Given the ongoing outbreak of H7N9 flu in China (and, now, also Taiwan), this is a good time to listen to a fascinating podcast discussion with David Quammen. Quammen recently published a FANTASTIC book, Spillover, about zoonoses — the diseases that humans contract from animals. This includes bird flus like H7N9. It also includes AIDS and a whole host of familiar viruses and bacteria. Bonus: Scary disease girl Maryn McKenna has a cameo in the podcast, discussing the way news media (in China and the US) are covering H7N9 and what you can do to better understand what's happening.
How animals pass disease to humans
Male proboscis monkeys show off their "large fleshy noses"
The proboscis monkey doesn't get enough attention, in my opinion, so I'm here to spread some long-nosed love! I recently heard some of the noises that male proboscis monkeys make,… READ THE REST
Unfairly maligned blobfish named Fish of the Year
Psychrolutes microporos, a deep-sea fish with the unflattering nickname "blobfish," has gone from being called the World's Ugliest Animal to Fish of the Year. The fish gained internet fame when… READ THE REST
Guess what your tax dollars don't pay for? Astronaut overtime
So your spacecraft breaks down and your 8-day space jaunt turns into a 9-month orbital sleepover. Surely NASA backs up a Brinks truck full of hazard pay, right? Sorry! Turns… READ THE REST
Master languages in your spare time with Babbel — now at a special StackSocial price
TL;DR: This lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning lets you master 14 different languages at your own pace, and now it's on sale exclusively through StackSocial for just $124.99 with code LEARN through March 31. Is… READ THE REST
Severe weather? See it coming with this weather app, now $28 for life
TL;DR: Have a personal weatherman in your pocket with Weather Hi-Def Radar Storm Watch. A lifetime subscription is now available for just $27.99 (reg. $199) with code TAKE30 through March 30. Is checking the… READ THE REST
This drop-proof Chromebook is perfect for klutzes, and now it's just $59.99
TL;DR: Save 81% on this durable and dependable Lenovo Chromebook and make it yours for just $59.99 (reg. $328) for a limited time. Fancy yourself a clumsy person? If you're somewhat of a… READ THE REST
