Earlier this week, scientists announced that they'd found evidence suggesting malaria-carrying mosquitoes are more attracted to the smell of human flesh than healthy mosquitoes. This research — which, I'm sure you'll agree, has some important implications — grew out of research that could be deemed very silly. In fact, this new finding was built on IgNobel-winning research published back in 1996, which found that malaria mosquitoes are attracted to the smell of stinky cheese.
Why science needs silly-sounding research
Cannibalism, murderous insects, face mites, and creepy clowns
Gory Details is National Geographic reporter Erika Engelhaupt's new book about the science of creepy, interesting, and real things such as face mites (above), the caloric intake of cannibals, the unpleasantries of earwax, and the psychology of coulrophobia. From an interview with Engelhaupt in Science News: SN: Do you have a favorite reporting field trip?… READ THE REST
What would happen to a pair of Crocs at the bottom of the ocean?
What would happen to a pair of Crocs if they sat 3 kilometers down on the ocean floor? How about a styrofoam cup? Or a fishing lure? The Hydraulic Press Channel employs a high pressure chamber to subjects those items and more to a simulated 3 kilometers of depth. READ THE REST
Video compilation of people who think snow is fake
Yesterday, Jason posted a video from someone in Texas who couldn't melt a snowball in 10 seconds with a hairdryer and seems to think something funny is going on. Like dogs barking at the rain, many us are mystified and annoyed by the whims of nature. But not all of us think that the snow… READ THE REST
Anytongs can declutter any kitchen by turning your flatware into cooking tongs
When they asked staffers at culinary website, The Kitchn, to name the single most important food prep tool, those cooking experts shockingly did not fall in behind the ever trusty chef's knife. No, for their money, no kitchen is actually complete without a quality set of tongs. Versatility is why those foodies can't get by… READ THE REST
DogTV is the video playmate, babysitter, and therapist your dog needs each day
Your dog usually has no problem curling up with you on the couch for a little TV time. But make no mistake — they're only there to get in some quality time with their favorite human. While they may sit quietly or even gaze at the TV for a few unbroken seconds, they aren't nearly… READ THE REST
This décor piece brings the Moon to your desk in stunningly accurate detail
With space-mania at an unquestioned high thanks to the rousing success of NASA's Mars Perseverance mission, it's time to represent and pay respects to the ingenuity of the human race. Anybody can say they love space. Anybody can watch Apollo 13 or The Right Stuff and feel the tingle. But not everybody can step up… READ THE REST