We know that lead exposure can be dangerous. We know that it can cause brain damage. But what levels are dangerous. How does that damage express itself? And how do you separate the effects of lead poisoning from a whole host of other potentially dangerous, damaging factors? Last week, Mother Jones had a well-done article about research that is drawing connections between leaded gasoline and the crime wave of the mid 20th century. That's a hypothesis. It's a hypothesis with a lot of correlational evidence. But it's not proof. I recommend reading public health researcher Scott Firestone's excellent article that delves into the details of the studies from the Mother Jones story. It's a great look at the lines between public health as a science and public health as activism and it helps shine some light on why seemingly airtight cases aren't always immediately acted upon.
Lead and violent crime — why a good hypothesis isn't proof
Don't dip your hand in boiling hot oil like this
Don't try this. Dianna from Physics Girl showed how under highly controlled conditions it's possible to dip one's hand into boiling oil without injury. The video is unlisted and age-restricted to keep children and dummies from trying to replicate the physics demonstration that's often done with molten metal. Image: YouTube / Physics Girl READ THE REST
Scientific American endorses Joe Biden, breaking 175-year tradition of never endorsing a presidential candidate
Because Trump is an enemy of science. "Scientific American has never endorsed a presidential candidate in our 175-year history—until now," tweeted the publication today. "The 2020 election is literally a matter of life and death. We urge you to vote for health, science and Joe Biden for President." Excerpt: The evidence and the science show… READ THE REST
Scientists find preserved cave bear frozen more than 20,000 years ago
Reindeer herders in the Russian Arctic's Lyakhovsky Islands found a preserved carcass of a cave bear frozen in the ice between 22,000 and 39,500 years ago. From the North-Eastern Federal University in Yakutsk: [North-Eastern Federal University} scientist Lena Grigorieva said of the island discovery of the adult beast: 'Today this is the first and only find… READ THE REST
Learn how you can develop in-demand DevOps skills with the help of this training
DevOps moves so fast they had to mash two words together into the job title so they could be said faster. It's a process of lightning-fast experimentation and iteration. Try something, see if it works, optimize it, and move forward. It's a constantly charging sequence of events that requires more than just the development talent… READ THE REST
Book a live cooking class with 84-year-old Italian grandma and pasta expert Nonna Nerina
In our new reality, you've undoubtedly been looking for fun and inventive new ways to enjoy an evening. So if you're not exactly feeling comfortable spending a night out at your favorite Italian restaurant right now, why not have an inspired date night or host a small gathering of social distanced friends while an 84-year-old… READ THE REST
Knife Aid's sharpening by mail service will feel like you bought a new set of knives
If you've been hacking away at meat or vegetables with blunted kitchen knives, annoyed that they're so dull that it's starting to feel more like tenderizing than slicing, you should probably stop. Dull knives are more than just a nuisance. They aren't safe. The worn-down edge of your blade requires more force from you to… READ THE REST
