At the New Yorker, Paige Williams visits forensic chemist Adam B. Hall to talk about the surprising things you can learn about bombs and their makers by looking at the effects they produce — from the type and color of the smoke, to the smell that lingers in the air, to what the "boom" sounds like. I'd take Hall's speculation about the Boston Marathon bombings with a grain of salt (he's making his judgements from low-grade video and isn't part of the investigation), but the process he describes is absolutely fascinating.
The secrets of bomb forensics
Spiders seem to dream, scientists discover
One clue that dogs, cats, and other animals are dreaming is that their legs sometimes twitch as if they're running. Now, scientists have recorded video (below) of jumping spiders doing the same thing, suggesting that they're in a state resembling REM sleep and likely dreaming. University of Konstanz behavioral ecologist Daniela Rößler made the discovery… READ THE REST
Bachelorette parties "destroying LGBTQ+ safe spaces" in Provincetown
Bridal celebrations are muscling in on the spaces created by queer and marginalized folks, effectively forcing them out and appropriating the safety therein. Researchers studying venues in Provincetown, Massachussets, report a process similar to gentrification—"hetrification"—where loaded white women trying to escape the straight world only succeed in bringing it back to the places from which… READ THE REST
Your teabag is rich in insect DNA that could help scientists track endangered species
There's a slew of insect DNA floating in your cup of tea. The minute bits were left behind from pollinating bees, spider webs strung across the plants, and other natural occurrences where insects were in close proximity to the tea plant. Now, Trier University ecological geneticist Henrik Krehenwinkel and colleagues are exploring whether the DNA… READ THE REST
Study for a perfect score and help kids in need by purchasing this portable monitor
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. Studying has become incredibly unconventional, starting with doing everything online and continuing with giving textbooks the axe. So if you're ditching the stacks for a more modern way to focus on your… READ THE REST
Get your documents in tip-top shape and donate to charity when you by PDF Reader Pro
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. There are a ton of different hurdles, making getting an education from home difficult. Besides the apparent distractions, you don't have as many tools as you would find in the stacks. Bulk… READ THE REST
Get creative whenever the mood strikes with this smart digital pen and pad
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. While you do almost everything on your phone today, from buying groceries to finding out what that ex-buddy from high school is doing these days, there's nothing quite like putting pen to paper. Psychology… READ THE REST
