athenian knows that summer means sweat, more sweat and (best of all) insects! Though summers filled with no-see-ums, mosquitoes, gnats and flies may cause you to despair of their class altogether, don't forget all the fascinating, beautiful and seemingly magical insects that make our existence possible. Whether you're an entomologist or not you …

Insect Riddles Read More »

NSF Says #Metoo

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 01:51:45 +0000

Title IX of the Education Amendments was signed into law in 1972, but only recently has begun to achieve its intended purpose: to ensure justice for sexual harassment and assault victims in academia. For decades, institutions have been able to protect their reputation through twisting the use of Title IX to play their own detective, …

NSF Says #Metoo Read More »

Barley & Me

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 16:05:53 +0000

Malted grain or more commonly, malt, is one of four ingredients (water, malt, hops, yeast) used in the production of every beer ever produced. I have said that water is arguably the most important ingredient in beer production because of the nuanced flavors it provides. However, malt is the backbone and it bestows the foundational …

Barley & Me Read More »

How Water Shaped the Worldâ€¦ of Beer

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 24 May 2018 15:47:41 +0000

Walk into nearly any bottle shop and there is a plethora of different beer styles to choose from. It can truly be a daunting task to make a choice between them. Most people just give up on trying something new and stick to what they know; pale ales, IPAs, and the occasional stout or porter. …

How Water Shaped the Worldâ€¦ of Beer Read More »

Egg Freezing: Are Silicon Valley Companies Entering the Ice Age?

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 03:45:32 +0000

In 2014, Facebook was the first tech company to announce it would pay for egg freezingâ€”both for female staff and the spouses of its employees. Soon after, Apple and Google started offering egg freezing as a benefit too. We all know that a gender gap exists in the workplace; and STEM industries, especially tech companies, …

Egg Freezing: Are Silicon Valley Companies Entering the Ice Age? Read More »

Modern Day Eugenics

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 22:18:59 +0000

Throughout all of my training as a geneticist, I've never been taught about the original Eugenics Movement. What is Eugenics and why does it sound so familiar? The definition that I've found that best describes Eugenics is by Edward Larson in his book, Sex, Race, and Science: â€œEugenics is that science which studies the inborn …

Modern Day Eugenics Read More »

The Science of Fashion

athenssciencecafe — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 22:19:17 +0000

This Valentine's day, whether you're settled with a significant other, swiping on dating apps, or single in sweatpants, you're probably going to post about it on social media. If you plan on posing with your boyfriend, best friends, or box of chocolates you'll need a perfectly Instagram-able outfit. On a graduate student budget, fast-fashion retailers like H&M, Forever21, and Topshop are the go-to for recreating the looks of fashion accounts at a low price. However, it turns out that the small price tag on cheaply made garments comes with a huge environmental cost.

Merry Christmyths #4: Does Cold Weather Really Lead to Colds?

athenssciencecafe — Sun, 24 Dec 2017 15:59:51 +0000

The Myth: Cold weather causes colds. The Reality: While frosty air itself won't give you the sniffles, you should still bundle up.

The Science of Tangled Christmas Lights

athenssciencecafe — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 14:09:48 +0000

It just isn't Christmas until you've spent four hours untangling your 250 strands of 25,000 imported Italian twinkle lights. Christmas lights spend all year in a stationary box. How do they manage to arrange themselves into such spectacular snarls? Evil elves? Christmas dark magic?

Merry Christmyths #3: The â€œSugar Rushâ€

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 12:56:41 +0000

The Myth: Sugar makes kids hyper. The Reality: The sugar-hyperactivity connection is not supported by science.

Finding Your Way Home

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 22:00:44 +0000

They say there's no place like home for the holidaysâ€¦ but how do you get there? If you're a bird, turtle, lobster, or even a bacteria, chances are you'll be relying on the earth's magnetic field.

Catchy Carols (Why Holiday Songs Get Stuck in our Heads)

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 22:00:19 +0000

Christmas music: it's hard to escape this time of year. Whether you love it or hate it, you've probably had a holiday tune or two echoing in your head lately. Turns out, psychologists have an official name for this phenomenon: Involuntary Musical Imagery (INMI). While less formal terms range from â€œsticky musicâ€ to â€œmelodymania,â€ songs that get stuck in our heads are usually referred to as earworms.

Frogsicles

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 16:36:29 +0000

Fur coats and thick layers of blubber might be the adaptational standards for icy climates. But when it comes to braving the frosty air, the humble wood frog is simply too cool to be bothered.

How Astronauts Celebrate the Holidays

athenssciencecafe — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 16:24:56 +0000

They may not be home for Christmas, but the men and women orbiting hundreds of miles apart from the rest of humanity aren't letting that dampen their holiday spirit.

Gift Advice From a Bird Brain

athenssciencecafe — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 16:55:13 +0000

Gift-giving isn't just a human phenomenon. Our feathered friends are some of the most generous (and romantic) members of the animal kingdom, offering choice food, nests, and shiny objects to their beloved mates (or even their favorite humans).

Merry Christmyths #1: Does the Tryptophan in Turkey Make You Sleepy?

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 16:39:35 +0000

The Myth: Turkey's high tryptophan content is responsible for your post-holiday-dinner slump. The Reality: Turkey isn't any more sleep-inducing than cheddar cheese or a handful of almonds.

A Computer-Generated Christmas Carol

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 22:00:01 +0000

To celebrate the holiday season, ASO is bringing you a science-filled 12 Days of ASO Christmas! This will be a series of ‘mini-blogs’, by Rosemary Wills, centered on the science of some of our most cherished traditions. This is the first in the series. Step aside, Bing Crosby. Computer scientists from the University of Toronto …

A Computer-Generated Christmas Carol Read More »

The Art in Science

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 21:00:54 +0000

When I was little, my favorite thing to do was draw pictures. Crisp white printer paper and a mega box of crayons were all I needed for endless hours of entertainment. My love for artistic endeavors remained with me throughout my adolescence in the form of music lessons and sketchbooks, but in elementary school, I …

The Art in Science Read More »

This Is What A Scientist Looks Like: STEMinists

athenssciencecafe — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 16:00:50 +0000

Humor me for a moment: Close your eyes and imagine a scientist. Okay, now describe what you saw. If you're artistically inclined, maybe even sketch out what you imagined on a post-it note, coffee sleeve, or napkin. With your physical sketch in hand and mental image at the front of your mind, ask yourself: Was …

This Is What A Scientist Looks Like: STEMinists Read More »

Cuddly Coral: The Story of the Crochet Coral Reef

athenssciencecafe — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 13:24:20 +0000

The sudden ubiquity of pumpkin spice flavoring makes it official: Fall is upon us. It's the perfect time to wrap up in a comfy blanket, find a rocking chair, and knit yourself something soft. If you're short on ideas, here's a little inspiration:

Catholicism and Science

athenssciencecafe — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 17:53:19 +0000

Inspired by the events of the infamous Galileo affair, the English chemist, John William Draper, published what is known as the â€œconflict thesisâ€. The thesis stated that religion and science have been in conflict methodologically, factually, and politically throughout history. Even though this thesis was written in the 1870s, this notion is still popular today, …

Catholicism and Science Read More »

Disaster Strikes and Disease Follows

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 20:17:11 +0000

When disasters strike we see images of destroyed buildings, injured individuals, and the far-reaching devastation that accompanies the forces of Mother Nature. The media covers the aftermath for a few weeks, but then coverage slowly dissipates and people watching from afar forget about the struggle still facing those affected. But for these individuals, devastation and …

Disaster Strikes and Disease Follows Read More »

Pickled Pools: Briney Ecosystems

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 21:12:45 +0000

Often the ocean can look idyllic and inviting on the surface. Exploration of the sea floor, however, shows a harsh and unforgiving place. The Gulf of Mexico brine pools investigated by Erik Cordes and his colleagues are a model example. Subject to salinity more than four times the amount of normal seawater, and full of …

Pickled Pools: Briney Ecosystems Read More »

In Defense of Mr. Grinch – Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 14:58:36 +0000

It's the 50th anniversary of the cave creature we love to hate, infamous for stealing candy from children, lying to a toddler, and burglarizing an entire village (on Christmas Eve, no less)- all over a little noise. But maybe Mr. Grinch's dream of a quiet Christmas isn't so ridiculous after all. The holidays are perhaps …

In Defense of Mr. Grinch – Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? Read More »

The Branded Body

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 13:50:01 +0000

Get off the bus near the University of Georgia's Tate Center and you'll see a campus awash with Nike swooshes. Shirts, shoes, shorts, socks, hats and backpacks all proudly bear the company's distinctive logo in the school's iconic red and black colors. In fact, you have to look hard to find any of Nike's competitors' …

The Branded Body Read More »

How Language Affects Thought And Culture

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 15:16:12 +0000

The way our language forces us to speak has profound implications on our culture and way of thinking. There are many different types of languages around the world derived from various parent languages. For example, English is a type of Germanic Language which is a branch of the Indo-European language family. It is split into …

How Language Affects Thought And Culture Read More »

The United Nations Declares War on Superbugs

athenssciencecafe — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 18:13:37 +0000

With the constant news of terror attacks, devastating civil wars, or even just political debates, our world seems irreconcilably divided. So when there is a problem so large that 193 countries agree to fight it together, you know it must be bad. The giant problem the UN General Assembly addressed this year at a High-Level …

The United Nations Declares War on Superbugs Read More »

Why are Eggplants so Controversial? A Look at the New GM Crop in Bangladesh

athenssciencecafe — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 02:16:55 +0000

Mohammed Hafizur Rahmen is a Bangladeshi eggplant farmer who owns a single acre north of the country's capital Dhaka. Until recently, he spent two days a week every growing season spraying his crops with a toxic pesticide to ward off the â€œfruit and shoot borerâ€, a caterpillar-like pest that decimates crops throughout Asia. Despite frequent …

Why are Eggplants so Controversial? A Look at the New GM Crop in Bangladesh Read More »

Dancing and Humans: Our Historical Mating Call

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 02:29:55 +0000

LET’S DANCE! *cue Footloose music* Now it doesn't take a genius to realize that Michael Jackson was an incredible dancer and probably the best there ever was. While his music is timeless and loved by many, people are immensely captivated by his amazing dance moves like the famous moonwalk! Now I personally am no Chris …

Dancing and Humans: Our Historical Mating Call Read More »

Can we SCIENCE! our way out of climate change?

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 19:02:27 +0000

Climate change is happening. What should we do about it? With climate change, we can expect serious consequences, including destruction of coastal communities by sea level rise, increased frequency of deadly heat waves, and worsening of crop-decimating draughts. Many of us have been hearing the same story for years: we need to cut carbon emissions …

Can we SCIENCE! our way out of climate change? Read More »

Cult of personality quizzes

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 15:22:59 +0000

Hi, my name's Katie and I'm addicted to personality quizzes. Nothing would make me happier than to know what kind of pizza I am, or which Hogwarts House I belong in. Bring me your quizzes, I will take them all. And most of the time, I will take that quiz, read the result, go â€œwell …

Cult of personality quizzes Read More »

The Price of Life: The Rising Cost of Epipens

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 04:26:17 +0000

It was a typical Christmas for mom Colleen and her family. Everybody was sitting around the living room and enjoying the day. All of a sudden, Colleen's young son Ciaran started to wheeze. Knowing that Ciaran had a severe nut allergy, Colleen scooped him up and hurried to the kitchen. She grabbed an EpiPen and …

The Price of Life: The Rising Cost of Epipens Read More »

The More You Know: Presidential Candidates’ Answers to Science Policy Questions

athenssciencecafe — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 15:29:01 +0000

by Natalie Eldredge The White House, Washington, D.C. by Diego Cambiaso Here's why you should be paying attention to the latest presidential campaign news: whether you hate or love politics, the outcomes of our elections have very real impacts on all of our lives. To catch up on the most recent comments by both candidates, …

The More You Know: Presidential Candidates’ Answers to Science Policy Questions Read More »

Shake a Leg! Or a Branch…The Movement of Trees Under Climate Change

athenssciencecafe — Sun, 25 Sep 2016 19:43:48 +0000

Florida torreya's (Torreya taxifolia) current habitats are threatened by climate change. The Torreya Guardians, a self-organized group of scientists and informed citizens, took it upon themselves in 2008 to move this tree species to new, suitable habitats north of its native range. This was the first assisted migration of an endangered species in the United …

Shake a Leg! Or a Branch…The Movement of Trees Under Climate Change Read More »

The World's Largest Lake is at Stake

athenssciencecafe — Sun, 25 Sep 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Why is the world's largest body of freshwater (by volume), Lake Baikal, currently in danger and why does it matter so much? It is known for its unmatched biodiversity and happens to hold 20% of the world's freshwater. This impressive combination certainly makes it worthy of global attention. To better understand what's at stake, let's …

The World's Largest Lake is at Stake Read More »

Sorry, Peter Parker: Why Radiation Isn't as Cool as You Thought

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 12:00:20 +0000

In the sci-fi world, radiation is synonymous with super powers. Peter Parker became Spider Man thanks to an overzealous radioactive spider, and when a group of scientists were bombarded by radiation in space, they became the Fantastic Four. In the real world, however, radiation is viewed a bit differently. If radiation means â€œsuper powersâ€ in …

Sorry, Peter Parker: Why Radiation Isn't as Cool as You Thought Read More »

The Beauty Behind Ugly Food

athenssciencecafe — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 16:41:09 +0000

We live in a society that is obsessed with perfection. We expect perfection in our own bodies, faces, jobs and even in our food. We are all guilty of it. Imagine you are in the grocery store faced with the choice of organic or regular apples. Upon closer inspection you find the organic apples are …

The Beauty Behind Ugly Food Read More »

That all you got?

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 15:22:37 +0000

Preparing for the Rumble in the Jungle in 1974, George Foreman only considered whether he should be â€œmerciful or notâ€ to the aged Muhammad Ali. Younger and renowned for his unbelievable raw power, Foreman knew Ali would be down early â€“ â€œjust one more knockout victim.â€ But, come the seventh round, Ali was still up …

That all you got? Read More »

Don't be bitter, drink your coffee

athenssciencecafe — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 21:36:20 +0000

Like many young people in the United States, my veins have more coffee running through them than blood. Without this elixir of life, I am left in a zombie-like state, unable to function like a normal person. Unfortunately for me, I am picky. Any cup of joe will just not do. In my opinion, instant …

Don't be bitter, drink your coffee Read More »

Combating Climate Change with Photosynthesis

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 14:36:32 +0000

Fossil fuels are ingrained in American history. If you have ever driven a car, flown in an airplane, or heated your home, you have used fossil fuels. These fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) account for 85% of fuel use in the United States, and our dependence on them has become an increasingly important issue. …

Combating Climate Change with Photosynthesis Read More »

Think Before You Speak: Language & the Brain

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 18:58:25 +0000

I have recurring nightmares where I can't speak. The dream situation changes – I'm in an argument and can't defend myself or I'm up on a stage and suddenly can't say my lines – but when I open my mouth nothing comes out. The terror of this dream comes from how important language is to …

Think Before You Speak: Language & the Brain Read More »

Life with and without Social Media: a Nick Batora Story

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 12:25:55 +0000

â€œYour life exists outside of television and likes, and Instagram. Engage the world.â€ Jon Stewart snapped these words out in a recent interview that he did with David Axelrod. His point is one that resonated with me. Not only because he's Jon Stewart and I believe most Americans miss him dearly as of late with …

Life with and without Social Media: a Nick Batora Story Read More »

Test tube babies: freaky fiction or possible future?

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 18:03:05 +0000

Imagine a future where procreation happens in a laboratory, and not in the bedroom. Scientists derive embryos from a simple skin sample. Children are screened prenatally for any number of traits that their parents deem desirable. Things as simple as eye color and hair color could be discovered before parents even decide on a name. …

Test tube babies: freaky fiction or possible future? Read More »

Drug Bugs Could Replace Sniffer Dogs in the Detection of Illegal Drugs

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 17:16:09 +0000

While waiting in line at TSA a few weeks ago, I was sniffed by a drug dog and his handler (well, the handler didn't sniff me, but you know what I mean). Resisting the urge to get on the floor and roll around with the absolutely adorable black lab, I stood patiently in line as …

Drug Bugs Could Replace Sniffer Dogs in the Detection of Illegal Drugs Read More »

The Plague that Keeps on Giving: How Tuberculosis Gave us Vampires, Ice Cream Cones, and an International Health Crisis

athenssciencecafe — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 19:25:28 +0000

Victims were pale and frail, blood stained their mouths, and after their death, their family members wasted away too, as if they were being fed upon. In the 18th and 19th centuries, if someone had those symptoms they may have been a vampireâ€¦ or they may have just been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the …

The Plague that Keeps on Giving: How Tuberculosis Gave us Vampires, Ice Cream Cones, and an International Health Crisis Read More »

Adaptation through agile software development

athenssciencecafe — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 18:45:03 +0000

The real world is brutal. You've heard it all before. This globalized world is becoming more competitive than ever; it's getting harder and harder to succeed out there, especially when it comes to software development. Who can compete with the likes of Apple, Google, and Microsoft in developing ideas and software? It seems as if …

Adaptation through agile software development Read More »

The Amazing Spider-Man: Fiction or A Transgenic Reality?

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:08:31 +0000

Spider-Man is one of comic's most recognizable characters. As one of the most tragic superheros in the Marvel universe, Peter Parker has endured it all – high school bullying, awkward romance, and even the death of his Uncle Ben. No matter what the Marvel universe throws at him, Peter takes it in stride, allowing readers …

The Amazing Spider-Man: Fiction or A Transgenic Reality? Read More »

The truths and misconceptions behind the Genome Project-write

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 19:42:32 +0000

It wasn't that long ago when scientists discovered the key to what makes us who we are. We're familiar with deoxyribonucleic acid (better known as DNA) as the molecule responsible for inheritance, but it was only discovered 63 years ago. It's astounding that we've come so far in only a few decades. Rapid advances in …

The truths and misconceptions behind the Genome Project-write Read More »

What's the buzz on bees?

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 14:00:18 +0000

Earlier this spring, Buzz the Bee disappeared from Honey Nut Cheerios boxes in Canada. Burt's Bees dropped the letter B from its lip balm products. Are these clever marketing ploys? Perhaps, but they were designed with a more noble purpose in mind: to raise awareness of disappearing honeybees. And, it's not just companies with apian …

What's the buzz on bees? Read More »

Innocents Lost: Mitigating severe malaria in children & pregnant women through anticoagulation

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 22:21:44 +0000

Will my baby be healthy? How can I protect it? Is my child safe? For the 125 million pregnant women at risk of contracting malaria there is no need to imagine, this is the reality they face everyday — Tara Bracken Winner of the 2016 University of Georgia 3 Minute Thesis, Tara Bracken speaks about …

Innocents Lost: Mitigating severe malaria in children & pregnant women through anticoagulation Read More »

Them Old Sweet Ones: Remembering and Reintroducing the American Chestnut

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 19:01:25 +0000

â€œWhen you turned off Chestnut Grove Road towards the school, you went up another little road, and there were chestnut trees all up that road,â€ then 87-year-old Margaret Miller tells me while we sit sipping ice tea at her formica kitchen table in Meat Camp, North Carolina. â€œIn the fall, if you got along first …

Them Old Sweet Ones: Remembering and Reintroducing the American Chestnut Read More »

Marvel's Daredevil: can blindness be conquered?

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 25 May 2016 03:08:05 +0000

This March, Netflix released its second season of its Marvel superhero drama, Daredevil. Daredevil features Matt Murdock, a lawyer who moonlights as the titular vigilante defender of Hell's Kitchen, who also happens to be blind. Relying on his keen other senses, Murdock easily wipes out his enemies without needing to use his eyes whatsoever. Society …

Marvel's Daredevil: can blindness be conquered? Read More »

Internet Addiction: Fact or Fantasy?

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 11 May 2016 15:22:38 +0000

As society continually moves towards an age in which its members become reliant upon the internet for a wide array of tasks, one industry has recently taken the world by storm: persistent online gaming. Persistent browser-based games are those that have no set time period on how long one can play. In turn, gaming companies …

Internet Addiction: Fact or Fantasy? Read More »

The Storms We Wield:

athenssciencecafe — Tue, 10 May 2016 14:55:25 +0000

The Storms We Wield: The human superpower to change the weather Her eyes turn white. Winds pick up. Lightning engulfs the sky. Marvel's Storm is brewing; you'd better hope she's fighting for you. Storm's abilities to control the weather are among the most impressive and versatile powers in the comic universe. By manipulating thermal, electric, …

The Storms We Wield: Read More »

Darwin’s Rathtars

athenssciencecafe — Sat, 07 May 2016 16:43:27 +0000

Welcome to Star Wars week here at the Athens Science Observer. To help celebrate May the 4th – Star Wars Day – we wanted to take a look at the real life science of that galaxy far far away. When Kanjiklub and the Guavian Death Gang boarded the Eravana, the three most beloved characters in …

Darwin’s Rathtars Read More »

Getting around space, Star Wars style?

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 05 May 2016 15:07:06 +0000

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262628478″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”150″ iframe=”true” /] Normally the scientific community takes a stab at making science fiction a reality. But, science fiction took a page from science this time around. Learn about how the ion engines of Star Wars work in reality and how it is enabling space exploration, like never before. Links: CubeSat Podcast, Saturn …

Getting around space, Star Wars style? Read More »

The Force is Strong with this â€¦ Fruit Fly??

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 04 May 2016 13:00:01 +0000

Welcome to Star Wars week here at the Athens Science Observer. To help celebrate May the 4th – Star Wars Day – we wanted to take a look at the real life science of that galaxy far far away. â€œMidi-chlorians.â€ For many Star Wars fans, this word alone can set off rage-induced rants. The Prequel …

The Force is Strong with this â€¦ Fruit Fly?? Read More »

Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen…

athenssciencecafe — Tue, 03 May 2016 13:00:53 +0000

Welcome to Star Wars week here at the Athens Science Observer. To help celebrate May the 4th – Star Wars Day – we wanted to take a look at the real life science of that galaxy far far away. There's a scene in Star Wars: Episode I â€“ The Phantom Menace in which the Jedi …

Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen… Read More »

That’s No Moon…

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 02 May 2016 15:56:46 +0000

Welcome to Star Wars week here at the Athens Science Observer. To help celebrate May the 4th – Star Wars Day – we wanted to take a look at the real life science of that galaxy far far away. To start off, we'll dive into one of the most iconic pieces of Star Wars culture: …

That’s No Moon… Read More »

Food Waste in the 21st Century

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 18:22:39 +0000

In 2012, food waste was the most abundant kind of waste produced in America (see chart below), beating even plastic and paper. This has led the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to choose food recovery as their theme for this year's Earth Week. Food waste affects multiple areas of the environment. Wasting food means wasting our …

Food Waste in the 21st Century Read More »

The Antibiotic Resistance Crisis

athenssciencecafe — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 21:20:57 +0000

Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin in 1928 has been heralded as one of the most monumental medical discoveries of all time. Amazingly, this discovery was entirely accidental. After returning from a long vacation, Fleming noticed that a culture of Staphylococcus aureus was contaminated with mold. After observing the culture under a microscope, he found that …

The Antibiotic Resistance Crisis Read More »

Nuclear fallout or nuclear bailout: could nuclear power help save us from climate change?

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 14:00:35 +0000

In December, the US and 194 other countries signed the Paris Agreement, vowing to work together to prevent worldwide temperatures from rising 2 degrees C (3.6 °F) above pre-industrial levels. Temperatures have already risen 0.8 °C (1.4 °F), and the planet is warming at approximately 0.15 – 0.20 °C per decade. Preventing further rises in …

Nuclear fallout or nuclear bailout: could nuclear power help save us from climate change? Read More »

Science Non-Fiction: Human Genetic Manipulation

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 15:02:56 +0000

In October 1997, the Sci-Fi drama Gattaca was released on the big screen in the United States. The film takes place in a dystopian future where genetically-engineered humans are superior to unaltered ones. Its protagonist, Ethan Hawk, is born as an â€œinvalidâ€ (someone without genetic engineering) and has to assume the identity of a â€œvalidâ€ …

Science Non-Fiction: Human Genetic Manipulation Read More »

Lions and Tigers, and Orcas! Oh my!

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 19:45:35 +0000

â€œFor more than 50 years, we have been a leading theme park and entertainment company delivering personal, interactive and educational experiences that blend imagination with nature and enable our guests to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world we share.â€ -SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment When you think of SeaWorld, what comes to mind? …

Lions and Tigers, and Orcas! Oh my! Read More »

A Glass of Red Wine a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 16:39:59 +0000

For thousands of years, red wine has been the drink of choice for Egyptian royals and â€œbasicâ€ girls alike. However, there is more to wine than its ability to â€œclass upâ€ a dinner party. Romans and Greeks recognized the medical benefits of grapes and grape products for treating health issues from skin and eye diseases …

A Glass of Red Wine a Day Keeps the Doctor Away Read More »

Human Attraction: The electrifying experience

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 16:54:21 +0000

The human species- we are mysterious and intelligent social creatures that have survived using cooperation and teamwork for millennia. We know what we like and dislike as well as being able to choose in life who we want to associate ourselves with. Mix that up with the concept of attraction and things can become a …

Human Attraction: The electrifying experience Read More »

Degradable Polymers: Plastics our Future Can Depend On

athenssciencecafe — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 16:57:35 +0000

Consumer plastics is an immense industry, with over 200 million tons produced annually. Of these plastics, 22-43% end up in a landfill, where they sit, inert, slowly breaking down into small particles that enter the environment and interfere in the life cycles of many animals, especially aquatic creatures like fish and zooplankton. This negatively impacts …

Degradable Polymers: Plastics our Future Can Depend On Read More »

Shark Attack! Should we actually fear the kings of the sea?

athenssciencecafe — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 17:00:54 +0000

Jaws, the 1975 American thriller film directed by the great Steven Spielberg has been hailed as one of the greatest classic movies of all time. The movie begins with a teenaged girl enjoying a swim at a supposedly carefree late night beach party, only to be suddenly pulled underwater to her horrific and untimely demise. …

Shark Attack! Should we actually fear the kings of the sea? Read More »

Making Resolutions That Stick

athenssciencecafe — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 16:00:13 +0000

It's that time of year again! Everyone has just made resolutions for the New Year. According to Dr. John C. Norcross at the University of Scranton, each year ~ 40 â€“ 50% of us make New Year's resolutions, yet most of us don't follow through with them. In 1989, Dr. Norcross showed that â€œ77% of …

Making Resolutions That Stick Read More »

Night of the Living Bugs

athenssciencecafe — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 16:09:56 +0000

Pretend for a moment you are a cockroach. Now, I don't want to go all Kafka on you, but bear with me. You are a beautiful species of cockroach in a tropical region of Africa, just living your daily life, out scrounging for some food when, all of the sudden, a bright turquoise wasp stings …

Night of the Living Bugs Read More »

Superstorms: Are Natural Disasters Becoming Stronger?

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 12:55:23 +0000

Hollywood has unleashed unrealistic natural disaster movies in the past. But how will climate change actually alter the nature of weather related disasters?

Immortality â€“ Possible or Just Science Fiction?

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 09:00:00 +0000

by: Jacqueline Friel, Athens Science CafÃ© â€œI think the brain is like a program in the mind, so it’s theoretically possible to copy the brain onto a computer and so provide a form of life after deathâ€ â€“ Stephen Hawking Admit it, you've thought about living forever. However, did you ever imagine it would be …

Immortality â€“ Possible or Just Science Fiction? Read More »

Can science tell us what makes Stradivarius Top Notch?

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 10:03:40 +0000

by Alex Pilote, Athens Science CafÃ© When discussing string instruments, the name Stradivarius is synonymous with excellence and superior craftsmanship. But why is this? Are the violins bearing this name crafted with a more skilled hand? Do they outperform all others? Or perhaps there's a scientific explanation behind this? The question of the superior reputation …

Can science tell us what makes Stradivarius Top Notch? Read More »

BINGO, Dino DNA: Can we create a dinosaur?

athenssciencecafe — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 16:15:22 +0000

By: Rishi R. Masalia, Athens Science CafÃ© On June 12th â€œJurassic Worldâ€, the 4th installment of the Jurassic Park series, is set to hit theaters. Now, I love dinosaurs and I know I'm not alone. Our fascination with them has permeated across pop culture, generating movies, songs, chicken nugget shapes, and even a list …

BINGO, Dino DNA: Can we create a dinosaur? Read More »

Lightsabers: Science fiction, or scientific possibility?

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 04 May 2015 11:10:00 +0000

â€œAny sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magicâ€ Arthur C. Clarke SciFi is one of the most popular genres of storytelling out there. Greats like Lucas, Asimov, and Shelley have inspired generations to think weirder and imagine bigger. In the last 15 years alone, we have developed prototypes for jetpacks, driverless cars and organ printing …

Lightsabers: Science fiction, or scientific possibility? Read More »

Why is a Nigerian Prince sending me money? The economics of email scams

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 11:00:00 +0000

A few months ago, a good friend of mine fell victim to a pervasive phone scam where he lost nearly $4,000 in a single afternoon. Despite being a smart guy he fell hook, line, and sinker for this scam. To his credit, this was not your typical internet scam but actually quite an elaborate one …

Why is a Nigerian Prince sending me money? The economics of email scams Read More »

Can We Resurrect the Mammoth?

athenssciencecafe — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 11:56:18 +0000

The woolly mammoth is inarguably the mascot of the Ice Age. With countless depictions in popular culture, one would be hard pressed to find someone unfamiliar with the hairy giant herbivore. Alas, the mammoth has been extinct for thousands of years, surviving in low numbers on some islands North of Alaska until as recently as …

Can We Resurrect the Mammoth? Read More »